coffee tasting tour london

THE 10 BEST London Coffee & Tea Tours

Coffee & tea tours in london.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
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• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. VIP Tour: Royal High Tea At Kensington Palace Gardens

2. Brigit's Afternoon Tea Bus in London

3. English Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London– Upper Deck

4. Royal neighbourhoods walk with luxury afternoon tea

5. Harry Potter Tour & Magical Afternoon Tea

6. English Afternoon Tea Bus & Panoramic Tour of London- Lower Deck

7. Highlights & Secrets of London Private Tour - Camden Town, Downtown & Markets

8. 2 Hour Belgravia Walking Tour and High Tea

9. Private Traditional Borough Market Food Tour

10. Royal London Tour with Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace

11. Notting Hill Self-Guided Food Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Hampton Court guided tour Full day and High Tea

Brighton Bar Crawl

Chocolatier workshop

Tour & Tasting Experience

Scenic Vineyards, Villages, & Beauty Spots in Surrey near London

Vineyard & Cheesemaker Bus Tour of Sussex

Half Day Beer Tour of Lewes

Express Workshop

Mini Chocolatier workshop

Owners vineyard tour and tasting at Oastbrook

Brighton Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour

Classic Heritage Pub Tour

Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour on Iconic Vintage London Bus

Kew Biscuit Decorating Class for Adults

'Introduction to Sourdough Baking' Workshop

Crown & Jewels Workshop

3 Hour Chocolate Making Experience in The Mayford business centre

Romantic Workshop with Drinks for Two

DrChocs SEN Workshop

What travellers are saying.

Coffee Tasting in London – An Experience To Savour

Coffee tasting in london.

Freshly brewed coffee is a complex drink. You’ve heard of wine tasting so if you are a coffee addict one of the things you may enjoy is experimenting with new brewed coffees. This is a great way of developing a palate and a sense of the perfect coffee for you. This is an article on some of the interesting coffee tasting options in London.

Coffee tasting is also known as coffee cupping. The people who do this professionally, are known as Q graders. But coffee cupping is something you can do informally to learn about tastes and aromas of coffee. Like wine tasting, coffee tasting takes practice to develop your nose and palate, but what better way than to get started.

Here are places for coffee tasting in London.

Ozone is an award winning coffee roastery that originated in New Zealand that provides some of the best coffees in London. Today, Ozone is a favourite with coffee connoisseurs in London.

Based in trendy Shoreditch, this is something to try to experience different types of brewing techniques and the freshly brewed coffee.

There are two options for the coffee cupping in Ozone – Roasting or Origins. The first takes you through the roasting process and how this impacts the bean. You’ll get to taste a variety of different roasts to experiment with tastes and aromas. The Origins coffee cupping takes you through how the origins of the coffee bean has an impact on flavour of coffee.

Coffee tasting is held twice a month and is quite popular so you should expect a wait of about a month to be able to get in. This held on Wednesday evenings for a couple of hours.   https://trulyexperiences.com/uk/unconventional-coffee-cupping-ozone.html

An option for a mid-week break from the routine?

2. Alchemy Coffee

Alchemy is a UK based roaster of excellence. Their espresso coffee is considered by some as the best in London. So it shouldn’t surprise you that their coffee can be tasted at the Parcafe in the Dorchester.

Alchemy provides a 2-hour coffee tasting experience and include a cupping competition at the end for some fun as well. You’ll find this at their café near City Thames Link. http://www.alchemycoffee.co.uk/services/training

3. London School of Coffee

If you are looking for something more in depth then there is the London School of Coffee. If you want to take cupping to a professional level without an exam, then take the one day course that they provide.

Here you’ll start with things like sensory exercises to get you ready for the tasting and aromas. You’ll also learn how to set up a professional coffee cupping table and see how the professionals would work.

https://www.londonschoolofcoffee.com/cupping

Prufrock is a vibrant café on Leather Lane in London. They provide a variety of SCA training and one of them is on the sensory experience with coffee. This is about understanding cupping terminology, how to evaluate roasted coffee, how to set up a cupping table and much more. If you think you’d like to be a skilled barista one day, this course goes towards points on the SCA.

https://www.prufrockcoffee.com/class/scae-sensory-foundation/

5.BaristaBarBar

BaristaBarBar has established itself of running some of the best food and drink courses in Europe. An Australian company, their trained baristas work all around UK, Europe and Asia. They run a monthly cupping course where you get to learn how to assess coffee by taste and aroma. You also get to sample a variety of coffees from different countries so that you get a sense of the flavours associated with regions.

http://www.baristabarbar.co.uk/pb/wp_f4bf533f/wp_f4bf533f.html

6. Climpsons and Sons

Climpsons and sons were one of the early pioneers of the speciality coffee scene in London. They roast some of the best coffee that makes its way into top hotels and restaurants. Climpsons run a cupping club once a month at their roastery where you can go along to learn to smell the coffee and assess it.

https://climpsonandsons.com/pages/cupping-club

Coffeehouse Tour

Join Dr Matthew Green for an immersive whirlwind tour of London’s original – and best – coffeehouses in the City’s maze cobbled streets and discover how “bitter Mohammedan gruel” transformed the face of the city, brought people together, and inspired brilliant ideas that shaped the modern world. 

Includes free shots of 17th-century style coffee, “black as hell, strong as death, sweet as love!”

• At the end of the tour you’ll have the opportunity to buy a signed paperback of Matthew’s critically-acclaimed, Times Top 10 bestselling book, Shadowlands: A Journey through Lost Britain (Faber).
• The live tour has been featured in the Telegraph ,  Guardian ,  Londonist ,  Time Out   and on  BBC TV and Radio

London’s coffee craze began in a muddy churchyard in the heart of the City where, from 1652, an eccentric Greek with a twirly moustache, colourful turban, and preposterous English accent first sold a foul-looking liquid to the public. Charismatic young London historian Dr Matthew Green  will meet you there to tell the story of how “bitter Mohammedan gruel” transformed the face of the city, brought people together, and inspired brilliant ideas that made the modern, enlightened world.

Witness the rise and fall of London’s first coffeehouse proprietor, Pasqua Rosée , the man who triggered a momentous coffeehouse boom as the new drink triumphed over kings, fires, and women fulminating against that “newfangled abominable heathenish liquor called COFFEE” that had reduced their men to effeminate gossipers. Wander past the sites of Europe’s oldest coffeehouses in the labyrinthine alleys and secret courtyards of the City, including Lloyd’s , Garraway’s and Jonathan’s , the triumvirate of coffeehouses that powered the British Empire.

Immerse yourself in all that went on inside, from Sir Isaac Newton’s dolphin dissections at the Grecian Coffeehouse to inquisitions of insanity at the Hoxton Square, Samuel Pepys’s metaphysical debates at Bowman’s  to corrupt wheeler-dealing in stocks and shares at Jonathan’s ; auctions by candle at Garraway’s to the issuing of brutal literary judgements at Button’s . Meet Charles II and furious tavern-keepers hidden along the route.

Feel a pang of nostalgia for at an age that cherished the face-to-face exchange of ideas where you could begin a conversation with anyone in the world by demanding “ What News Have You? ” in an increasingly virtual world as our high streets are invaded by bland Starbucks clones.

This is a hugely original, entertaining, and informative alternative to more traditional guided walks. The tour lasts around 1hr 30 mins

Terms and Conditions

– Unreal City Audio events are non-refundable. But in exceptional or unforeseen circumstances, tickets can be transferred to later events, or you may exchange your ticket for a gift voucher.

– This event will be rigorously socially distanced. Hand sanitiser will be available. Masks are encouraged but not compulsory.

