A local’s guide to quirky cafes in London, from cat cafes to secret coffee shops in churches, vintage cafes and Italian spots for a new take on breakfast!
How many, oh, how many times have I shared with you secret church cafes, vintage spots and other pet coffee shops here on The Working Line?
Today, you’ll find here the cream of the crop: some of the most aesthetic, quirky cafes in London, spots to get a filling breakfast, brunch with friends, or just a snack and a latte to-go.
Quirky Cafes in London: Where to Get a ‘Different’ Breakfast
Should you have read a few of my London posts in the past, you know I’m very much in love with the historic London.
That’s why I thought of rounding up the best vintage cafes I know of, alongside some off-the-beaten-path places that are so very secret, and so very local.
Whether you’re planning to live in London, spend here 2 days, 4 days or 10 days, you’ll find plenty here to fill up that belly with nice food, and that soul with good memories.
The Best Vintage Cafes in London
Quirky Cafes in London: Cake Hole Cafe, Columbia Road
If you pop by Vintage Heaven on Columbia Road at the weekend you’ll stumble on Cake Hole Cafe, a pastel-perfect hideaway where bouquets hang from the ceiling and vintage art paper the walls.
The counter’s stacked with morning-fresh bakes—coffee and walnut cake, Victoria sponge, apple and blueberry traybakes and classic carrot cake—each one guaranteed to hit the sweet spot.
Order a flat white, a latte or one of Cake Hole’s quirky Oddi teas (papaya and berry or elderflower and white tea) and sink into a comfy armchair.
You can even book the space for baby showers or office get-togethers, then browse Vintage Heaven’s treasure trove of retro finds when you’re done!
Vintage Cafes in London: Scooter Caffe, Waterloo
Scooter Caffe on Lower Marsh near Waterloo feels like you’ve stepped back in time.
Tucked inside a vintage scooter repair shop, it’s been pouring coffee and serving breakfast from 9 am every day since 2000, all among thick wooden tables, mismatched armchairs and buzzing neon accents.
Once you’ve had your caffeine hit, wander along the Southbank to unearth riverside secrets or head over to London Bridge for its hidden corners.
If you’d rather stick close to Waterloo, follow the village-like stretch of The Cut all the way to the picturesque, maritime vibe of Bermondsey Street.
Quirky Cafes in London: English Rose Cafe, Victoria
Looking for a cosy little spot in Victoria?
The family-run English Rose Café (no bookings, just turn up) whips up buttery croissants, pains au chocolat, muffins and a Proper Full English to kick off your day, then from noon serves warm scones with clotted cream, jam and endless tea.
After you’ve stocked up on carbs, wander over to snap a selfie with Little Ben, lose yourself in the chic lanes of Eccleston Yards or flop down for a lazy hour in St James’s Park.
Quirky Cafes in London: Big Moe’s Diner, Wembley
If you’re ever in Wembley and craving a taste of classic Americana, swing by Big Moe’s Diner—my absolute favourite of London’s tiny handful of diners.
The moment you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve landed in a 1950s movie set, complete with neon lights and vinyl booths, while they’re dishing up some of the best halal breakfast in town alongside milkshakes so thick and creamy they deserve their own fan club.
Once you’ve Instagrammed that pancake tower or milkshake masterpiece, head out to explore Wembley Park’s buzz—catch a match at the stadium, grab street food at Boxpark or wander through the green spaces around Olympic Way.
Trust me, after one visit to Big Moe’s, you’ll be planning your next trip back!
Quirky Cafes in London: The Muffin Man, Kensington
Muffin Man Tea Shop in Kensington feels like a cosy time capsule—opened in 1962 and still buzzing with hen parties and birthday celebrations.
Sure, their proper breakfast is solid, but the real stars are those fresh cupcakes, zesty lemon drizzle slices and pillowy carrot cakes (always baked that morning).
When you’ve had your sweet fix, wander over to Kensington High Street and pop into the Japan House Centre for a dose of serene minimalism.
Quirky Cafes in London: Aladdin’s, Hornsey
If you’re wandering past Elthorne Park, pop into Aladdin’s in Hornsey.
You’ll find fresh breakfast and lunch specials, homemade cakes—from vegan flapjacks to red velvet—and seriously good lattes by the window or outside when the sun pops out.
