Last time, we took you cafe-hopping through Seoul and Melbourne — think aesthetic interiors, speciality coffee, and desserts that deserve their own fanbase. But now, we’re switching gears (and hemispheres) and heading straight to the moody skies and charming corners of London.
Cafes in London — moody, magical, and honestly, a student’s best friend. Whether you’re fresh off the plane or already knee-deep in uni assignments, finding the perfect cafe is basically a student essential.
It’s where you power through uni readings (or pretend to), catch up with friends, or just vibe with a flat white and your favourite playlist.
To guide us, we asked Kamya Marwah, an Indian BSc in Information Management for Business graduate from the University College London (UCL), to share her favourite local spots with us.
She’s got the inside scoop on what students want and need. London’s filled with cafes, but what makes her choices stand out is the affordability and the student-friendly environment.
So, grab your tote bags and Oyster cards — here are Marwah’s top cafes in London you need to check out:
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7 best cafes in London for students
1. Fabrique Bakery
Opening hours: Monday to Friday (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Saturday to Sunday (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Google reviews: 4.3 stars (882)
Location: King’s Road, Portobello Road, High Holborn, Goodge Street, Geffrye Street, and Earlham Street
If you’re after something simple and fresh, yet seriously indulgent, Fabrique Bakery is a total gem — and easily one of the best cafés in London.
The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the heavenly smell of freshly baked bread (honestly, it’s reason enough to go). This cafe serves up high-quality treats made by local artisans, and it’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and stay a while.
Marwah swears by their mocha and cinnamon bun, the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. That’s not all; they serve a wide range of breads, pastries, and sandwiches.
The staff are also super friendly, which makes the whole experience better.
Prices range from 2 pounds (US$2.71) to 9 pounds (US$12.18).
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2. WatchHouse
Opening hours: Depending on the location
Google reviews: 4.6 stars (2,000 over)
Location: Fenchurch Street, Fenchurch Atrium, Marylebone, Hanover, Covent Garden, Seven Dials, Bishopsgate, St. Mary Axe, Maltby Street, Somerset House, Spitalfields, Fetter Lane, Tower Bridge, Bermondsey, Marble Arch, and Hampstead Heath.
With over 10 locations, WatchHouse is one of the top cafes in London that Marwah recommends for a visit while studying in the capital.
Their ice lattes are to die for, according to Marwah, as expected from a unique speciality coffee shop. If you’re not into coffee, they also make hot chocolate, matcha latte, chai, smoothies, juices, and kombucha.
Depending on the location, WatchHouse offers brunch, features outdoor seating, and welcomes dogs. So, for those who enjoy watching people and dogs, WathHouse is the cafe for you.
No two Houses are the same. Each location is designed to play a contemporary role in the modern coffee experience, while also preserving its unique history within the community.
Prices range from 3.20 pounds (US$4.33) to 32 pounds (US$43.31) for their drinks.
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3. Nagere Bakery
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday (8 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.), Saturday to Sunday (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Google reviews: 4.5 (122)
Location: Unit A, Eastern Building, 2 Triptych Pl, London SE1 9RD, United Kingdom
Thinking about taking yourself on a solo date over the weekend? Or even taking a step back from studying? You should head over to Nagere Bakery. It’s one of the best cafes in London for you to restart your week.
Marwah often visits the cafes for her solo dates — the overall vibe is what she needs after a long week of classes.
Nagere Bakery offers chai latte, matcha latte, hojicha latte, espresso, macchiato, espresso spritz, and more. It’s even known for its pastries.
It’s so unique that you can order a truffle mushroom honey roll, uji cream bun, pandan coconut cream bun, coriander pesto sea salt butter roll with sichuan pepper powder, or even a black pepper minced beef and potato flat bun.
Dining there would cost about 10 pounds (US$13.53) to 20 pounds (US$27.06) per person.
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4. Arôme Bakery
Opening hours: Depending on the location
Google reviews: 4.6 stars (3,000)
Location: Mercer Street, Duke Street
Honey toast lovers, it’s time to rejoice because Marwah and I have a cafe you should 100% check out — and that’s Arôme Bakery, one of the best French-inspired cafes in London.
Located on Mercer and Duke Street, this café is known for its pastries, including shokupan, vanilla chocolate brioche, pain au chocolat, croissant, pistachio chocolate escargot, quiche aux fromages, and more. They also serve a wide range of drinks.
Arôme bakes the pastries fresh onsite daily with premium ingredients that are inspired by the seasons.
Prices range from 2.30 pounds (US$3.11) to 6 pounds (US$8.12).
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5. Ralph’s coffee
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Thursday to Saturday (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Sunday (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Google reviews: 4.1 stars (776)
Location: 1 Bond St, London W1S 3RL, United Kingdom
Have you ever thought about what a cafe would look like if Ralph Lauren opened one? Well, you have it here — Ralph’s coffee.
Nestled in New Bond Street, the cafe is serving up special coffee blends from Central America, South America, and Africa.
Marwah’s go-to is a cup of mocha or hot chocolate, and it will taste extra good during Christmas.
The cafe offers matcha latte, cold-pressed juice, iced tea, espresso, flat white, cookies, brownies, muffins, and more.
Prices range from 3.45 pounds (US$4.67) to 5.45 pounds (US$7.38).
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6. Lowry & Baker
Opening hours: Daily (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Google reviews: 4.5 stars (578)
Location: 339-341, 339 Portobello Rd, London W10 5SA, United Kingdom
Tucked in the famous Portobello Road, just a short walk from Portobello Road Market and Notting Hill, Lowry & Baker is one of the cafes in London that Marwah recommends you visit.
The cafe was established over a decade ago and has become the best place for breakfast and brunch. Ingredients are all locally sourced and are of high quality, and the homemade goodies are made with love and great passion.
For all-day breakfast, Lowry & Baker serves homemade granola, red velvet pancake, buttermilk pancakes, and toasted brioche. For brunch, they offer fry-ups, corn fritters stack, artisan sourdough toast, toasted English muffins with two soft poached eggs, and more. You can even order sandwiches, salads, and tortilla wraps.
Prices range from 1.50 pounds (US$2.03) to 16 pounds (US$21.68).
Foreign Exchange is one of the must-visit cafes in London. Source: Kamya Marwah
7. Foreign Exchange
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Friday to Sunday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Google reviews: 4.3 stars (95)
Location: 22 Leinster Terrace, London W2 3ET, United Kingdom (Bayswater Road)
If you’re looking for a cafe with a pretty and chic concept, Foreign Exchange is the cafe to be.
Located on Bayswater Road, the main road running along the northern edge of Hyde Park in London, Foreign Exchange is a cafe that serves up coffee in the front and trades currencies in the back.
That’s not all; they also sell newspapers, magazines, and even mints.
Prices range from 2 pounds (US$2.71) to 4.50 pounds (US$6.10).
