A local’s guide to the best cafes in London Bridge, Bermondsey, Borough Market, Hay’s Galleria and nearby; the best breakfast and brunch spots to start the day!
From the day I moved to London in 2019, I’ve felt drawn to the London Bridge area.
And it’s not just Borough Market – though we’ll stop there too.
Today, we’re checking out some of the best cafes for coffee, breakfast, and brunch, and also wandering over to the charming streets of Bermondsey.
I’ve shared plenty of other cafes and brunch spots here before, but this guide focuses on more outstanding gems.
We’ll explore the Shard Arcade, London Bridge Station, Borough Market, Hay’s Galleria, and Bermondsey Street, stopping only at cafes that serve perfect morning coffee, fresh croissants, and irresistible cakes and pastries.
No ultra-famous chains here, just locally roasted coffee and spots that might become your new favorites.
Cafes in London Bridge: 21+ Tasty Breakfast and Brunch Spots
This is only the first of many guides to breakfast spots and cafes in London, as you’ve already been able to find here delicious places to have breakfast in Mayfair, cute coffee shops in Covent Garden, and many more.
London Bridge feels like the very area where you’ll find digital nomads and students in London roaming around in search of some fresh air.
Something quite incredible, come to think of it, is how many hidden gems you’ll find in London Bridge as well, from street art to sculptures and secret neighborhoods too.
Whether you’re in the area to discover landmarks or to unravel London Bridge’s maritime history, it all starts with a filling breakfast.
Best Cafes in London Bridge: Monmouth Coffee
Just off Borough Market, Monmouth Coffee is one of the best cafes in London Bridge for anyone craving a great cup of roasted coffee.
With several branches around the city, Monmouth Coffee serves excellent coffee in London Bridge, Covent Garden, and Spa Terminus.
The Borough Market location is easy to reach from the Thames riverside, where I also recommend visiting Winchester Palace, one of the few remaining medieval sites in London.
Grab a cup of Monmouth Coffee to wake up, in a reusable cup if possible, a fresh cinnamon bun if you don’t arrive too late, and then head over to the calming Southbank.
Best Cafes in London Bridge: Crol & Co
Crol and Co has the independent coffee shop vibe that digital nomads love. Just a few minutes from Borough Market, it’s a haven for coffee lovers.
Come alone, with friends, or to journal – Crol and Co is the kind of cafe where you feel so good you almost don’t want to leave.
In the morning, you might wait a bit for their special toasties and specialty coffee. Looking for the best breakfast in London Bridge? Crol and Co is the place.
Located on Newcomen Street near Borough Station, it’s perfect for a low-key, independent brunch. Expect creamy coffee, fresh pastries, and outdoor seating on a lively terrace.
Not just one of the best cafes in London Bridge, it’s also a top spot to write, read, or just relax.
Best Cafes in London Bridge: Gentlemen Baristas
The Gentlemen Baristas might have one of the most fun coffee names in London Bridge, and their breakfast and brunch are just as good.
You’ll find cheese platters, fresh pastries, granola, and waffles on the menu.
If you’re exploring the city, there are other locations from Mayfair to Flat Iron Square and Vinegar Yard, each with that charming old-school, vintage coffee shop vibe.
Their Mayfair branch is my favorite, with fresh croissants and fruity coffee that make it hard to leave.
Back in London Bridge, it’s one of the best spots for freshly roasted coffee and pastries, with seating to watch the world go by.
Best Cafes in London Bridge: WatchHouse
The Watchhouse Bermondsey might be one of the smallest cafes in London Bridge, but don’t let that fool you!
Their strong, flavorful coffee has made them steadily famous, and in less than a decade they’ve even opened a few branches around London.
There are only a handful of seats, which makes it perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch on the go.
But if you grab one of the cozy spots in the back, you can take your time, sip your coffee, and wake up properly before heading out into the day.
Best Cafes in London Bridge: Cafe Piazza, Hay’s Galleria
I’ve visited Cafe Piazza in Hay’s Galleria a number of times, and what I love most are their pancake plates, grilled banana bread slices, and other delicacies.
It’s perfect for a Saturday morning when you arrive at London Bridge station and don’t want to walk far for coffee and breakfast. With a terrace under the colorful Hay’s Galleria roof, it’s a great spot for brunch in any season.