Dr Matthew Green

In 2009, Dr Matthew Green completed a PhD in the history of the mass media at Oxford University. Unmoved by the prospect of a cloistered academic life he turned to popular history and now writes for the Guardian and Telegraph, appears on BBC TV and radio, teaches a wide range of historical subjects, and gives sell-out talks at the Idler Academy, 5x15, Port Eliot and elsewhere. He is currently writing a book on 17th and 18th-century coffeehouses.

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What is espresso? Learn everything you need to know about the brewing process and characteristics of an espresso, from speciality coffee roasters and brewers.

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Exploring speciality coffee subscriptions. We delve into how online coffee subscriptions work, from the type of coffee you can order to what you can expect, and if they’re worth it.

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Delving nose first into the science behind scent, here we explore how smell influences your full sensory experience in coffee.

Earlier this year, our Quality Control Coordinator travelled to Nicaragua on a sourcing trip to meet our Direct Trade partners, the Mierisch Family.

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This coffee machine buying guide looks at some of the finest espresso and coffee pod machines for at home, including brands from Sage, Morning and La Marzocco.

In this coffee grinder guide we review price, specifications & features from a range of leading models. Find the best grinder for your needs today

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Fernando Lima is a man whose coffee forms such a key component of everything we do here at Origin. Learn more about his story and farm history

Here we celebrate three of our longest standing relationships with producers, as well as shining a light on our partnership with SMC

Coffee Tasting Experience | London

Join us for an immersive journey through the speciality coffee world and discover your flavour preferences in this tasting experience..

Our team of coffee experts will guide you through different origins and processing methods using a method called ‘cupping’. This is a brewing method used by professional tasters to evaluate coffee. The event will be delivered in an informal, relaxed style aimed at the home enthusiast who would like to perfect their sensory skills.

See extra course details below and available dates and times through the 'book now' link.

• Courses need a minimum of 5 attendees to run.
• If the course has not reached maximum capacity, Origin Coffee reserve the right to change the booking date.
• With any unforeseen circumstances, Origin Coffee reserve right to change the booking date or time. We endeavour to give you a minimum of 1 weeks notice if the course needs to be rearranged.
• If you need to reschedule or cannot make your original booking date, we require 1 weeks notice otherwise your booking fee may not be honoured.
• Glass of wine at entry (alcohol free options available)
• A brief explanation of the coffee journey, processes and sustainability
• Coffee tasting: different origins and processing methods from Origins’ mainstay and feature portfolio
• Event duration: 1.5 hours
• Practical guidance and support from our experienced specialists  
• No prior knowledge required
• The course will be taught from our London cafe located on Charlotte Road, Shoreditch.

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Coffee Roasting Experience in London at HEJ Coffee for Two

Fancy learning about coffee on a hands-on roasting experience at HEJ Coffee’s roastery in Elephant and Castle? This coffee-roasting masterclass will have coffee lovers graduating to connoisseurs in no time! Begin with a warm welcome and a delicious cup of coffee. Then it's time to learn all the tricks of the roasting trade from the experts, including how flavours are developed in the roasting process. Watch a live demonstration of the 30kg BESCA ROASTER and grab the opportunity to give it a try. Next up, discover the different flavours and characteristics of coffees from around the world with a coffee-tasting session. Continuing the journey, it's time to take the freshly roasted coffee to the professional espresso machine, where a barista will explain how to make the perfect espresso. Finish the experience with a coffee ’til cocktails masterclass, where guests learn how to make a delicious espresso martini. Cheers!

• Learn all about coffee on this four-hour roasting experience for two in London
• This hands-on experience includes:
• Fresh coffee on arrival
• Introduction to the IKAWA Sample Roaster
• Learn all about the journey of the coffee bean
• Taste different coffees with a coffee cupping session
• Watch a live roasting demonstration on a 30kg BESCA ROASTER
• Watch a homebrew demonstration and pick up tips
• Receive barista training on a professional machine
• Finish with a coffee 'til cocktails masterclass
• Take home a 250g bag of coffee
• Availability Description This voucher is valid for two people. Available on Saturdays, year round. All dates are subject to availability.
• Duration This experiences lasts approximately four hours.
• Other Info All our vouchers are fully flexible and can be redeemed against our huge range of experiences. All skill levels are welcome. Minimum age: 16 years. For any allergy concerns, please enquire upon booking.
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London Coffee & Tea Tours

Coffee & tea: tours & tickets, anna's afternoon tea at grosvenor house hotel.

At one of London's most elegant and grand hotels, indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea experience. Enjoy this pleasant English tradition as you taste

Small-Group English Tea & Desserts Tour

Start the tour as we mean to go on, tasting chocolates fit for a queen, in one of London's most luxurious stores. Pick your own flavours from an amazing

Afternoon Tea at the Milestone Hotel

Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea experience at the Milestone Hotel, whose history extends as far back as 1689. This quintessentially English tradition is

Buckingham Palace Tickets with Royal Tour & English Tea

Delight in the rare opportunity to enter Buckingham Palace and hear about palace life, residents, furnishings, history, and traditions. Afterward, indulge in

Combo Saver: Iconic Sights of London Full-Day Tour

Spend your day exploring London’s most iconic landmarks, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben. Enjoy a relaxing river cruise, and

Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace

There's no better place to have afternoon tea than at The Rubens at the Palace Hotel, which overlooks the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. Enjoy this timeless

Brigit's Afternoon Tea Bus Tour (N8 Northumberland Avenue)

Capture the heart of the city’s culture, landmarks and history on our London Routemaster bus, whilst sipping on a lovely cup of tea and enjoying the

London Bridge Food Tour

Eat your way through the London Bridge area on this award-winning and mouthwatering food tour. Savor an array of traditional sweet and savory British foods as

Afternoon Tea at the British Museum

Sip aromatic and flavorful teas from around the world and nibble on scrumptious snacks including delicate finger sandwiches, handmade pastries, and decadent

Traditional Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

Whether you’re catching up with friends and family, celebrating a special day or just treating yourself, what better way to do so than sitting back,

Lake District Day Trip by Train with Lake Windermere Cruise & Afternoon Tea

On this adventure to the Lake District,board a train in London and travel northwest to the area that inspired many of the author's pastoral tales. After a

London in Style with Afternoon Tea at Westminster Abbey Full Day Tour

Ride through the streets of London aboard a vintage red bus as you stop to visit landmarks like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. Scope out icons of

Coffee Tour of London

Embark on a 2-hour journey enjoying coffee around Soho and Covent Garden. Take in a full caffeine experience by learning how to prepare, talk about and

Highlights of London Walking Tour with English Afternoon Tea

London is bursting with must-see attractions, so take the hassle out of navigating on your own on this fascinating walking tour. See some of the most iconic

London Afternoon Tea and Panoramic Tour by Bus

Have afternoon tea with a twist on our delightful double decker bus! As its name indicates, this traditional double decker offers beautiful views of London

Luxury Afternoon Tea Tour on the Bustronome

The Bustronome is revisiting the traditional British Afternoon Tea placing its creative cuisine at the service of a new unique experience. Enjoy the most

Royal Mews with Changing of Guard and English Tea Tour

No visit to London is complete until you have partaken in some of its quintessential traditions and institutions: the changing the guards and catching a

Explore other Food & Drink activities in London

Get a taste for a place by filling your belly with some choice eats on offer.

Beer Tasting

Check out the best brews and taste test your favorites.

Wine Tasting

Sip and savor the top drops from the vineyards on a wine tasting.

Getting to London

From Heathrow, the tube (London Underground) may be full, especially in peak hour, but is the cheapest way and almost the fastest way into the city. The Heathrow Express is much more expensive, but makes the journey to the city much faster.

