London


<p>The summer holidays are finally over, and the kids are back in school. You’ve survived weeks of non-stop demands, endless snacks, and a million “I’m bored” complaints. Now it’s time to reclaim some “you” time and catch up with your friends over a well-deserved coffee. Here are 9 of our favourite London cafés where you can unwind, reconnect, and enjoy some grown-up company.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-greenberry-cafe-primrose-hill">1. <a href="https://www.greenberrycafe.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenberry Café</a>, Primrose Hill </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-4420" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-768x513.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Muddy&#8217;s had many a pleasant brunch-into-lunch meet up with friends over the years at this friendly neighbourhood café, which used to be around the corner from <a href="https://triyoga.co.uk">Triyoga</a> (before it upped sticks to Camden). Bag a checked cloth table on the pavement outside if the sun&#8217;s shining and tuck into Portobello mushrooms with poached egg, hollandaise and truffle oil, plus some skin-on fries to share. Need something stronger? Order a Primrose G&amp;T, you&#8217;ve earned it. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-soutine-st-john-s-wood">2. <a href="https://www.soutine.co.uk/#about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soutine,</a> St John&#8217;s Wood </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="627" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-4-1024x627.jpeg" alt="Soutine " class="wp-image-4430" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-4-1024x627.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-4-300x184.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-4-768x470.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-4.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Psst! The brains behind the Wolseley are responsible for this Parisian café-inspired eatery, which naturally makes it a tres chic place to meet a pal. The menu&#8217;s straight outta the French capital (think soupe à l’ignon and steak tartare) and there&#8217;s even a pavement terrace where you can gossip about the holidays while chomping on pomme frites. C&#8217;est bon. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-sky-garden-city-of-london"><strong>3. <a href="https://skygarden.london" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Garden</a></strong>, City of London </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-14-1024x683.jpeg" alt="Darwin Brasserie at Sky Garden " class="wp-image-4362" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-14-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-14-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-14-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-14.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Nestled at the top of the Walkie Talkie building in Fenchurch Street, all day diner Darwin Brasserie at Sky Garden isn’t just an eaterie &#8211; it’s a lush oasis in the sky. Think tropical plants, panoramic windows offering unbeatable 360-degree views over the city’s most iconic landmarks, including The Shard, Tower Bridge, and the Thames. Perfect when you need a bit of perspective after the holidays. If you’re feeling like you need a bit more to stretch out the stress, check out their rooftop <a href="https://skygarden.london/pilates-with-verity-app-launch/">Pilates classes every Sunday</a> with the most beautiful views in London.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-garden-cafe-v-amp-a-museum"><strong>4. <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/info/va-cafe/?srsltid=AfmBOoo0QLNAsRi6GJzGfwQVKjp5DKJEEit0zsoCT4a7jQNoxzYXKOCo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Garden Café</a>, V&amp;A Museum&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="634" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-13.24.05-1024x634.png" alt="Garden Café at the V&amp;A Museum " class="wp-image-4374" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-13.24.05-1024x634.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-13.24.05-300x186.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-13.24.05-768x476.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-13.24.05.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Need some culture and a touch of Jane Austen inspiration after the rough and tumble of toddlers and teenagers? Look no further than the Garden Café at the <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/">Victoria and Albert Museum</a>. Nestled in the jaw-droppingly gorgeous John Madejski Garden in the middle of the building, this café is your perfect post-summer-holiday city retreat. Surrounded by grand architecture, lush greenery, and the calming trickle of a fountain, it’s place to finally breathe and reorientate yourself to adult life again. Plus, the museum&#8217;s world-class exhibitions allow you to inspire yourself with great art, fashion and design.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-the-lighterman-king-s-cross"><strong>5. <a href="https://www.thelighterman.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lighterman</a></strong>, King&#8217;s Cross </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-15-1024x683.jpeg" alt="The Lighterman " class="wp-image-4375" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-15-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-15-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-15-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-15.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Perched alongside the serene Regent’s Canal in King’s Cross, <a href="https://www.thelighterman.co.uk/">The Lighterman</a> offers modern scandi vibes and tranquil waterside views. This airy, spacious spot is ideal for those who enjoy their coffee with a side of calm. The Lighterman’s floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of the canal plus there’s some outdoor seating right by the canal so you can squeeze the most out the last of the summer rays. Check out <a href="https://www.kingscross.co.uk/word-on-the-water-bookshop">Word on the Water,</a> one-minute walk away, a lovely floating vintage bookshop housed on a boat.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-maison-bertaux-soho"><strong>6. <a href="http://www.maisonbertaux.com/soho">Maison Bertaux</a></strong>, Soho </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/MG_7683-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4378" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/MG_7683-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/MG_7683-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/MG_7683-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/MG_7683.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Step back in time at <a href="http://www.maisonbertaux.com/">Maison Bertaux</a>, London’s oldest patisserie and a true Soho institution. This charming, bohemian café has been serving up delectable French pastries since 1871, and it’s lost none of its old-world charm. Freshly baked croissants, eclectic artwork from local artists, the vibe is creative and slightly eccentric. Whether you’re popping in for a quick espresso or settling in for a long, leisurely afternoon with a jammy tart and chat with your bestie, Maison Bertaux is a little slice of Paris in the heart of London.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-host-cafe-city-of-london"><strong>7. <a href="https://hostcafelondon.