You can sit inside or outside, and make sure to try their hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. The menu has everything from a Full English breakfast — vegan or not — to sweet treats like chocolate-covered grilled banana bread.
Cafe Piazza really feels like one of those spots where you can take your time, enjoy a leisurely meal, and soak in the beauty of Hay’s Galleria.
Best Cafes in London Bridge: Caravan
Industrial, elegant, with a touch of hipster, Caravan Bankside is one of the best spots for brunch in London Bridge.
They serve Caravan Coffee Roasters coffee with eggs, porridge, pancakes, and sourdough treats in a menu full of fresh and indulgent options.
The industrial interior mixes with a homely vibe that makes brunch feel effortless.
Open every day, Caravan is also a study-friendly cafe, perfect for digital nomads, freelancers, and students looking for a great place to work while enjoying a hearty brunch.
Best Cafes in London Bridge: Roasting Plant Coffee
The Roasting Plant Coffee, on Borough High Street just before London Bridge, is one of the biggest cafes in the area.
Their JavaBot machine, a transparent system that roasts beans on the spot, makes it one of the most cutting-edge cafes in London Bridge.
The posh yet relaxed interior is perfect for studying or enjoying a coffee before heading to the Tate Modern or Millennium Bridge.
They have other branches, including a huge one on The Strand near Covent Garden, which is another great study-friendly spot with fresh pastries and cakes.
Made-to-order coffee, plenty of pastries, and power outlets make the London Bridge location a must-visit for anyone looking for excellent coffee and a comfortable place to work.
Best Cafes in London Bridge: Fcukoffee
To reach Fcukoffee, walk a few minutes from London Bridge Station, past Vinegar Yard, and turn right on Bermondsey Street.
I like to stop by around lunchtime to write, read, or just relax, knowing lunch is covered nearby at Franco Manca, which serves some of the cheapest Neapolitan pizza in Central London.
Fcukoffee is a quirky little spot perfect for roaming Southwark’s hidden gems – you’re always guaranteed delicious doughnuts, cookies, and decadent coffee.
They also have two branches on Bethnal Green Road, one of which is great for working in East London.
If you want to build your own brunch, Fcukoffee offers fresh pastries, savory bites, and neon-filled, fun decor – definitely one of the best brunch spots in London Bridge if you love eclectic vibes.
Best Brunch in London Bridge: Table Cafe
Located on Southwark Street close to Borough Market, the Table Cafe has been an institution of breakfast and brunch in London Bridge for over a decade.
Still, it seems like it’s kept its local appearance and gusto, and out of the touristic wind that embraces London at all times of the year.
Full plates garnished with fritters and eggs, pancakes, and delicious waffles – a must-visit, especially for its vegetarian and vegan pancakes.
Best Brunch in London Bridge: Lantana Cafe
If your taste buds are craving the best brunch in London Bridge, hop on the Tube to London Bridge Station and head to Lantana Cafe.
The all-Australian menu is praised by everyone who tries it. Vegan options include avocado poke bowls and smashed avo toast, while others can enjoy salmon poke bowls and all kinds of egg dishes.
It’s fresh, colorful, and really hits the spot, whether you’re after something light or a proper brunch.
Best Brunch in London Bridge: The Folly
The Folly is an utterly gorgeous restaurant on the other side of London Bridge, on Gracechurch Street.
The Folly, part of the Drake & Morgan Group, offers Sunday brunch with two courses and a drink.
Nearby, Fenchurch Street, the Sky Garden and its amazing free views of London, and the fabulous candles at TK Maxx are definitely to be visited.
Best Cafes in London Bridge: Chapter 72
One of the cutest cafes in London Bridge, Chapter 72 on Bermondsey Street was born out of a love for coffee.
The menu has some of the freshest pastries and cakes around, perfect if you’re after a great breakfast in London Bridge.
Their ethically-sourced coffee beans also turn into amazing coffee-based cocktails at happy hour.
A must-visit for brunch, breakfast, or just a good cup of coffee before heading to the historic Rotherhithe area.
Best Brunch in London Bridge: Where The Pancakes Are
Where the Pancakes Are is an institution for the best pancakes in London Bridge.
It’s a tiny spot, so expect a queue outside, especially on weekends when everyone in the city seems to want a taste.
The menu has both savory and sweet pancakes, an English breakfast, and stunning coffee that hits just right.
Whether you’re after a hearty brunch to start your day or just want to indulge in some decadent pancakes, this place delivers – every single time.
