Put away Siri, or Alexa, or whichever sultry-sounding AI you choose to enlighten you with all of life’s great secrets. If you’re on the hunt for a decent cup of brown sludge in East London, I’ve got you covered like a plastic lid on a take-home cup. Read on for my top five haunts, and then get your ass out the door, stat.
Since moving to London a year and a half ago, I have tasted all kinds of coffee: bad, okayish, weak, bitter, lukewarm, chilled, you name it. And while on this muddy little coffee journey of mine, I’ve thankfully discovered some real gems hidden amongst the dirt. To save you the trouble (and pennies) of searching for a good ol’ cuppa all by your lonesome, I’ve put together a list of my top five East London coffee joints (from a gal who has spat out a lot of bad coffee).
1. Jonestown
Hands down the best coffee I have had since moving to London. This place has become my local go-to on a Saturday morning. Not only does the coffee taste amazeballs (who says amazeballs?!), but the size of the cups are just right — not too big like Costa, and not too small like Pavilion (clearly I’m a Goldilocks-type). But before you get your caffeine-addicted brains down to Bethnal Green Rd, consider this fair warning — Jonestown is not for the easily offended. Part shaggy-chic, part retro-cool, the folks at Jonestown love to curse. Be prepared to see f**k written on their billboards, their walls, and even their loyalty card. Offensive language aside, this café has chill. Serving up a real ‘Central Perk’ vibe, Jonestown boasts comfy couches and mismatched furniture that makes it feel like a 90’s sitcom. Bring your laptop or your bestie and chill out on the group sofa.
2. Barbour & Parlour
Shoreditch locals are well acquainted with this bad boy over on Redchurch Street. Think homewares showroom PLUS cafe PLUS hair salon. Everything you need in one place for a true Shoreditch experience. And I dare you to try and pass up their tempting brunch menu. I dare you. Whether you take yours to-go, or you take a seat in their second floor café, you’ll admire the relaxed vibes at Barbour & Parlour. And it just wouldn’t be Shoreditch if they didn’t switch the coffee for cocktails come 5pm. Because, Shoreditch.
What goes better with coffee than its partner in crime, the donut? And these aren’t just any donuts. Crosstown offers a unique range of sourdough donuts throughout the week, including specialty vegan donuts on Fridays, Saturday and Sundays. Founded by an Aussie and a Kiwi, these guys know their donut craft. And even better? They know their coffee. Grab a skinny cap and a matcha donut, and chill out in their black and white themed café. You won’t be disappointed.
4. Pavilion Bakery on Columbia Rd
I mentioned the size of the cups were small here, but that doesn’t mean their coffee isn’t worth trying. This teeny-tiny bakery on Columbia Road is loaded with goodness. Freshly baked sourdough, brioche, pastries and a wholesome pantry packed with pickles and preserves, it’s hard to pass up the baked goods on offer. And their coffee doesn’t disappoint either. The team at Pavilion know how to make a mean latte that will keep you coming back to Columbia Road, even on Sundays.
You can’t mention coffee in East London without mentioning the cool kids over at Shoreditch Grind. This place is always packed. Located on the northwest corner of the Old St roundabout, it has become a local icon since its launch in 2011. Check their billboard for cheeky messages and timely puns, and then head inside this circular 1950’s style café and grab a bite, have a cold brew, or take your caffeine to-go. And the best part? At night, they swap the coffee machines for cocktails. It’s a no-brainer, really.