London Packages

Iconic historical architecture, wide-open parks, and soaring skyscrapers sit beside one another in the largest city in Western Europe.

Flights to London

London Hotels

Explore other things to do in london.

The world is better on the water. Let your travels continue beyond the shoreline with the fantastic boat tours on offer.

Classes & Workshops

Return home with more than just memories - add some knowledgeable tips and tricks gained from classes and workshops.

Concerts & Shows

Make your trip extra special with a concert or show. When it comes to entertainment, they should always have a place on the itinerary.

Day trips keep it simple and exciting while traveling. See all the best parts of a place by joining in on some great bite-sized excursions.

Bring home more than photos with a successful shopping venture.

Sights & Landmarks

Tick off some bucket-list-worthy sights and landmarks near you and fill your photo album with great snaps.

Water & Amusement Parks

Pick up the pace on vacation with a visit to water and amusement parks. Trust those in the business of good times to serve up some fun.

Family-Friendly

Vacationing is a great way to bring the family closer together. Make the most of your time with activities that everyone will enjoy.

Make special memories with special people while enjoying the romantic side to travel.

Spas & Wellness

A vacation within a vacation - indulge in some respite wherever you are.

It's always nice to wander around and get lost in a place - until you're actually lost. Tours take the mystery out of travel and bring you right to the action.

Night Activities

With sundown comes a whole new side to an area. Find the best places and activities to check out at night.

Outdoor Activities

Make the great outdoors even greater with these activities. Get in touch with nature and add some adrenaline wherever you are.

Fun & Games

There's always room for fun and games on any vacation. To get the endorphins going, find the good times near you.

Get your fill of culture, arts or history with a fantastic museum primed to impress.

Animals, Nature & Parks

For the world at its most spectacular, Mother Nature does it best. Head outdoors to find a whole new appreciation for nature and animals on your travels.

Food & Drink

Sightseeing alone won't satisfy your cultural palate. Great food and drink will make a good trip even better.

Airport Transfers

Start your vacation off on the right foot with an easy airport transfer to take you right to the action.

Find the best bargains and pocket-pleasing activities to keep your vacation full of fun.

C O FFEE  TASTING 

Our coffee tasting experience is a great excuse to get together with friends, try some amazing new coffees and learn a little about the history of the humble bean.  You'll have fun in our blind taste tests and learn about taste receptors and how to identify different flavours.  We'll introduce your  group  to three very different blends and also look at different  ways to brew coffee.

Coffee tasting is also a great idea for a team-building experience as we come to your workplace and provide  everything  you need for a couple of hours of fun and something a little bit different.

Contact us for more information.

Coffee. Cocktails. Music. Good Vibes.

15-18 may 2025 / the truman brewery.

The London Coffee Festival is the world’s greatest coffee and hospitality event, embracing London’s bustling coffee scene and its creative subcultures.

With more than 23,500 visitors in 2023 the event showcases London’s pioneering specialty coffee culture and first-class hospitality industry and confirms the capital’s place as one of the most advanced coffee cities on earth.

The event features over 250 artisan coffee and gourmet food brands, tastings and demonstrations from world-class baristas, interactive workshops, street food, coffee-based cocktails, music, art exhibitions and an educational Lab programme.

With two dedicated industry days and a full weekend of coffee celebration, The London Coffee Festival has something for everyone.

The London Coffee Festival also hosts global barista tournament Coffee Masters™ and boasts an array of experiential features such as Latte Art Live, The Tasting Room, The Lab, The Roasters Village, The Coffee School, cocktail masterclass and more.

The Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London E1 6QR

Tube & Rail

Shoreditch High Street Station

Walking distance: 5 minutes

Overground services to Dalston Junction, New Cross, Crystal Palace & West Croydon

Liverpool Street Station

Walking distance: 10 minutes

Central, Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City Lines and National Rail Services

Aldgate East Station

District, Hammersmith & City Lines

Old Street Station

Walking distance: 15 minutes

Northern Line and National Rail Services

West End 8, 55 & 242

East London 8, 26, 48, 55, 57,242, 388

South London 35, 47, 48, 78, 149

The City 26, 55, 242, 243, 388

What 3 Words

///spoil.bright.comet

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The London Coffee Festival celebrates London’s bustling and vibrant coffee scene.

With over 30,000 coffee lovers and foodies, professional baristas, coffee shop owners and top decision-makers expected to attend, The London Coffee Festival promises to be a unmissable event for all coffee lovers and industry folk alike.

The Festival will feature artisan coffee and stalls, demonstrations from world-class baristas, in some of the uniquely themed London zones.

On top of entry to The London Coffee Festival you can expect coffee and food samples, tastings, demos and thrilling competitions! Learn all things coffee from how to brew coffee at home to unique worldwide roasting stories in The Roasters Village. Afterwards grab a bite from our street food vendors, don’t forget to caffeinate and visit the world famous Coffee Masters Competition and Latte Art Live.

You won’t go home uncaffeinated!

The London Coffee Festival will be held at The Truman Brewery on Brick Lane from 11th – 14th April 2024.

The entrance can be found at 15 Hanbury Street, the Old Truman Brewery, London E1 6QR.

The festival will begin with two Industry Days (Thursday and Friday), and kick-off its public celebration from Saturday and Sunday at 9am.

Industry Days

10:00 - 17:00 Thursday 11 April 2024 (last entry is 16:00)

10:00 - 17:00 Friday 12 April 2024 (last entry is 16:00)

Public Sessions

Saturday and Sunday 13-14 April 2024

Different sessions will be available over the weekend:

Brunch session 9am-12pm

Lunch session 12.15pm-3.15pm

Teatime session 3.30pm-6.30pm (last entry is 5:30pm)

Lunch session 12.15pm-3.15pm (last entry is 2pm)

The Truman Brewery is easily reached by tube, rail, bus or on foot. 

Website: https://www.trumanbrewery.com/

Liverpool Street: 10 mins walk

Central, Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City and National Rail services

Aldgate (10 mins walk)

Circle, Metropolitan

Aldgate East: 10 mins walk

District, Hammersmith & City

Shoreditch High Street (5 mins walk)

Old Street: 20 mins walk

Northern line and National Rail services

East London

8, 26, 48, 55, 57, 242, 388

South London

35, 47, 48, 78, 149

26, 55, 242, 243, 388

To assist you in your planning we are working with Priority to help get you the best hotel rates for any accommodation you may require.

Please visit www.priority.ltd/events.aspx?event=WILX01324 to see rates and make a booking. You can also book by telephoning PRIORITY on 0845 6123 611 or +44 1473 550 620 and quoting Event Code: WILX013 24 .

Farm Africa is the official charity partner for The London Coffee Festival. You can support Farm Africa by adding a donation during the ticket checkout process. With programmes across eastern Africa, Farm Africa works to reduce proverty by helping farmers, including coffee growers, to grow more, sell more and sell for more. Farm Africa works with coffee farmers in Ethiopia, Uganda and DRC, where some of the world’s best coffee is grown. However, many coffee farmers earn less than $1 a day. Watch this video to find out more about how the charity supports smallholder farmers to grow and sell more coffee and protect heirloom forests.

Yes. Arrangements will be made to ensure that all guests can access every section of the festival space.   All staff and security will be briefed and ready to assist in any way we can. All event spaces are wheelchair accessible with a combination of ramps and lifts within the Old Truman Brewery.   We are asking that anyone who needs assistance with access to enter through the Fast Track Entrance via Ely’s Yard  and make themselves known to a member of staff (who will be able to direct them to the elevators and generally be on hand to assist). If you require an accessible parking bay for the Event please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in the first instance

On site toilet facilities are clearly marked on the festival map and situated on the Ground Floor, First Floor and Second Floor. These will be serviced regularly throughout the event.