Slip around the counter and you’ll discover second-hand armchairs, quirky tables and other vintage treasures hiding at the back. It feels like half café, half secret antique trove. Trust me, this village-style gem is one you’ll kick yourself for missing.
The Best Cat Cafes in London
Quirky Cafes in London: Whiskers & Cream
Tucked away on Upper Holloway, Whiskers & Cream feels like a cosy living room where you can curl up with a great afternoon tea and a purring companion.
The counter’s stacked with vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free cakes alongside classics, and the drinks menu has everything from lattes to herbal brews.
Their motto—care and consideration lead to contentment—means every kitty is treated like royalty, so you’ll always find lively, happy cats to pet (just mind the house rules to keep them content).
Quirky Cafes in London: Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium
Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in Shoreditch feels like stepping into a storybook—its green storefront on Bethnal Green Road instantly brings Alice’s Cheshire Cat to mind.
Inside, you’ll sip oat lattes and nibble on freshly baked cakes while fluffy felines roam a magical basement “forest” filled with cat trees, tunnels and secret perches.
Just a short stroll from Bethnal Green and Shoreditch High Street stations, it’s the perfect pit stop before hunting down quirky charity shops or grabbing a rainbow bagel nearby.
Whether you’re a cat lover or just after a sweet treat in a one-of-a-kind setting, Lady Dinah’s is a Shoreditch must-visit!
Quirky Cafes in London: Java Whiskers
If you’re in Marylebone and fancy feline company, drop by Java Whiskers on Beaumont Street—part of that cool Swedish café chain and just a short stroll from Great Portland Street station.
You can pre-book a decadent fika, afternoon tea or cream tea for a special treat, or reserve an hour of cat cuddles for £13.50 (food and drinks sold separately).
Either way, you’ll find comfy sofas, happy purring pals and a relaxed vibe perfect for unwinding.
Then, if you’ve got time, Regent’s Park is just around the corner—perfect for a post-café stroll among rose gardens and boating lakes.
The Best Themed Cafes in London
Quirky Cafes in London: Pottery Cafe, Fulham Road
Pottery Cafe is where your morning coffee meets your inner artist—grab a latte, pick a handmade mug or plate, and let your creativity run wild with pottery-painting kits that make every brushstroke feel like play.
Tucked into West London’s Fulham neighbourhood, this café stands out for its relaxed vibe and hands-on charm.
You’ll swap small talk for big splashes of color and come away with memories (and maybe a slightly messy apron) that last long after the last drop of coffee.
Themed Cafes in London: Fait Maison, Berkeley Street
Pop into Fait Maison on Berkeley Street and you’ll feel like you’re lounging inside a vintage flower shop, with bouquets, garlands and charming candles setting the scene.
Treat yourself to a flaky croissant and a latte so beautiful you’ll snap a dozen photos before taking a sip.
Swing by at lunchtime for their homemade shakshouka or a fresh seasonal salad that tastes as good as it looks.
Whether you’re catching up with friends or stealing a solo moment, Fait Maison is the girliest hideaway in town for pretty vibes and perfect bites.
Quirky Cafes in London: Poetry Pharmacy, Oxford Street
If you miss the old Lush café vibe, head up to the first floor of the Oxford Street flagship and discover the Poetry Pharmacy’s Dispensary coffee shop.
You’ll find jars of hand-picked poems, vials of haikus and stacks of books mingling with barista-made espresso and Good and Proper Tea—perfect for losing yourself in a verse while sipping something warm.
Once you’ve stocked up on literary gifts in cute potion bottles, step back into the Oxford Street buzz with a fresh brew in hand. Whether you’re hunting down hidden bookshops or just browsing the flagship stores, this little rooftop retreat is the sweetest secret spot for coffee-and-poetry lovers.
Quirky Cafes in London: Rabbit Hole Cafe, Holloway Road
When I’m craving a hearty halal breakfast in North London, I always head to Rabbit Hole Café on Holloway Road.
The rustic wooden tables, scattered greenery and whimsical clocks and rabbit touches make you feel like you’ve tumbled into your favourite story.
Their rainbow pancake stacks are as comforting as they are Instagrammable, and every bite hits just right.
Whether you’re digging into shakshuka, a loaded breakfast platter or sipping your coffee slowly in that laid-back Wonderland vibe, Rabbit Hole is one of London’s most relaxed themed cafes!