Best Coffee in London Bridge Station: Three Wheels Coffee
Three Wheels Coffee has been around for a while, serving delicious coffee in the Shard Arcade.
The cafe’s name comes from the tricycle it all started with. I haven’t been in a while, but I still remember the utterly unforgettable red velvet croissant I grabbed one morning.
Red velvet is one of my favorite cakes in the world, along with cheesecakes, and let me tell you, you just never find red velvet croissants in London.
So if that’s not enough to make it one of the best breakfasts in London Bridge – maybe even London itself – I don’t know what is.
Best Cafes in London Bridge: Bermondsey Corner
Just a few minutes from London Bridge Station, in the middle of Bermondsey Street, you’ll find a hipster coffee shop brewing artisan coffee in a rustic space.
French owners Jean Michel and Quentin have made it a local institution for cheese, bread, and fine ingredients.
It’s one of the best cafes in London Bridge for a fresh, quality brunch on the go.
Best Cafes near London Bridge Station: Harris + Hoole
Harris and Hoole has several locations in London, but the London Bridge branch is one of the coolest.
The cafe is decently sized, with plenty of pastries and seating. Nearby, you’ll find hidden gems like the Blue Eyed Maid pub and Stephen Balkenhol’s wooden statues.
If you’re exploring Borough Market and Vinegar Yard, Harris and Hoole is a must-visit independent coffee shop in London Bridge.
Best Breakfast in Borough Market: Bread Ahead Bakery
Since its early days, Bread Ahead Bakery in Borough Market has grown, now with branches in South Kensington, Hampstead, Wembley, and Chelsea.
When I lived in West Hampstead, I’d often visit the Wembley branch, a spacious spot perfect for enjoying pastries, doughnuts, and coffee.
In London Bridge, Bread Ahead is one of the best cafes, famous for its huge doughnuts, delicious coffee, and a baking school where you can watch people practicing as you walk by.
Best Breakfast near Borough Market: Breakfast Club
If you’re after the best brunch in London Bridge, you need to visit the Breakfast Club.
Their Southwark Street location, just minutes from Borough Market, offers the ultimate breakfast experience.
From fluffy, decadent pancakes to bowls, toasties, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, it’s easy to see why this place is a go-to for breakfast and brunch in London Bridge.
A few steps from Borough Market, it’s trendy and hipster, but expect a queue, especially on weekends.
Fluffy pancakes, breakfast burritos, fresh juices, and a strong cup of coffee will set you up perfectly for a day exploring the area.
Best Cafes in Borough Market: The Colombian Coffee Company
The Colombian Coffee Company is one of the best cafes in London Bridge, and honestly, one of the best in all of London.
They have two spots: a stand in Borough Market and a small coffee shop in Flat Iron Square under the bridge.
Both serve amazing Colombian coffee, and the first time I tried it, I felt like I’d never even had coffee before.
Best Cafes near Borough Market: The Steaming Pitcher
The Steaming Pitcher is probably one of the most underrated cafes in London Bridge, which means shorter queues even on busy weekends around Borough Market.
They serve some of the best coffee in London Bridge, along with creamy pastel de nata, flaky croissants, and pains au chocolat.
For decadent breakfast bites, the Steaming Pitcher, tucked inside the Hop Exchange building, also offers a variety of toasties you’ll want to try as soon as possible.
Best Cafes in London Bridge: Change Please
Change Please might become one of your favorite cafes in London Bridge if you’re feeling a bit more human than usual.
Their award-winning coffee in Borough Market isn’t just delicious — it also supports a good cause.
If you’ve been following me, you know I love shopping at charity shops in London because they give back.
At Change Please, getting some of the best coffee in London Bridge means you’re also contributing to the fight against homelessness.
Cafes in London Bridge: 21+ Tasty Breakfast and Brunch Spots
There you have them, some of the best cafes in London Bridge for breakfast, brunch, or just a great cup of coffee around Borough Market, Southwark, and Bermondsey Street.
There are plenty more coffee shops in the area, but I focused on spots with excellent coffee, cakes, pastries, and breakfast.
If you’re after the best brunch in London Bridge, I’ve got a separate guide for that, and if you’re looking for cafes to work in, you’ll find those too.
Some of these cafes do double duty, serving amazing coffee and brunch while also being perfect for reading, writing, or just soaking up the atmosphere!