Yes, any child under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Unfortunately the venue does not permit dogs (or any other animals) other than service dogs.

There will be food and drink to buy available on site. It’s not a BYO festival, so you won’t be able to bring food and drink in with you.

Absolutely. You’ll find plenty of tasty food if you’re vegetarian or vegan.

Yes. All official photographers and film crew will have identification.

Photography, video, audio recording and children   The safeguarding of children is our first priority when using recorded content. We adhere closely to the NSPCC’s guidelines on the use of images and video online, taking special care to protect a child’s privacy and never identify children by name unless we have specific permission to do so.

Public photography and video filming   We're sure you will understand that we wish to protect the integrity of the festival and exhibitors. If you are going to take pictures or film with a video camera or a mobile phone camera you need to follow some common sense rules. In essence you are free to record your own visit to the festival for your own personal home use. You will not be able to sell any photos or moving images of the festival for commercial or other gain. Please respect the privacy of other festival attendees who may not want to be filmed. Please do not bring any professional equipment with you and please be aware of health and safety issues.

No, sorry there won’t be a cloakroom. Please make sure you look after any item that you bring into the venue, it's your responsibility; the organisers and venue management team can not take responsibility for loss or theft.

No. Smoking and Vaping is strictly prohibited inside the building. Any visitors or exhibitors caught smoking or vaping inside will be asked to leave.

For your safety and security the festival has dedicated security guard. If you see any problems or incidents please report them to security staff.

Here. Just a few little rules and additional information for our festival goers!

Qualified first aiders are available throughout the event. In the first instance please contact a member of security.

Fire Procedure   A fire marshalling system is employed. In the event of fire or evacuation please follow the fire marshal’s direction.

Glass & Bottles   Are strictly prohibited at the event and may be confiscated if found.

Information Point   There is an Information Point located on the first floor at the event. Please refer to the festival map or ask a member of onsite staff.

Lost or Found Property   Please hand any found property to a member of the onsite event team, at an Information Point or entrance/exit. After the event property will be kept for three months and can be claimed by emailing us .

Admission Policy   To read the full admissions policy for The London Coffee Festival, click here .

Unfortunately we operate a no refund policy. This is stated on our booking page at the time of purchase.

The London Coffee Festival will open for two Industry Days on Thursday and Friday.

As well as all the exciting features that will be running throughout the festival there will also be an exclusive Industry Day Programme, including a series of workshops, seminars, product tastings and other industry specific experiences.

The Lab area of the festival will also host numerous free, relevant seminars and workshops that will provide attendees with latest market insight, innovative ideas and ready-to-implement training and vocational skills.

The celebrations will continue into the weekend with free tastings and demonstrations from world-class baristas, interactive workshops, street food, coffee-based cocktails, competition finals and much more.

One companion can accompany a disabled visitor free of charge, upon presenting one of the following forms of documentation:

• DLA/DWP/PIP award letter
• A Blue Badge
• International Proof of Disability, with "ISA" (International Symbol of Access) or similar printed on it.

All guests must buy a ticket with the exception of 1 companion per guest holding the above documentation.   Please note: the companion must be aged at least 14yrs.

Upon arrival at The London Coffee Festival one companion can accompany a disabled visitor free of charge, upon presenting one of the following forms of documentation:

• Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 or DLA/Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16-64, either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded, or the actual Allowance book.
• Attendance Allowance or Carer's Allowance letter of award
• Incapacity Benefit books, or a letter notifying the recipient that the benefit has been awarded Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Disability Students’ Allowance (DSA), or DID card (UK Disabled ID card).
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• In the case of visual impairment, a registration card known as the BD8 or a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI)
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The 26 best coffee shops in London

By Sarah James

London is home to some of the best coffee shops out there, and the capital's coffee community of artisan roasters and independent shops is ever-growing – and often competitive. Third-wave coffee culture was largely brought to London by Antipodean expats in the early 2000s; first in foodie central corners such as Soho , before spreading east and eventually dominating all corners of the capital.

But where can you find the very best coffee in London? A good cup of joe should have that rich roasted flavour, deep brown colour and the perfect milk-to-coffee ratio. And luckily, coffee lovers are spoiled for choice in the capital. From silky-smooth hipster brews and social enterprises to the best Italian espresso, we've curated a list of the best coffee in  London – arranged by location – as picked by the editors of  Condé Nast Traveller .

Best coffee shops in London

The best coffee shops in Central London

Monmouth Coffee, Seven Dials

The original Monmouth Coffee, on pretty Monmouth Street in Seven Dials, opened way back in 1978, long before artisan coffee meant anything to most people. Founder Anita Leroy is one half of a Covent Garden power couple with Neal’s Yard Dairy founder Randolph Hodgson. In 2007, they opened a second – and now their best-known – branch at Borough Market (you’ll have seen the queues winding around the corner on Saturday mornings). The staff are meticulously trained in the different tasting notes of the beans, so they can help you find your perfect cup of coffee. A third opening, in the Bermondsey railway arches where the Monmouth HQ is, opens on Saturdays only, and this spot is more of an insider’s secret than the first two. For now, anyway.

Address : Monmouth Coffee Company, 27 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9EU Other locations: Borough Market and Bermondsey Website: monmouthcoffee.co.uk

Bar Italia, Soho

This is as close as London gets to a true-blue Italian coffee experience. Family-run since 1949, it serves rocket-fuel espresso and plenty of Mediterranean shrugs from the aproned waiters. It's open from 7am until 4am so coffee time can easily segue into Negroni hour. Grab a table outside and watch the hubbub of Frith Street – as colourful as the red-and-green neon Bar Italia sign overhead.

Address: Bar Italia, 22 Frith Street, Soho, London W1D 4RF Website: baritaliasoho.co.uk

Kaffeine, Fitzrovia

Kaffeine is probably the closest thing you’ll find to the New Zealand coffee shop scene in London. A buzzing slip of a place with red brick walls, box-crate tables and smart black accents. Countertops heave with piles of artisan sandwiches, inventive salads, and freshly baked sweet treats – the banana bread, served toasted and smothered in butter is a must (and a fixture of most good Kiwi cafés). The coffee, meanwhile, is strong, smooth and consistently great. It’s such a popular spot that you may have to share a table with a stranger, but don’t be put off – the crowd here is always friendly. And if there’s no room to squeeze in at the Great Titchfield Street original, they’ve opened a slightly bigger version just five minutes walk away on Eastcastle Street too. Olivia Holborow

Address: Kaffeine, 66 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7QJ Other locations: Fiztrovia Website: kaffeine.co.uk

Algerian Coffee Stores, Soho

Less a coffee shop, more full-blown coffee institution, this cosy Soho store has been caffeinating Londoners since it opened back in 1887. Although they may not have been sipping lattes back in the day, stepping inside the signature red-fronted Old Compton Street shop feels like a journey back in time – and one look at the old black and white photos on their website shows that the displays have barely changed. Wooden shelves are stacked floor to ceiling with canisters of freshly roasted beans from around the world and all the coffee-making accoutrements you could wish for: shiny mocha pots of all sizes, packs of filter papers, cafetiѐres and copper Turkish coffee makers. There’s also a hefty selection of loose-leaf teas, if you’re so inclined. But aside from stocking all you need for your morning home brew, they also have a trusty Astoria coffee machine plonked neatly in the middle of the cramped shop, which serves up some of the cheapest – and best – coffee in town. For around £1, you can get a single (or double) syrupy espresso or for around £1.20, they’ll make you a strong latte or cappuccino. Sadly it’s take away or standing room only but for that price, no one is complaining. Sonya Barber