The Best Italian Cafes in London
Best Italian Cafes in London: Caffè Napoli
If you’re meandering down Goodge Street in Fitzrovia, just a stone’s throw from Tottenham Court Road, duck into Caffè Napoli.
It’s tiny—think a handful of stools and barely any outdoor tables—but they pack a punch with my favourite Italian breakfast: pillowy brioche dripping with jam and ginseng coffee so sweetly spiced it should be its own love language.
Grab a seat if you can, because once you’ve had that biscotti-dipped morning treat and savoured the ginseng brew, you’ll be plotting your next visit before you even leave.
Best Italian Cafes in London: Bar Italia
Pop into Bar Italia in the heart of Soho and you’ll step into a little slice of Italy with its tiny tables, vintage décor and impossibly strong coffee.
Grab a filled cornetto and watch the world go by as baristas pull shot after perfect shot from early morning until late at night.
Whether you need your first caffeine jolt or a late-night pick-me-up, Bar Italia feels just like those classic cafes in Rome. It’s small, it’s busy and it never lets you down when you’re on the hunt for the best Italian coffee in London.
Quirky Cafes in London: Caffè Vergnano, Holborn
If you’re in Holborn and craving a slice of Italy, pop into Caffè Vergnano for an espresso that’s been perfected since 1882.
The spacious interior (and plenty of comfy seats) means you can linger over a proper Italian breakfast—think buttery croissants, fluffy brioches and perfectly brewed cappuccinos—without feeling rushed.
Once that first sip hits, you’ll understand why this classic coffee house has won hearts from Turin to London!
Quirky Cafes in London: Italian Bear Chocolate
If you’re craving the creamiest, most indulgent hot chocolate in London, head to Italian Bear Chocolate in Soho or Fitzrovia.
Their queues say it all—rich white, milk and dark chocolate crowns every slice of cake, turning each bite into pure bliss.
Don’t miss their Italian coffee either: it’s otherworldly, with bold flavors that perfectly complement those chocolatey treats.
Quirky Cafes in London: Quarantacinque, Bethnal Green
If you’re exploring Bethnal Green and spot Jambala Bookshop, make a beeline for Quarantacinque next door—this tiny Italian café has been serving East London its morning fix for years.
Swing by for flaky cornetti and pillowy sfogliatelle, all baked fresh, or grab a savory arancino if you’re feeling something a little more filling.
Inside it feels like you’ve been whisked to a Roman bar: espresso shots pulled just right, friendly chatter at the counter and a few stools if you manage to snag one.
The Best Church Cafes in London
Best Church Cafes in London: The Wren, City of London
Hidden inside St Nicholas Cole Abbey in the City of London, The Wren feels like a cosy coffee shop built into a cathedral.
Tall windows flood the space with light as you sip one of their smooth brews and nibble on fresh pastries baked each morning.
Grab a seat, lose yourself in a good book or fire up your laptop in this serene spot.
When you’re ready to explore, you’re just minutes from St Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge and the Tate Modern.
Quirky Cafes in London: Host Cafe, St Mary Aldermary, City of London
Tucked into the stunning vaults of St Mary Aldermary, Host Cafe serves flawless V60 pour-overs alongside fresh cupcakes, gooey brownies and carrot cake that’ll have you smiling with every bite.
The glow of stained glass and the warmth of friendly baristas make it the perfect spot to unwind or fuel up for the day.
When it’s time to stretch your legs, wander down Fleet Street into Temple’s hidden courtyards or head over to Leadenhall Market for a bit of window shopping in one of London’s most beautiful arcades.
Quirky Cafes in London: Cafe in the Crypt, Trafalgar Square
If you find yourself near Trafalgar Square, duck down into Cafe in the Crypt below St Martin in the Fields and you’ll discover a cozy hideaway under those soaring brick vaults.
Order a coffee and a slice of cake or try their comforting British lunch classics, then stay for an intimate concert upstairs if you fancy something a bit different.
Once you’re refuelled, head back up to admire the church’s elegant interior before popping into the National Gallery to gape at Van Gogh and Monet.
If shopping or street performers are more your thing, wander over to Covent Garden, or stroll down Whitehall for views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the grand façades of the Strand.
Quirky Cafes in London: Cafe Below, St Mary le Bow Church, City of London
If you’re exploring the lanes by St Mary le Bow, head downstairs into Cafe Below’s candlelit crypt—once a WWII air-raid shelter, now a snug spot for coffee, seasonal lunches and tasty drinks surrounded by ancient stone walls.
