Best Coffee Shops and Best Cafes in Covent Garden
As a travel blogger living in London, I’m always on the hunt for the best cafes in each neighborhood. If you’re visiting Covent Garden, you need to check out the area’s charming cafes and coffee shops.
From Monmouth Coffee Company, one of the best coffee roasters in the city, to cute spots like Lily’s Cafe and Apple Tree Cafe, Covent Garden has some of the cutest cafes in London.
Whether you’re a coffee fanatic or simply looking for a cute cafe to relax in, Covent Garden has you covered. With its central location, historic streets, and abundance of cafes, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon hopping between coffee shops.
I hope this guide gives you a taste of the top cafes you need to check out in Covent Garden on your next visit!
What Makes Covent Garden Cafes so Great?
- Prime central location in the heart of London’s West End neighborhood
- Historic charm with cobblestone streets and old market buildings from its past as a flower and vegetable market
- Abundance and diversity of cafe options from global chains to indie coffee shops
- Lively, energetic atmosphere with constant foot traffic and street performers
- Outdoor plaza and courtyard seating perfect for people watching
- Close proximity to major attractions like the London Transport Museum, Royal Opera House, and Theatre Royal
Here are 10 of the best cafes and coffee shops in Covent Garden, London:
1. Monmouth Coffee Company:
Located on Monmouth Street, this acclaimed coffee shop in the heart of Covent Garden is a must-visit for any coffee enthusiast visiting the area. With its focus on high-quality beans and espresso drinks, Monmouth Coffee has developed a dedicated following.
No guide to the best coffee shops in Covent Garden is ever complete without mentioning this gem. With quality coffee beans freshly brewed and a super inviting decor, you’ll find yourself coming back for more!
Great For: Coffee Enthusiasts, Friends
📍27 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9EU, United Kingdom
2. Grind:
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Found in the bustling Covent Garden Market, Grind is a stylish all-day cafe with an espresso bar, cocktail menu, and neon-lit interiors. It’s the perfect place to start your day with a coffee or end it with specialty espresso martinis.
It’s a trendy café with absolutely delicious roasts and a wide variety of vegan and healthy options, like salads, for you and your friends to dine in! I was especially impressed with it’s instagrammable interior that it’s no wonder they attract such a hip and young crowd!
Great For: Groups of Friends
📍42 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7LJ, United Kingdom
3. Abuelo
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Abuelo is one of the best cafes in Covent Garden, using organic ingredients and ethically sourced coffee and tea. This airy and chic cafe is a great spot for avocado toast, vibrant smoothie bowls, or a flat white coffee.
When I was tired of exploring this wonderful borough of London, I came across this homey shop and one thing’s for sure, If you’re looking to unwind and just get away from Covent Garden’s busy streets, this place has got you covered!
Afternoon tea or business meetings are especially great here as Abuelo serves a variety of food and coffee for anyone’s needs!
Great For: Catching up with Friends, Business Meetings
📍26 Southampton St, London WC2E 7RS, United Kingdom
4. Black Penny
Black Penny is a cute Covent Garden coffee shop named after Tina Turner. It serves excellent coffee alongside delicious homemade cakes and pastries in a retro setting.
Baked goods and French pastries aside, this place has an absolutely modern feel to it, that practically lures you into ordering their Brioche French Toast, a double shot of their signature coffee, or have a quick brunch before exploring again; and I think it’s because of it’s design.
With exposed brick and wood panelling that is in sharp contrast to the bustling city, the place invites you to sit down and breathe for a while.
Great For: Couples, Catching up with Friends
📍34 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5AA, United Kingdom
5. The Gentlemen Baristas:
The two gentleman owners of this charming, pared-back cafe take their coffee very seriously. It’s one of the best Covent Garden coffee shops to try their specialty coffee drinks like maple latte.
This place is super well-known, that it could be considered as a local favourite, and you would frequently see people sipping on hot chocolate on the outside. Since it’s located near other attractions and transit, I would usually just order takeaway and sip on my coffee to go!
Great For: Busy Coffee Enthusiasts, Groups of Friends
📍Unit 3, No, 1 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1NU, United Kingdom
6. Kipferl:
Kipferl is an Austrian-inspired cafe serving Viennese coffee drinks and freshly baked pastries. The drinks they brew perfectly complement the food they serve.
This is well-loved by locals and tourists alike, and let me tell you, the food they serve is the real deal. They serve high quality ingredients like Black Forest Ham, and dishes with tastes that seem to transport you to another foreign country because of how authentic it is.
Great For: Family Brunch, Couples
📍20 Camden Psge, London N1 8ED, United Kingdom
7. Nude Espresso:
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With its minimalist and light-filled interior, Nude Espresso is one of the best Covent Garden cafes for excellent coffee, juices, and breakfast options in a relaxing setting.
They also serve freshly baked bread like sourdough toast, and their staff is extremely knowledgeable and are more than happy to share techniques and brew methods.
Great For: Busy Coffee Enthusiasts, Groups of Friends
📍19 Soho Square, London W1D 3QN, United Kingdom
8. Notes Covent Garden:
Notes’ flagship cafe has a prime location in the heart of Covent Garden, perfect for people watching. It’s known for its coffee, tea, and sandwiches in bustling central location.
What makes this such a good shop is because of how budget-friendly it is, you could be sipping on tasty coffee and dining on good food all for the low price of £5, so be sure to keep an eye out for some of their deals!
Great For: Groups of Friends
📍31 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4DD, United Kingdom
9. Cafe Deco:
Tucked inside the Covent Garden Market, this art deco-inspired cafe is one of the best places in Covent Garden for specialty coffee drinks and teas.
I tried their loose-leaf teas and was super impressed that I came back the next day and decided to pair it with one of their housemade jams and a few sardines and tartines,
Great For: Couples, Solo Coffee
📍43 Store St, London WC1E 7DB, United Kingdom
10. Coffee @ 33:
A relaxed neighborhood favorite, Coffee @ 33 is a cafe serving specialty coffee, sandwiches, and homemade cakes. It’s one of the best low-key Covent Garden coffee shops with accommodating staff that actually ask you what you’re preferences are and make suggestions according to them.
It also has great and comfortable seats perfect to get some work done or to just unwind and enjoy the company of friends.
Great For: Solo Coffee, Groups of Friends
📍33 Trafalgar St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4ED, United Kingdom
Looking For More Guides?
When you’re finished with enjoying your cup of joe, and still looking for more things to do in the area, rest assured we got you covered! We have guides to the best cafes, best restaurants, and best bars, not just in Covent Garden but for all throughout London, so head on over!
FAQ
What are some of the best coffee shops and cafes in Covent Garden?
Some of the most popular and highly-rated cafes in Covent Garden include Monmouth Coffee Company, Grind, Farm Girl, Black Penny, The Gentlemen Baristas, Kipferl, Nude Espresso, Notes Covent Garden, Cafe Deco, and Coffee @ 33.
What are some other top-rated cafes in Covent Garden?
In addition to the above, Petersham Nurseries Cafe, Caffe Nero, 26 Grains, and Apple Butter Cafe are also considered among the best cafes in Covent Garden.
Are there any cafes in Covent Garden with outdoor seating?
There are plenty of options to enjoy Covent Garden’s charming cafes with some fresh air and great people watching. The neighborhood’s bustling atmosphere makes al fresco dining a delightful experience.