Address: Algerian Coffee Stores, 52 Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1D 4PB Website: algeriancoffeestores.com

Workshop Coffee, Fitzrovia

The coffee itself, rather than the shop, is the thing here. Aiming to create the best possible brew available each year, Workshop pushed our caffeine habit to addiction when we subscribed to its delivery service to receive an always satisfying surprise bag through the door every month. Each one arrived with a neat postcard showing where our coffee had hailed from, detailing the place and people behind it, from Rwanda to El Salvador and Brazil to Ethiopia. The central London shop, one of a handful of Workshops in London, is more of a stop-and-hop sort of joint but there is a communal space out back, bordered by benches and with a library vibe, should you fancy some quiet time with your cup and a book. Becky Lucas

Address: Workshop Coffee, 80 Mortimer Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7FE Other location: Marylebone Website : workshopcoffee.com

%Arabica, Covent Garden

This sleek and high-end Japanese speciality coffee shop has made its way over to the UK, simultaneously opening up in Covent Garden and East London’s Broadway Market. There’s a stylish and clean feel here, with exposed brick, bone-white counters and the signature coffee machine, a customised Slayer Espresso, as the star of the show. And the coffee is as serious as the aesthetic is cool. %Arabica roasts its own beans (on-site in the case of the flagship on Broadway Market) and founder Kenneth Shoji has visited each supplier to personally select the beans for the space. Go classic with a flat white or espresso macchiato, or opt for the Spanish latte, made with sticky condensed milk. Pro tip: their Kyoto Arashiyama store is worth the journey halfway across the world. Katharine Sohn

Address: %Arabica London, 5 King Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8HN Other locations: Spitalfields Market, Broadway Market an Mayfair Website: arabica.coffee

Omotesando Koffee, Fitzrovia

This Fitzrovia coffee shop is no typical third-wave spot. It’s part of Eiichi Kunitomo’s group of cafés, which he started as a one-man operation in Tokyo in 2011. Offshoots have since popped up in Hong Kong , Bangkok and Singapore – and here, for the first time, in Europe. The minimalist space has to be one of the most Zen places to get a caffeine hit in central London. Inside, there are concrete walls and stripped-back wooden surfaces with room for a handful of people to perch and people-watch, and a cubic counter sitting smartly in the centre, where you can take a seat and chat to your barista about precisely how you’d like your coffee made. Sarah James

Address: Omotesando Koffee, Rathbone Square, London W1T 1PB Website: ooo-koffee.com

Kiss the Hippo, Fitzrovia

Is this the world’s most conscientious coffee shop? Since opening its first location in Richmond a couple of years ago, Kiss the Hippo has gone from strength to ethical strength. Beans are sourced direct from farmers; the café supports a number of charities, including Rainforest Trust UK and the National Literacy Trust, and partners with the Just a Drop clean water foundation; packaging is biodegradable; the food menu is locavorious (try the eggs Benedict or white-chocolate-iced cinnamon roll – customer favourites for good reason); and most impressively, its in-house roastery produces blends and single-origin options certified organic by the Soil Association and uses 80 per cent less fuel than traditional methods. To top it all off, Kiss the Hippo’s baristas make killer coffee. Try the mellow Guatemalan beans if you’re a drip-coffee lover or the Colombian/Honduran George Street Blend if you’re partial to a velvety flat white. Lauren Hepburn

Address: Kiss the Hippo, 51 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 8SG Other locations: Richmond, King's Cross and Shoreditch Website: kissthehippo.com

Olivia Morelli

Anna Prendergast

Sarah James

Lever & Bloom, Bloomsbury

Technically this is a bright red coffee cart, not shop, sitting on Byng Place in Bloomsbury come rain or shine. But while your order is, by necessity, of the takeaway variety, Lever & Bloom has all the charm of your favourite neighbourhood café. Barista Mounir knows his customers by name (as well as their orders, made with Climpson & Sons beans), while business partner Elena supplies the sell-out pastries. Try the Moroccan ghriba – an almond cookie made with superfood matcha. Sarah James

Address: Lever & Bloom, Byng Place, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7JJ Website: leverandbloomcoffee.co.uk

The best coffee shops in East London

Allpress Espresso Roastery and Café, Dalston

New Zealand coffee mainstay Allpress Espresso brought its signature smooth roasted beans and laidback surfer vibe to London in 2010, when it opened a café and roastery on Redchurch Street. It soon became the Shoreditch coffee spot of choice and was so popular that in 2015, when the lease came up, it realised it had outgrown the space and moved to an airy old joiner’s factory in Dalston, keeping an outpost on Redchurch Street as a friendly little espresso bar. The Hackney mothership is a coffee connoisseur’s dream, selling fruity filters, silky espressos, powerful cold brews and freshly ground beans right next to where the roasting magic happens. This is bean-to-cup in all its glory. The sandwiches and breakfast platters aren’t half bad either, and on a sunny day, the leafy front garden is a surprisingly peaceful space to sip a morning brew. By Sonya Barber

Address : Allpress Espresso Roastery and Café, 55 Dalston Lane, London E8 2NG Website : allpressespresso.com

Ozone Coffee, Shoreditch

This East London coffee roastery has been around since 1998, making it one of the best-established spots on the relatively new artisan coffee scene. The Shoreditch headquarters come with a hipster-friendly sign ('coffee', with a big arrow, spray painted in white onto the brick wall next to the door) and baristas clad in denim aprons. But their beans supply some of London’s finest cafés (including Mud and But First Coffee , which both feature on this list), and the knowledgeable staff pull some of the best espresso shots in the city – not just a pretty face, then, but a brilliant place for a caffeine hit at one of the original coffee greats. Sarah James

Address: Ozone Coffee, 11 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4AQ Other locations: London Fields, Ludgate Hill and Creechurch Lane Website: ozonecoffee.co.uk

Origin, Shoreditch

Tucked away on a quiet lane off frenetic Old Street, Origin is where Shoreditch’s true coffee devotees go for their daily brew. The shop is typically East-London sleek, with concrete floors and clean lines, but there’s a rarer neighbourhood feel to it and the baristas greet many people by name. The coffee itself is a ritual, produced with the sort of care that means you’ll never be served a bad cup. In an area replete with great coffee shops, this is one of the best, offering a precious break from the busyness of London life. Olivia Holborow

Address: Origin, 65 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3PE Other locations: Porthleven, King's Cross and Southwark Website: origincoffee.co.uk

The Towpath Café, Haggerston

We love a place that refuses to serve coffee in wasteful takeaway cups. The setting right on the canal is very peaceful – watch a family of swans or a chugging narrowboat drift by – and the food is delicious, cooked up in a tiny kitchen just a few feet from the water. The oozy grilled cheese sandwich comes with tangy quince jelly, the fried eggs are topped with dukka and coriander; and then, the perfect flat white.