When you’ve lingered over your latte, pop up to One New Change’s free rooftop terrace for unbeatable views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline, then slip inside the shops—Oliver Bonas is a personal favourite—to keep the day rolling.
Quirky Cafes in London: Sanctuary Cafe, Sherriff Centre, West Hampstead
Tucked inside St James’s Church’s neo-Gothic splendour, the Sanctuary Café at the Sherriff Centre feels like a secret hideaway in West Hampstead—soaring stained-glass windows, vaulted arches and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Grab a locally sourced slice of cake or a warm pastry, find a sunny pew to perch on, and soak up those timeless vibes.
When you’ve refuelled, wander down West End Lane for its quirky bookshops, head up to Hampstead Heath for killer skyline views or hop over to Kilburn High Road for a bit of Superdrug, TK Maxx and charity-shop treasure hunting.
Best Church Cafes in London: Southwark Cathedral Cafe, London Bridge
If you’re around Borough Market or wandering Bermondsey, slip into the Southwark Cathedral Café right at the entrance of one of London’s oldest medieval churches.
This family-run spot from Comptoir Gourmand serves up lovely coffee and pastries in the shadow of soaring arches – wonderful.
Once you’ve had your caffeine fix, grab a doughnut or cinnamon bun from Bread Ahead and stroll along the Southbank.
You’ll stumble on hidden treasures like the Winchester Palace ruins, the Clink Prison site and a vibrant Shakespeare mural, and about fifteen minutes down you’ll hit the Oxo Tower.
The Best Christmas Cafes in London
Quirky Cafes in London: Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury
If you’re wandering through Bloomsbury’s leafy courtyards and chic boutiques, pop into Dalloway Terrace for a season-lit escape—think autumnal foliage in fall, twinkling lights at Christmas and fresh blooms in spring all around a cosy café courtyard.
Once you’re warmed up (or blissfully stuffed), duck into nearby Marylebone Lane for quirky boutiques, lose yourself in the British Museum’s hidden gems, or hunt down hidden squares like Russell and Bedford for the perfect photo op.
Pretty Cafes in London With Christmas Decor: Minnow, Clapham
Tucked away in Clapham, Minnow feels like your cosiest friend’s living room—twinkling fairy lights, pine-cone wreaths and seasonal blooms deck the inside and wrap around the terrace, no matter the time of year.
Whether you’re planning a laid-back brunch with pals or a festive breakfast date, Minnow nails the vibe and the menu.
Think gooey cinnamon buns, fluffy pancakes and perfectly poached eggs, all served with a side of warm hospitality—you’ll be plotting your next visit before you’ve even left.
Quirky Cafes in London: With Christmas Decor: Bageriet, Covent Garden
If you’re exploring Covent Garden, slip down a back street to Bageriet—a tiny Scandinavian-style bakery that feels like home all year, but really twinkles once Christmas hits with elves, wreaths and candlelight.
Their famous cinnamon buns and freshly baked loaves are always a treat, and come December they add Swedish pepparkakor gingerbread cookies to the festive lineup.
After your fika, lose yourself in Covent Garden’s hidden alleys and colorful courtyards, or head over to James Street for some fashion, beauty and makeup shopping—perfect fuelled by that perfect bun (or two).
Quirky Cafes in London With Christmas Decor: Biscuiteers, Notting Hill
Pop into Biscuiteers in Notting Hill and you’ll find yourself surrounded by glittering iced biscuits shaped like Christmas trees, snowmen and gingerbread people, all nestled under twinkling lights that feel straight out of a retro holiday movie.
It’s the perfect spot to pick up a one-of-a-kind London souvenir or spoil someone special with a beautifully packaged gift set.
If you really want to lean into the festive fun, book one of their biscuit-icing workshops and learn to paint your own treats while you sip coffee or hot chocolate. Whether you’re after a romantic moment or just a sweet escape, Biscuiteers is a Christmas lover’s dream come true.
Quirky Cafes in London: Where to Get a ‘Different’ Breakfast
You’ll hopefully have found here lots of unique cafes you’d really like to try when in London!
I’m always on the lookout for new breakfast spots; if you have special dietary needs, make sure you check out my guides to gluten-free bakeries, vegan bakeries and halal cafes in London, too.