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Host Café</a></strong>, City of London </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="694" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/67839234_2992402134133942_9054567280817471488_n-1024x694.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4387" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/67839234_2992402134133942_9054567280817471488_n-1024x694.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/67839234_2992402134133942_9054567280817471488_n-300x203.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/67839234_2992402134133942_9054567280817471488_n-768x521.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/67839234_2992402134133942_9054567280817471488_n.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>For a truly tranquil coffee break, look no further than <a href="https://hostcafeldn.com/">Host Café</a>, tucked away inside the beautiful St. Mary Aldermary Church. Expect gothic architecture, stained glass windows and a peaceful feel that only a centuries-old church can provide. Forget your usual cafe setup &#8211; at this spot, you’ll be swapping your comfy chair for a good old-fashioned wooden church pew. Yep, most of the seating here gives you that “Sunday service” vibe, minus the hymns but there are a few coveted sofas and regular tables and chairs. Good value, decent food too.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-bar-italia-soho"><strong>8. <a href="http://baritaliasoho.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bar Italia</a></strong>, Soho</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/proxy-image-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-4395" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/proxy-image-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/proxy-image-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/proxy-image-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/proxy-image.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>More than just a café, it&#8217;s a Soho legend. This iconic Frith Street spot has been serving strong, authentic Italian espresso to Londoners since 1949. Classic and unpretentious, locals and celebs (everyone from Martin Freeman to Douglas Henshaw have frequented this joint) are united by their love of great coffee. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick espresso at the counter or settling in for a longer stay, Bar Italia offers an authentic slice of Italy in the heart of London with great shots of strong caffeine and conversation to beat any post-holiday blues.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-monmouth-coffee-company-covent-garden"><strong>9. <a href="https://www.monmouthcoffee.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monmouth Coffee Company</a></strong>, Covent Garden </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="653" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-16-1024x653.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-4400" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-16-1024x653.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-16-300x191.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-16-768x489.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Unknown-16.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re serious about your coffee, <a href="https://www.monmouthcoffee.co.uk/">Monmouth Coffee Company</a> is the place where coffee aficionados go. Renowned for its meticulously sourced beans and expertly brewed coffee, this café is a haven for coffee purists. Located in both Covent Garden and Borough Market, Monmouth has been serving up some of the best coffee in London for decades. The minimalist interiors are all about letting the coffee take centre stage, with simple wooden benches and counters creating a focused, almost meditative atmosphere. Perfect for those who appreciate the art of a well-brewed cup with good friends.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-spiritland-king-s-cross"><strong>10.<a href="https://spiritland.com/location/spiritland-kings-cross/"> Spiritland</a>, King&#8217;s Cross </strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Spiritland_KX5-1024x683.jpg" alt="Spiritland in Kings Cross " class="wp-image-4403" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Spiritland_KX5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Spiritland_KX5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Spiritland_KX5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Spiritland_KX5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Spiritland &#8211; in King Cross’ cobbled, cool, quirky new shopping development <a href="https://spiritland.com/">Coal Drops Yard</a> – is not just a café; it’s a full-on audio experience where the coffee is as strong as the bassline. Spiritland is where caffeine meets high-fidelity, with a sound system so impressive it could make even a simple espresso feel like an event. The vibe here is more Ibiza day club rather than coffee shop. So, if you’re looking for a café that’s got as much soul as it does caffeine, Spiritland is a good place to perch for your morning shot. A short menu with great brunch options – the eggs and avocado are special.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-11-st-james-s-cafe-in-london-westminster"><strong>11. <a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/st-jamess-park/food-drink">St James&#8217;s Café in London</a></strong>, Westminster  </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="629" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-14.17.05-1024x629.png" alt="St James's Cafe " class="wp-image-4404" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-14.17.05-1024x629.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-14.17.05-300x184.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-14.17.05-768x472.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-14.17.05.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Nestled in the heart of St James’s Park, this café is not the tourist trap you might suspect. It’s modern and airy but you can combine your caffeine with a walk through a park with pelicans, swans and a quick peek at Buckingham Palace. Offering everything from posh pastries to classic British sarnies, don’t be surprised if a cheeky squirrel tries to join you so&nbsp; keep a tight grip on that croissant. But a surprisingly quiet and joyful place to while away some child-free hours. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-12-farm-girl-notting-hill">12. <a href="https://www.thefarmgirl.co.uk/location/notting-hill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farm Girl</a>, Notting Hill</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="741" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-14.28.16-1024x741.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4407" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-14.28.16-1024x741.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-14.28.16-300x217.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-14.28.16-768x556.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-14.28.16.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>We couldn&#8217;t leave out this iconic meet-your-mates café, tucked away behind the St Peters Church on bustling Portobello Road. It&#8217;s a simple concept &#8211; healthy, tasty all-day brunch bites (huevos rancheros for the win) and interiors that are giving idyllic country farm house meets California coast vibes. There&#8217;s also a branch in South Ken, so no excuses. </p>


12 cool cafés to catch up with friends (now the kids are back in school!)

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