Address: The Towpath Café, 42 De Beauvoir Cres, Haggerston, London N1 5SB Website: towpathlondon.com

Flying Horse Coffee at Mare Street Market, Hackney

This indoor market in Hackney is one of a flurry of food halls that’s arrived in the city in the past few years. Inside, it’s one of the prettiest spots in this largely industrial part of town: there’s black and white tiled floors, turquoise tiles, huge plants in terracotta pots dotting the floor and a neon ‘Liquor Store’ sign hovering over a floor-to-ceiling bottle shop. Settle in to caffeinate with Flying Horse Coffee, the in-house roastery and order a super-smooth, Melbourne style flat white. If you’re on the go, there’s a hole in the wall to grab a stride-by latte, and if the weather’s good, there’s seating outside. Buy a croissant from Mare Street Market’s deli or a bunch of sunny tulips from indie florist Rebel Rebel, which occupies the space opposite. Sarah James

Address: Mare Street Market, 117 Mare Street, London E8 4RU Website: marestreetmarket.com

Rosslyn, The City

Rosslyn would be a hipster speciality-coffee heaven if it weren’t for its location in the heart of the City. Instead suited City folk queue up on busy weekday mornings and rather than Polaroids pages of The Financial Times are pinned to the wall. The staff here know loyal customers by name and, impressively, ETA; one financier tells me this is the only café she’ll go to near her office. It’s no surprise, considering how brilliant the coffee is (not to mention the buttery pains au chocolat). Carefully sourced Brazilian and Honduran single-origin roasts and a two-bean blend from Nicaragua and El Salvador have been alloted to filter, espresso and milk-based drinks respectively; the milk is always perfectly silky; the latté art always expertly done. With St Paul’s, Barbican, Leadenhall Market and the Bank of England all just a short walk away, a day exploring London’s most historic sights should start right here. Lauren Hepburn

Address : Rosslyn, 78 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4SJ Other locations: Old Broad Street and London Wall Website : rosslyncoffee.com

Prufrock Coffee, Farringdon

Prufrock was dominating the artisan coffee game way before #latteart was a thing. The coffee here has won awards, and the extensive menu goes beyond espresso-based drinks – there’s also a lovingly curated list of filter coffees on offer at the brew bar which changes its menu weekly. The almond croissant is very good, but for a proper London brunch session, try the Field Mushrooms with aioli and Graceburn cheese. To drink: the iced filter coffee is always worth ordering, weather be damned. Sarah James

Address: Prufrock Coffee, 23-25 Leather Lane, Clerkenwell, London, EC1N 7TE Website: prufrockcoffee.com

The best coffee shops in North London

Intermission, West Hampstead

The midst of the pandemic turned out to be a surprisingly brilliant time for this tiny coffee shop – at the nexus of West Hampstead’s train stations – to open. As the neighbourhood buzzed with one-time city slickers now working from home, the arrival of a coffee shop worthy of Soho or Borough Market was a welcome addition to the food scene here. Queues wind from the door daily, as locals wait patiently for smooth flat whites and expertly made cold brews in cute pastel cups illustrated by Brooklyn -based Tomi Um. And the team ensures that every aspect is as sustainable as possible, from the supply chain to the biodegradable lids. Sarah James

Address : Intermission, Unit 2, Hardy Building, Heritage Lane, London NW6 2BR Website : intermission.coffee

The Coffee Jar, Camden

This dinky coffee shop is just far enough away from super-crowded Camden Market that – even on a weekend – you should be able to squeeze into the narrow table by the window (a prime people-watching spot to take in the area’s diverse population). Loved by Yotam Ottolenghi , a Camden local, it is a cosy spot filled with lots of dark wood and a countertop heaving with homemade treats. And if you’re not that hungry the friendly staff can make up half portions of any of the brunch dishes, which include simple plates such as smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels. Coffee is made using Monmouth beans (one of our favourite central London roasters) and served in mismatched boho crockery. In the summer, spill outside and take up a seat on the benches in front of the black and white shopfront with a mason-jar iced latte.

Address: The Coffee Jar, 83 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1 7PP Website: twitter.com/thecoffeejar

Lo-Fi, Crouch End

Pint-sized independent coffee shop Lo-Fi opened in Crouch End in October 2020 amid the darkest days of lockdown, immediately demonstrating its strong and larger-than-life personality. Set up by couple Jade Summers and Jameson Gilvarry (and their pug, Juno), it focuses on local produce, sustainability and creating a friendly vibe, the latter of which it masters via its charismatic, coffee-nut baristas including Yellow from Taiwan and Elisa from Italy . The fresh croissants, energy bombs (especially the blood orange and cinnamon option) and banana bread are all too pretty to pass, and there are grilled sandwiches and a multitude of toast options on offer, too – but it’s the coffee that you come for. Crafted to your exact preference with whichever type of milk or froth design you might be in the mood for, the bean game here is so strong it regularly has people queueing outside the bijou half-a-shop space for it.

What’s more, Jameson is also known as AD:mE in his guise as resident DJ with Ministry of Sound and Ritual London, so it’s no surprise that Lo-Fi has a listening space where you can check out vinyl while you sip, or that it is partnering with the second Flashback record store in Crouch End opening up over the road, which will feature a small Lo-Fi coffee bar. Follow @LoFicoffeeuk on Instagram or Facebook for the latest on which DJs are stopping in to play – previous guests include Andy Bell, founding member of the band Ride and former Oasis guitarist, Simone Marie, bassist with Primal Scream, and Gregorio Soave, the producer and performer pictured here digging a latte. Becky Lucas

Address: Lo-Fi, 11 Broadway Parade, London N8 9DE Website: loficoffee.co.uk

The best coffee shops in South London

The Gentleman Baristas, Borough

This indie family of coffee shops has grown quickly since it began in Southwark in 2014, opening branches in Fitzrovia, super-cool South London spots Flat Iron Square and Vinegar Yard and out east in Poplar. But our favourite is still the second outpost, in Borough, just a few quiet streets away from the chaos of Borough Market . Behind the smart green façade are two cosy rooms with lots of exposed brick, a chalkboard menu and fresh pastries towering on the counter. Grab a table in the back and order a coffee – made using the Gentlemen Baristas’ own beans, which come in six single-origin options from Brazilian to Kenyan – and a slice of thick sourdough toast slathered in housemade peanut butter.

Address: The Gentlemen Baristas, 63 Union St, London SE1 1SG Website: thegentlemenbaristas.com

Grove Lane Deli

Perfectly positioned on Camberwell’s Grove Lane lives Grove Lane Deli, with its forest green exterior and airy windows drawing you inside. The interior is light and inviting, with a buzzing bakery and oodles of gooey, delicious buns that will have you wondering why you’d ever go anywhere else. Window sills are filled with flowers, delicious olive oils, natural wines and various chocolates to buy for a weekend well spent. But, most importantly, their baristas are serving up the best flat white I have ever had, and that’s saying a lot as someone who was a roaster and barista in my past life. It’s strong without a bitter aftertaste, and they’ve achieved the perfect balance of creamy oat milk. The slither of pavement outside is dotted with little tables to soak up the sun while enjoying the ideal coffee (and bun), so make your way over to Camberwell and fast.  Amber Port

Address: Grove Lane Deli, 4a Grove Ln, London SE5 8SY Website: grovelanedeli.com

Redemption Roasters, Dulwich Village

Created with a mission to help offenders reintegrate into society, Redemption Roasters’ roastery is located inside HMP The Mount and the company also pledges to help prisoners find work upon release. It’s the largest employer of its own graduates, and the brand also focuses on supporting local and independent suppliers.

Sure, your daily coffee is socially impactful, it’s also delicious; the El Diablo blend has a sweet, fruity taste, while the Aylesbury has nutty undertones. The brand recently opened its newest store in Dulwich Village, taking its total number of shops to seven, each offering various lunch, brunch and pastry options alongside extensive coffee menus. Abigail Malbon

Address: Redemption Roasters, 29 Dulwich Village, London SE21 7BN Other locations: Bloomsbury, Broadgate, Covent Garden, Farringdon, Hampstead Heath, Holborn, Islington, King's Cross and Piccadilly Website: redemptionroasters.com

Blackbird Bakery, Peckham

Some of London ’s best sourdough comes from this south-of-the-river chain – with bakeries in Crystal Palace, Balham and East Dulwich, as well as under the arches of Queens Road Peckham station. The counter is packed with tasty cakes and tarts – lime and courgette, or carrot with thick layers of cream-cheese frosting. Everything (even the jam and cereal) is homemade and the croissants are big and full of delicate layers. Most importantly the coffee is locally roasted and always freshly ground. Find freelancers working here all day, and a long but fast-moving queue for coffee, always.

