The Best Cafes in Richmond Upon Thames

Richmond’s café scene is characterized by its relaxing ambiance and amazing coffee. From the spots that surround Richmond Park to the coffee shops with gorgeous views of the river, every joint here is so inviting and are just perfect to just unwind and enjoy a cup.

Many cafés in Richmond are known for serving award-winning coffee and tea, so a lot of these places are literally must-visits. Here’s a short list of the best ones we’ve found to help jumpstart your search for you’re next favourite coffee house!

My Picks for the Best Coffee Shops in Richmond

Hollyhock Café

Very lovely cafe serving delicious food that uplifts and enriches the soul! We enjoyed two servings of the delicious Greek salad! Lots of high-quality ingredients! Will undoubtedly come back the next time we visit Richmond.

This little spot is so cozy. We sat in front of the fire and enjoyed our coffee. The food was excellent! The coffee was delicious and perfect for a lazy weekend. Hollyhock cafe is best known for their organic and fairtrade vegetarian and vegan options so their fresh juices are also amazing!

Artisan Coffee

This is, without a doubt, the greatest spot for coffee. flawlessly combined with an amazing atmosphere. Though I’ve been many places, this is certainly one of my favourites. Lovely vibes, friendly staff! Strongly advised!

Not only is it a great place to lounge around in with a drink in hand and watch the world go by outside their large windows, they also have tasty all-day brunch options available, for you and your friends. Plus, they’re really quick with takeaway their takeaway service so you could continue exploring Richmond!

Pen Ponds Café

Located just a stone’s throw away from Richmond Park, Pen Ponds Café offers a tranquil setting and a delightful menu of specialty coffee and tea. With its serene outdoor terrace and picturesque views of the park, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee or a refreshing pot of tea.

You’ll find that afternoon tea here is so relaxing! Not only is it away from all the noise and hustle from the neighbourhood, they also serve a mean ol’ cup of joe. My feet were kind of hurting after a few hours of walking around the park and Richmond hill so this pitstop was a much needed rest.

Kiss the Hippo

Kiss the Hippo is a renowned coffee destination in Richmond that prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and quality. Situated near Richmond Bridge, this café sources its coffee beans from around the world and has gained a reputation for its exceptional brews.

The café’s quirky yet minimalist aesthetic and dedication to eco-friendly practices create a welcoming ambiance for patrons looking to savor a great cup of coffee while admiring the arch beneath Richmond Bridge.

Tide Tables

First thing I’d like to highlight about Tide Tables is that it’s a great spot to enjoy panoramic views of the Thames, the river is literally right outside their doorstep! The breads and cakes from their own bakery are simply divine as well as their other baked goods, which are all homemade!

The inside gives off this rustic kind of vibe and feel to it since it’s mainly exposed red brick but that is exactly why it’s so charming. It’s also cool that they have this commitment to sustainability which explains how most of their meals are vegetarian and they have a wide selection of organic wines and beers on their shelves. Not a lot of options for those who crave meat but I will say their coffee and tea are amazing and you don’t have to be a vegan or a meat-eater to enjoy a cup of coffee with a great view.

Coffeeology

Coffeeology is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Richmond’s bustling high street. This café prides itself on its innovative approach to coffee, using butter beans sourced from around the world to craft exceptional brews that captivate the taste buds.

My spouse and I thought the design on the shop would be ideal for a quick cup because we were drawn to it. The barista was really kind and welcoming, and we ordered two delicious flat whites to go and were so impressed, we added this to our personal favourite list of cafes.

The Alberts Deli

Located in the heart of Richmond, The Alberts Deli is a charming establishment that offers a diverse selection of tasty treats and drinks to grab. Of course, it wouldn’t be up on this list just because of their tasty flat whites, they also have great food and a fairly creative breakfast and lunch menu.

The whole charm of Alberts Deli that make it so inviting is the combination of great coffee, a calm atmosphere, and good food to seal the deal. Every once in a while I love going back here just to sit down and relax with a fresh cup and a slice of carrot cake or a tart.

Caffe Paola

Admittedly Caffe Paola is a bit unassuming on the outside but the inside of the cafe is mesmerizing! Right as you walk in you’re greeted to a lot of baked goods being displayed and shelves packed with Italian wine imported directly from Italy.

A sophisticated option for cake and coffee. Tastefully decorated, with reasonably priced artwork decorating the walls, this small store serves Italian specialties and is more reasonably priced than its nearby high street rival. Take a seat by the window and look over the bridge with a great cup of coffee and fresh sandwiches!

Antipodea

Hands down one of the best flat whites and artisanal coffee I’ve had in the city! It’s also super close to the Richmond station so the times we’ve been here are practically countless now. Almost every dish they have is light and delicious like soups and pancakes and I think that’s because they’re aiming for it to be perfectly complemented by their easy and laidback atmosphere.

Our favorite spot for breakfast, offering a fantastic selection of juices and a cozy wood fireplace in the winter which comes in very handy during the upcoming holiday season.

Kapucin

The smell from their open kitchen had our mouths watering. We just love hanging around here not because of their top-notch coffee, but because of the tasty smell the kitchen leaves around that tempts you every time with ordering a new dish or to top off your coffee.

It’s a quirky little place; you have to walk through an odd series of corridors to get to the garden, but it’s a great atmosphere and the garden’s lovely once you’re there. If you’re already at the joint you might as well consider this as a pitstop before going around the city.

Looking for More Guides?

Richmond is perfect for coffee shops but not a lot of people know that it’s actually home to some amazing restaurants and even bars and pubs. So, check out some of our other guides and make sure you get the most out of your Richmond experience.

If you want an experience that is unlike any other, then head on over to our comedy club! Not only do we have superb comedy shows, we also have great food and grub that would make you stay for hours! We’ve also taken the liberty of investing in comfy seats because we know you’ll be staying for a long time!

FAQ

Q: What types of views can I expect at these cafés?

A: The cafés offer various views, including those of the Thames, beautiful terrace gardens, and fairy lights, providing a pleasant and relaxing ambiance.

Q: Do these cafés offer a selection of cakes and pastries?

A: Yes, these cafés offer a wide selection of cakes and pastries to complement your choice of coffee or tea.

Q: Can I sort these cafés based on their location in Richmond upon Thames?

A: Absolutely, you can sort the cafés based on their location in Richmond upon Thames, including Kew and Barnes.

Q: What are the must-try items at these cafés?

A: Don’t miss out on their delicious cakes, pastries, refreshing juices, and specialty dishes that are a must-try at these cafés.

Q: Are there any cafés that offer outdoor seating with a view of the river Thames?

A: Yes, there are cafés with beautiful terrace gardens and outdoor seating that provide a stunning view of the river Thames.