Independent coffee shops that we love

“It’s so hard to pick just one! But I am really loving Don’t Tell Dad in Queen’s Park. It’s part-bakery, part-restaurant, they make their pastries fresh daily and their menu, which changes regularly, is as delicious as their coffee. My go-to order is a black americano with a brown butter hazelnut croissant. And also shout-out to Special Guests Coffee in Marylebone. The founder has spent so much time curating incredible coffees from around the world and also sells the blends online, so if it’s not local to you and you are equally obsessed with great coffee, it’s worth exploring.”
Sam Zimmerman, Head of Beauty at BRiMM 

"Chesters By The River at Skelwith Bridge. It is the best place after a day in the hills. A gorgeous vegan cafe but you wouldn’t know that it was anything other than delicious. The bread is next-level. I have been going here forever and I am always so grateful it exists. Plus it is the only place I can get my Momo Kombucha fix in the Lakes!"
Imogen Royall, co-founder of Northern Pasta Co., as seen in our Pantry Essentials Reset Box 

“Devotion Coffee on Essex Road, best coffee out there!”
Harriet Murphy, founder of Hotel, Mike, as found in our Luxury Bathroom Reset Box

“For real coffee connoisseurs, Velasquez and Van Wezel in Crouch End, founded by Martin, who hails from the Netherlands, and Oscar, who was born in Colombia (pictured above). It has a genuine neighbourhood stop-and-chat buzz, is constantly showcasing new beans and supports the coffee farms and communities it works with. I also have to say sweet little spot Café Gourmand round the corner, which I work in so regularly they know my order and who do a mean feta cheese quiche and salad.”
Becky Lucas, editor at BRiMM

“Has to be The Albert’s Deli in Richmond (it’s my husband’s place, so it has to be!).”
Vanessa Marx, Head Chef – Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond

“I love a place you can browse books and  read at the same time as enjoying great coffee… Gertrude and Alice is just up from the beach in Bondi and was always my go-to when I lived there [and is considered one of the top 10 bookstores in the world by National Geographic]. Backstory in Balham is my now local equivalent – although sadly just a little too far for my normal morning stroll. Hyde Farm is just across the road from me: it’s an amazing coffee shop, deli and produce store run by some amazing local people who celebrate their Italian roots.”
Tom Berry, Sustainability Advisor at BRiMM

“Why CARAVAN, of course!”
Renée Williams, co-founder of Dabba Drop

“I don't like coffee, but that doesn't stop me loving coffee shops! Télescope in Paris, tucked down a side street in the 1st arrondissement, is a refreshing change from the tourist traps nearby. I also love Lille Petra in Copenhagen, probably because it's more of a café, but I'm assured the coffee is great. It's worth trying the whipped avocado, granola, strawberries and honey for breakfast. And a shout-out for my local, Lagom in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight – with cool Scandi vibes, my husband rates it ‘the best coffee on the Island’.”
Hannah Rochelle, founder of Slowette and BRiMM newsletter writer

“Aveda Cafe, W14 – £6 for a full english. Plants everywhere. And, the family who runs it make all the delicious cakes.”
Milo Pinckney, founder and Chief of Experience at Rollr, as found in our Luxury Bathroom Reset Box

“A pal took me to Found Hope in Hither Green: it was so cute and the fresh sandwiches were incredible.”
Helen Kirkhum, creative director and community and events lead at BRiMM

“Ruskin Mill Café in Stroud is a sanctuary – set beside a stream, surrounded by green hills. They serve organic, locally grown food and coffee and the atmosphere is as nourishing as the menu. I also always stop at Golborne Deli near my flat in Ladbroke Grove. They make the best porridge in London.” 
Lisa Oxenham, ex Beauty and Fashion Director Marie Claire, BRiMM founder member 

“Bear & Wolf in Tufnell Park (Campdale Road). Literally the best coffee in London, lovely tables outside opposite the park to enjoy it, all the neighbours passing for a chat and an irresistible sideline in Pastels de Nata. Mine’s an oat milk flat white to go.”
Tiffanie Darke, author, activist and editorial and community advisor at BRiMM

“The Roasting Shed in Hackney Wick or Popup Cafe in Deal.”
Dr Johnny Drain, a chef with a PhD on a quest to reveal the secret science of flavour and sustainability

“Chelsea Green is my stomping ground – and for the best iced matcha, it has to be Amar Café. And I recently discovered that Birley Bakery does the most heavenly Tarte Tropézienne outside of St. Tropez.”
Isabella Charlotta Poppius, creative, One Tree Planted ambassador, model and London It Girl

Now read about the The Rise of Mood-Boosting Booze Alternatives and more on our Journal