Address : Blackbird Bakery, 134 Queen's Road, Peckham, London SE15 2ND Other locations: East Dulwich, Crystal Palace, Streatham, Sydenham, Herne Hill, Balham, West Norwood and Beckenham Website : blackbirdbakerylondon.co.uk

Old Spike, Peckham

This Peckham pit stop roasts its own beans and dishes up consistently brilliant specialist coffee, but it also offers job training for the homeless. Since arriving on the Peckham scene in 2015, the original shop has spurned a sibling, Spike + Earl, and is also on the menu at local beloved restaurant Coal Rooms . They also make a mean pastel de nata.

Address : Old Spike Roastery, 4jr, 54 Peckham Rye, London SE15 4JR Other locations: Elephant and Castle, Piccadilly and Fenchurch St Website: oldspikeroastery.com

Federation Coffee, Brixton

Federation’s fresh pastries, latte art and sourdough toast with toppings such as artichoke and white beans or goat's cheese and blackberry have enticed locals into Brixton Village for the best part of a decade. In 2015, it was bought by neighbouring restaurant Salon , and has since upped its coffee game to match Salon’s exacting standards, with London -roasted beans and bespoke blends. The energy here is focused solely on the coffee (rather than the decor) – it’s simple but smart, and smiley baristas will give you just as much of a pick-me-up as the caffeine. Anna Prendergast

Address : 77-78, Brixton Village and Market Row Markets, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9 8PS Website : federation.coffee

The best coffee shops in West London

Coffee Plant, Notting Hill

This no-frills institution on Portobello Road started life as a coffee-roasting/magazine-publishing combo. The magazine has since folded but the coffee is still brewing. Tourists get their lattes at the chain up the road; old-hand Notting Hillers come her for the best macchiato in the West and to stock up on a fine supply of organic and fairtrade beans.

Address : Coffee Plant, 180 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2EB Website: coffee.uk.com

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ROASTERY TOUR & TASTING

A GUIDED TOUR OF OUR NORTH LONDON ROASTERY, FOLLOWED BY A COFFEE TASTING WHERE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT HOW & WHERE COFFEE IS GROWN, HOW WE ROAST IT AND DISCOVER BREWING TIPS & TRICKS.

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Hej Coffee Roasting Experience For Two

£ 150.00

A roasting experience perfect for every coffee fanatic!

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Experience  Name: Hej Coffee Roasting Experience

• Experience day gift voucher
• No expiry date
• Flexible booking (Experiences only occur on Saturdays and Sundays)

Join the Hej team at our Roastery in Elephant and Castle for a coffee lover’s dream experience. Step into our coffee roastery and learn all the ticks of the roasting trade from Hej’s own roasting staff.

This is a hands-on experience, so you should look forward to diving in and operating our 15Kg Besca Roaster. We will talk you through how flavours are developed in the roasting process and how airflow, temperature and drum speed effect your coffee’s taste profile.

After you’ve roasted the perfect batch of coffee you’ll get to try your creation. For this part we set up our cupping station so you can taste and compare a whole variety of coffees from around the world.

Once your coffee is roasted you’ll be taken over to the barista bar and shown how to operate a professional espresso machine. Fresh espresso in hand, add ice and few liquors is all you need to get your very own espresso martini. We will be sad to see you leave but you’ll be sent off with your very own bag of coffee as a delicious memento!

Recommended For:

• Coffee enthusiasts
• Birthdays, anniversaries
• Team building
• Fun activity with friends

What’s included:

• Coffee on arrival at Hej Roastery
• Introduction to the IKAWA sample roaster  
• Journey of the bean, regions and characteristics.
• Cupping multiple roast profiles
• Live roasting demonstration with participation on our 15kg Besca roaster
• Understanding the principles of the roasting process
• Home brew demonstration and tips
• Barista training on professional machine
• Espresso martini showcase
• 2 x 250g bags of coffee to take home

Duration:  approximately 4 hours

Skill Level:  Everyone welcome!

Max group size:  6

Price Per Couple: £150

Location: Hej Roastery, Rodney Road, Elephant and Castle, London, England, SE17 1BA.

To Book: Upon purchase, please email our roasting team at [email protected] to book a date. If you wish to wait and book in the future, there’s no need to worry as your purchase will not expire. We are happy to fit in with your availability so let us know and we will make it work!

We offer corporate coffee experiences, ranging from cupping (coffee tasting) to espresso martini making workshops. We can come to your place of work or arrange off-site experiences in restaurants, bars or cafes. For more information on our corporate packages please contact us at [email protected].

Terms and conditions: Must love coffee, tea drinkers welcome if numbers are low! See full terms and conditions and cancellation policy .  Also don’t forget to read our  Frequently Asked Questions .

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Coffee Tasting Experience - The Perfect Gift

What I'm buying

Take a tour of our coffee roastery and see how we turn green coffee into our award-winning products, then join our Master Roaster at our dedicated training academy onsite to enjoy a full sensory, professional coffee-cupping session.

Perfect for:

• A memorable, fun, and full sensory experience for coffee lovers and the curious coffee drinker.

What's covered:

• Tour of the Stokes roastery with a look at where coffee comes from.
• Experience a professional tasting of 6 different coffees roasted by Stokes, comparing light, medium and dark roasts.
• Explore and compare each coffee and learn how to record flavours.

Location - Stokes Barista Training Academy, The Lawn, Lincoln, LN1 3BU

Duration - 1.5 hours

This is a downloadable ticket that you can download at checkout. Please bring your ticket with you to the tasting. This can either be printed or shown digitally.

Also available online as a virtual experience click here to find out more!

Important to know

• 122 Years Experience
• Click & Collect Available
• Free Delivery Over £35

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Customer Reviews

We had a great morning coffee tasting at stokes coffee. Would highly recommend to any coffee lovers. Was a great Christmas Present

Booked a coffee and chocolate tasting experience with my mum and 2 brothers. It was well worth it, the staff are beyond knowledgeable and we learnt so much we didn’t know. You could tell the company was really passionate and you could taste it through the coffee. The chocolate was so yummy to you could really tell the difference to normal chocolate. We even got some free coffee and a sack to take home. Overall had a lovely day and would recommend.

First time having a coffee tasting experience. Mike was very friendly and incredibly knowledgable showing us around the building and talking us through the coffee tasting. Really enjoyed getting the know the brand and learning more about where coffee comes from and the different tasting notes. Would recommend this experience to anyone and will be looking to come back and try the tea-tasting in the future!

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COFFEE TASTING

What to expect.

Discover your flavour preferences and identify your favourite coffee in this tasting session. Available as an in-person or virtual experience, learn how to set up a cupping, the professional brewing technique used to evaluate coffee, and taste five freshly roasted seasonal coffees. Following the farm-to-cup journey, you’ll explore origins, processing methods and roast levels to learn more about flavour and identify the perfect cup for you.  

Using easy-access interactive tools, we’ll have a quiz and create live word clouds with our flavour descriptors. A sure conversation starter, you’ll get everyone involved while offering a fun way to learn about taste and flavour, no matter your experience!

IN-PERSON TASTINGS

HOSTED AT OUR ROASTERY

Are you looking to bring people together, build connections and new ideas with a hands-on team-building experience away from your office?

