Cosy cafés in London

The criteria for a cosy café are, of course, great coffee and an atmosphere that feels like something out of a '90s sitcom. I'm always on the hunt for cafés where I can catch up with friends, curl up with a good book, or just take a moment to escape bustling London. In a city of hundreds of chain cafes, the magic of independent cafés is always worth seeking out.

Here are some of my favourite cosy cafés in London.

Burgh House Café

On one of the most beautiful residential streets of Hampstead, Burgh House Museum has a lovely café with coffee, cakes, and light lunches. The café is located on the lower level of the oldest house in Hampstead, with centuries-old doorways you have to stoop under to reach the charming dining area. There is also a garden courtyard where you can take your treats to enjoy among the flowers.

Hampstead, NW3 | burghhouse.org.uk

Bàrd Books Café

Coffee and books are a match made in heaven, and Bàrd Books is the perfect place to get your caffeine fix while starting a new read. This bookshop has an airy coffee bar that serves baked goods and snacks to pair with coffee. Take a seat at one of the tables amongst the shelves and enjoy your treats while overhearing the literary commentary of your fellow bookworms. Bàrd Books also hosts a variety of events from comedy nights to monthly book clubs.

Bethnal Green, E3 | wearebardbooks.co.uk

Fulham Palace Café

Surrounded by the lush gardens of Fulham Palace, this elegant café is an idyllic setting for savouring a cup of tea and a sweet treat. This is one of my favourite spots in the spring because of the wisteria that peeks through the windows of the bright dining rooms. The cafe also has plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy on a sunny day or take your coffee with you for a wander through the gardens. Be sure to explore the historic walled garden to see the meticulous flower beds and spot the resident Fulham Palace cat.

Fulham, SW6 | fulhampalace.org

Abuelo

Abuelo is a unique Aussie-Argentinian café celebrating the flavours and coffee of both places. Founded by an architect, it's obvious that the interior design of the Covent Garden and Marylebone locations was as much of a priority as the delicious menu. Abuleo features sleek, natural furnishings that reflect the seasonal, organic brunch options. The food offerings include unusual flavour combinations like banana bread with vanilla ricotta and an Argentinian take on eggs and soldiers. I particularly love their speciality drinks like the dulce de leche iced coffee and the salted vanilla cream matcha.

Covent Garden & Marylebone | abuelocafe.co.uk

Owen's Deli and Café

Owen's is a friendly, neighbourhood spot where it feels like everyone knows everyone. Join the regulars and take a seat at one of the mismatched tables to enjoy coffee or breakfast. Part food shop, part café – you can also peruse their selection of artisan goods, which includes cheeses, wine, and local produce. Owen's is located on a quaint street in residential Muswell Hill, surrounded by some of my favourite independent shops in the city.

Muswell Hill, N10 | Owen's Deli and Cafe Instagram

Hollyhock Café

You might think you'd have to travel far into the countryside to find a woodland café, but you actually just have to get on the District Line. Perched above Richmond Park, Hollyhock Café looks like an enchanted, fairytale cottage, with whimsical tree-like columns lining the veranda and antique furnishings throughout the interiors. In the warmer months, you can sit outside to enjoy the greenery and views of the Thames. In winter, you can cosy up by the fire with a coffee and a slice of cake. The entirely vegetarian and fair trade menu comprises speciality drinks, baked goods, and hearty lunch options.

Richmond, TW10 | Hollyhock Cafe

Riverside Café

If you're looking for a cafe with a view, it's hard to beat Riverside Café. Located on the Thames at Lambeth Pier, Riverside Café serves coffee, breakfast, and lunch with incredible views of Westminster. Beloved by tourists and locals alike, you can live out almost every London stereotype and enjoy a traditional full English or a cup of tea while watching the boats pass by Big Ben.

Lambeth, SE1 | Riverside Cafe

Hideaway Coffee

It's hard to believe that anywhere within the immediate vicinity of Piccadilly Circus can be cosy, but Hideaway Coffee has somehow managed to create an oasis amid the chaos. Protected from the crowds of shoppers and pedicabs blaring ABBA, Hideaway café is one of several small shops in Farrier's Passage. The menu consists of coffee, smoothies, pastries, and breakfast options to enjoy in the snug coffee shop or the courtyard.

Soho, W1D | Hide Away Coffee Instagram

Well Street Kitchen

Well Street Kitchen is a nostalgic, homey cafe serving a mix of classic breakfasts and modern brunches. From the quaint blue storefront to the checkered tables, Well Street Kitchen feels like an old-fashioned café plucked from a small town and plopped into London. Throughout the week, you can pick up a traditional breakfast bap with your coffee, but on weekends, you can try the brunch specials, like BBQ tacos or brisket with poached eggs.

Hackney, E9 | wellstreetkitchen.com

Frothee Café

If you need a cosy place to wait for your train from King's Cross, Frothee is a great alternative to the chain coffee shops in the station. Just a five-minute walk away, this newly opened coffee and matcha bar is a refuge from the rush of travellers in this part of London. Owned by a father-daughter duo, Frothee offers speciality drinks and pastries in a sleek, airy setting. They have plenty of table space, so it's the perfect place to get some work done or meet up with friends before heading out of the city.

King's Cross, N1 | Frothee Instagram

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