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Bean there, done that: Your guide to the best coffee shops in Covent Garden

Let’s face it – the world’s gone mad for overpriced, mediocre brews. But fear not, fellow caffeine crusaders! Covent Garden is your sanctuary if you still prefer good coffee over dregs. 

Let’s be clear from the start. There’s no room for tourist-bait mediocrity here. No, today, we’re on a mission to unveil the best cafes, where every sip is a taste of liquid gold.

So, say adios to substandard swill, and let’s dive into the best coffee shops in Covent Garden. Buckle up, coffee aficionados – it’s time to separate the beans from the grounds! 

Monmouth Coffee

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Location: 27 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9EU, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7232 3010

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Website

Unlike the coffee giants that dominate the industry, Monmouth Coffee takes pride in its carefully curated selection of beans sourced from smaller producers across the globe. They embark on a quest to find the hidden gems, seeking out farmers who share their passion for sustainability. 

With each batch of beans, Monmouth Coffee becomes a champion for fair trade and ethical practices, ensuring that the farmers receive their due recognition and fair compensation for their labour of love.

Fabrique Bakery

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Location: 8 Earlham St, London WC2H 9RY, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7240 1392

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Website

Originally hailing from Sweden, Fabrique Bakery’s irresistible allure quickly spread to the streets of London. With not one, but two locations in the capital, including their cosy Covent Garden cafe, it’s clear that Londoners couldn’t resist the siren call of their delectable treats.

While the coffee is amazing, by the way, the bakes are pure indulgence. From luscious layers of velvety chocolate to delicate swirls of frosting that would make any patisserie chef green with envy, their cakes are a sight to behold and a delight to devour.

But let’s not forget their claim to fame – the renowned cinnamon rolls, or as the Swedes call them, kanelbullar. Get them with your brew!

Covent Garden Grind

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Location: 42 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7LJ, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 3019 1801

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday – 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Thursday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Saturday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Sunday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Website

Covent Garden Grind draws inspiration from the coffee capital of the world—Melbourne, Australia. This means their roasts are crafted with the utmost precision, delivering a flavour profile that will transport you to the trendy laneways of Melbourne itself. 

But it’s their espressos that truly steal the show. These little shots of liquid gold are like a burst of pure joy, with each sip boasting incredible depth and a velvety smoothness that will make your taste buds sing with delight. 

The Black Penny

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Location: 34 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5AA, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7242 2580

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Website

The café’s name draws from the concept of “Penny Universities”, a vibrant tradition from the 17th century where people paid a penny to gather in venues, indulge in food and drink, and engage in lively discussions on social and political issues. 

The Black Penny carries on this spirit by offering more than just a cup of joe. It’s a place where you can sip on your favourite brew while expanding your mind and exploring new ideas.

Be sure to try the “seminar pit”, a unique feature that sets The Black Penny apart. This cosy corner is the heart of intellectual stimulation, where a calendar of events awaits. 

Notes

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Location: 31 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4DD, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7240 0424

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday – 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Saturday – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Sunday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Website

This eclectic establishment refuses to play by the rules, opting instead to offer a little bit of everything and somehow managing to be one of the best coffee shops in Covent Garden.

They do in-house roasting, crafting unique blends that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. And as you savour your perfectly brewed cup of joe, you can peruse the shelves of their bookstore. 

From classic novels to fiction, the bookstore at Notes is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Who says you can’t have your coffee and a good read too?

Abuelo

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Location: 26 Southampton St, London WC2E 7RS, United Kingdom

Contact:  [email protected] 

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Website

“Abuelo” is the Spanish word for “grandfather”, and it’s not just a name here – it’s an ethos. As you set foot into this Covent Garden haven, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve entered a beloved family home. 

Speaking of which, there’s a long communal table that serves as the centrepiece, encouraging strangers to gather, mingle, and strike up conversations. Abuelo isn’t just about the coffee, it’s about creating connections and fostering a sense of community.

Coffee Island

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Location: 5 Upper St Martin’s Ln, London WC2H 9EA, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7836 3007

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Saturday – 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM
  • Sunday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Website

Fast forward to 2016, and Coffee Island found its way to the heart of London’s Covent Garden, capturing the hearts and taste buds of coffee-loving Londoners. Since then, it has become the go-to spot for those in need of their daily caffeine fix. 

The owners have gone above and beyond, forging direct relationships with speciality growers in coffee-rich countries like Brazil, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. By establishing these direct connections, Coffee Island ensures that the beans they serve are not only of the highest quality but also ethically sourced. 

26 Grains

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Location: 1 Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9AW, United Kingdom

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Website

Coffee may be their forte, but 26 Grains knows how to satisfy your sweet tooth as well. If coffee isn’t your cup of tea (or java), fear not. Their ginger hot chocolate is a decadently warming option that will wrap you in a blanket of comfort and indulgence. 

Imagine velvety chocolate infused with a hint of fiery ginger, creating a harmonious blend of flavours that will leave you craving another sip.

Now, let’s not forget the star of the show – oatmeal. 26 Grains has mastered the art of elevating humble oats to extraordinary heights. Their incredible oatmeal creations are a symphony of textures and flavours, with toppings and mix-ins that will make your taste buds dance with joy. 

ARABICA 

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Location: 5 King St, London WC2E 8HN, United Kingdom

Contact: You may contact them here

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM

Website

ARABICA takes coffee sourcing to the next level. They meticulously select single-origin beans from around the world, ensuring that each cup tells a unique story.

From the floral notes of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe to the nutty richness of Brazilian beans, the coffee here is an exploration of flavours.

Plus their menu is a gastronomic adventure. From mouthwatering shawarma wraps to sweet and nutty baklava, the Middle Eastern food here is a delightful complement to your coffee.

Redemption Roasters 

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Location: 40 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5RR, United Kingdom

Contact: [email protected]

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Website

Let’s start with the main event – the coffee. Redemption Roasters doesn’t mess around when it comes to beans. They’re on a mission to deliver the most exceptional cup of Joe you’ve ever tasted. 

Single-origin, small-batch, and expertly roasted, each sip is a flavour explosion that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Oh, and Redemption Roasters’ cosy yet chic interior is a visual delight. It’s like stepping into a coffee-themed wonderland, complete with cosy nooks and stylish decor begging for a photoshoot.

Caffè Nero

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Location: 83-84 Long Acre, London WC2E 9NG, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7836 6874

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM
  • Sunday – 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM

Website

Step into Caffè Nero, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered your little haven in the heart of Covent Garden. The warm and inviting atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for a coffee date, a solo work session, or simply some quality “me time”.

Coffee is undoubtedly the star, but the supporting cast of scrumptious pastries, sandwiches, and snacks is not to be underestimated. Whether you’re craving a buttery croissant or a wholesome panini, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

WatchHouse

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Location: 28-29 Southampton St, London WC2E 7PG, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 3988 5560

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Saturday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Website

Housed in a historic building, WatchHouse oozes old-world charm with a modern twist. The blend of vintage aesthetics and contemporary design creates an ambience that’s both inviting and Instagram-worthy. 

Their selection of artisanal pastries is a tantalising array of croissants, muffins, and cakes that pair perfectly with your caffeine fix. 

Lilly’s Cafe

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Location: 3 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8LU, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 7377 220955

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM

Website

Founded by pastry chef Kimberly Lin, Lilly’s Cafe has earned a reputation as one of the best coffee shops in this bustling London neighbourhood. This cafe brings a touch of artistry and passion to the world of coffee and pastries.

Expect expertly sourced and roasted coffee beans as well as mouth-watering pastries to accompany your cup of joe.

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