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Morning macchiato or late night espresso? On London’s South Bank the selection of cafes, bars and restaurants is as diverse as the range of coffees they serve. Check out our guide to the very best venues for your daily caffeine fix!
Our usual haunt for coffee + people watching is the Riverfront at BFI Southbank. However, the Riverfront is currently undergoing a refurbishment which entails an extension across two floors, with a terrace which will have spectacular views of the river Thames. As we eagerly await it's reopening in late summer 2018, we're heading to the BFI Bar & Kitchen which is a pretty good alternative. The BFI Bar & Kitchen has a lovely central bar and lots of plush velvet chairs to sip on that cappuccino. Their 100% Arabica Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee is well made by a team of baristas, and the free WiFi means you can catch up on emails and the latest memes in all serenity.
For more information on BFI Bar & Kitchen, click HERE.
The National Theatre's Espresso Bar has a renowned team of talented baristi and was even voted one of the top 50 independent coffee shops in London by the Evening Standard. Offering a simple range of espresso-based coffees, made from Mozzo’s 100% Arabica Red Label coffee beans, they’ll give you a quick caffeine hit guaranteed to keep you alert during even the lengthiest theatrical production.
For more information on the Espresso Bar click HERE.
For a more leisurely latte, make your way to Kitchen, the National Theatre's brand new all-day café. Here you can linger on the riverside terrace and indulge with a delicious slice of homemade cake as you sip your coffee and soak up the atmosphere.
For more information on Kitchen click HERE.
We love the Old Vic's Scandi-chic relaxed all-day artisan café. Serving up Workshop Coffee, unique drinks and seasonal dishes from the best London suppliers, it's a hidden gem in the area for a delicious coffee in a relaxed setting. They have WiFi of course, and a selection of suitably cultural and artistic magazines to flick through whilst you sip.
For more information on Penny, click HERE.
Enjoy a tranquil moment on the rooftop terrace of the OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie, where the quality of the coffee is surpassed only by the breathtaking views across the Thames to Charing Cross and St Paul’s Cathedral.
For more information on OXO Tower Restaurant Bar and Brasserie click HERE.
Espressamente illy at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge strives to bring an authentic Italian espresso experience to London. The renowned illy coffee blend is served along with a dazzling selection of snacks in a sleek modern environment. Close your eyes, breathe in the pungent aroma of fresh coffee and be transported to Milano!
For more information on Espressamente illy click HERE.
If you prefer to take your coffee in a less traditional setting, the quirkily named Beany Green serves artisan coffee from a converted shipping container opposite the Southbank Centre. Grab yourself an iced latte, fall into one of their brightly coloured deck chairs and watch the boats sailing by.
For more information on Beany Green click HERE.
Sustainability is a core value for the team at Skylon so it should come as no surprise that they only serve Rainforest Alliance coffee. If you’re looking for an extra kick why not try an espresso martini, coffee augmented with a shot of the finest tequila? That should get you in the mood for another cocktail.
For more information on Skylon click HERE.
The Den is Mondrian London's hangout parlour: stylish surroundings with a laid-back vibe where you can challenge friends to a game of backgammon or recline on a sumptuous velvet couch while you sip your coffee.
For more information on Den at Mondrian click HERE.
If you’re feeling peckish but don’t have time for a full English make your way to the Spectrum Bar and Café at Park Plaza County Hall. Join their new loyalty scheme for a range of quick, light breakfasts – washed down with your morning coffee, naturally – and after six visits you’ll get your seventh breakfast on the house.
For more information on the Spectrum Bar and Café click HERE.