For the full sensory coffee experience, you and your team can join us in our dedicated event space at our East London roastery.

HOSTED AT YOUR VENUE

Are you planning an in-office event for your team or a day for your clients at an external venue?

For your hands-on coffee-tasting experience, our experienced hosts travel to your location of choice within Greater London. 

Not based in London? We’re here to help! Please let us know about your event plan further afield as well.

VIRTUAL TASTINGS

HOSTED VIRTUALLY

Are you part of a worldwide team looking for a fun, interactive way to spend time together?

With our event kits shipping worldwide, our virtual coffee experiences are perfect for sparking connections and community to bring teams closer together.

TASTING KITS

A Coffee Tasting Set of 5 coffees with different flavour profiles, ground and enough for a second brew

A Square Mile cupping spoon

A digital gram scale

Our Cupping Book with a guide to describing taste and flavour

Each participant also needs a kettle, an extra spoon and six cups, mugs or glasses; large enough to hold 250ml

CHOOSE ANY EXTRAS

Hario Mini Mill+ Hand Grinder - slender and compact, this is the perfect grinder for those who grind per cup at home.

Hario Drip Scale - upgrade your digital gram scale to the perfect partner for brewing delicious coffee at home.

Hario V60 Simply Glass Brewing Kit - upgrade your V60 kit with this stylish and practical addition to any kitchen.

PRICING AND BOOKING

In-person Tasting Events are priced based on the number of attendees and event location and start at £300 excl. VAT for up to 10 attendees.

Virtual Tasting Events are charged at £125 excl. VAT per session for up to 499 participants. Tasting Kits start at £25 excl. VAT per kit and decrease with order numbers.

We’re here to help you plan your coffee experience! Get in touch below to start planning!

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Visiting The Twinings Tea Shop

One thing most travelers know about British culture is that we like to drink our tea!

It's so well known that our tour guides often receive questions about where to get the best tea, what is the most historic tea, and more.

There is nothing more quintessentially British than taking a cup of tea, and arguably the most popular brand of tea in the United Kingdom is Twinings.

This post will provide all the information you need to visit the Twinings Tea Shop and learn about the history of this beloved brand.

• What is Twinings?
• Twinings Tea Exhibition & Museum

Free Tea Tasting

• Twinings Tea Masterclasses
• The Royal Warrant

Visitor Information

What is Twinings Tea Shop?

The best way to learn about this historic tea shop is by watching our tour of the attraction led by our tour guide Sinead.

That said, we'll still cover the most important details here to give you a sense for what Sinead talks about on the tour.

The video begins by introducing viewers to the store's rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1706 by Thomas Twining.

The Twinings Tea Shop itself has been standing here on The Strand in London for nearly as long – since 1717. Believe it or not, Twinings first business was coffee!

Tom’s Coffee House, located just behind the existing shop, was popular for its coffee as, at that time, tea was far more expensive…around £160 for only 100g.

However, as tea became more and more fashionable and easily available with the growing tea and spice trade, the public’s taste for tea far surpassed the taste for coffee.

So, Twinings cleverly switched gears and focused on tea, leaving coffee behind.

Today, their shop still does stock coffee, but you’ve got to look hard to find it as the store is packed to the rafters with tea!

The store's connection with the royal family is highlighted, including the Royal warrants it has received since Queen Victoria's reign in 1837.

Sinead emphasizes the store's significance as one of the oldest and most historic tea shops in London, adorned with a beautiful shopfront and displaying various blends and products.

Throughout the tour, our guide explores the store's extensive tea selection, focusing on famous blends like Earl Grey.

The fascinating story behind Earl Grey tea's creation is attributed to a gift received by Prime Minister Charles Grey II during a diplomatic mission to China.

Today, Twinings has a social care program and commitment to ethical sourcing, ensuring fair working conditions and sustainable practices in tea plantations.

The expertise required to work at the Twinings Tea Store is fairly impressive, and during our tour, Sinead actually interviews an employee to get an even more detailed description of the training and tea blending masterclasses offered here.

In recent years, the Twinings Tea Shop has adapted to changing tastes by innovating with wellness teas and a variety of flavored blends. They even had a King's Coronation tea!

Visitors are invited to taste several differenty teas to explore and find new flavors they might enjoy.

Although not a big shop, Twining stocks every type of tea the company produces including standards like English Breakfast and Earl Grey, as well as more exotic flavours like Chai, Cinnamon, and Lapsang Souchong.

Tea can be bought by the box, or even in individual packets for those who just want to try a single cup.

Museum & Exhibition

In the back of Twinings Tea Shop is one of the smallest museums in London, dedicated entirely to the brand Twinings.

Artifacts on display here include the original Royal Warrant Queen Victoria granted to Twinings (details below), antique tea caddies as well as old advertisements dating back centuries.

Certainly small but absolutely charming, it’s definitely worth popping in to try, taste and enjoy this essentially British shop.

Inside the shop, you will find the tea bar . Here you can touch, smell and taste different varieties of Twinings teas.

You can also request and enjoy free samples from the friendly and helpful staff.

From free Twinings tea tasting to free information, this bar features a daily choice of free tea tasting with varieties hand-picked by their expert team.

Tea Masterclass

In their new downstairs tasting room, Twinings is now holding tea masterclasses !

Designed for anybody who loves, or wants to get to love, tea, this class will see you tasting teas as well as learning where they come from, how they are made, and what makes Twinings tea so special.

"From bud to cup" this 2-hour experience is priced at £45 per person.

Royal Warrant

Guests to Twinings will notice that just above the entrance to the shop is the coat of arms of Queen Elizabeth II.

This is the Royal Warrant – a credit that has been given to Twinings because the Royal Family drinks their tea!

Originally it was Queen Victoria who granted the Royal Warrant (available to see in their museum) in 1837.

But, our late Queen Elizabeth II also enjoyed Twinings tea and it is her Warrant that is on display outside the shop today.

As Twinings has supplied goods for the Royal Family for nearly two centuries, we expect to see the wording on the warrant change to reflect our new Monarch, King Charles III, soon.

Each box of Twinings tea you can purchase in the shop has the Royal Warrant printed on it – making them delightful little gifts to take home to friends and family!

Address : 216 Strand, London WC2R 1AP Museum & Exhibition Cost : FREE Hours : Friday to Wednesday 11:00 - 18:00 / Thursday 11:30 - 18:30 Nearest Underground Station – Temple Website – www.twinings.co.uk

+++Tea fans should check out our blog post on where to get real Afternoon Tea in London . For more museums in the City of London check out our blog here !+++

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Garden tours, plants sales and more ways to spend time among flowers

Visit Maine's botanical gardens or get a sneak peek of what your neighbors are growing in their back yards.

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One of the loveliest ways to ease yourself fully out of the post-winter blahs and into springtime is to quit being a wallflower and instead surround yourself with living, blooming plants.

From botanical gardens to plant sales and garden tours, it’s time to make like the Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz” and while away the hours, conferring with flowers.

The waterfall at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Photo by Tory Paxson, Courtesy of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

TOTALLY BOTANICAL

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is open for the season, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maine Days are May 31 to June 2, when anyone with a Maine driver’s license or state ID gets in for free. Ditto for dads/father figures on Father’s Day (June 16). Advance registration is required. With more than 300 acres of gardens and natural spaces, including a waterfall, there will be plenty to see, smell and bask in the scenery.

Here are more things to do in Boothbay

A tour group walks on the boardwalk at Viles Arboretum in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Viles Arboretum is a botanical garden in Augusta with 6 miles of trails and more than 20 botanical collections. It’s open daily from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. There are 224 acres with all sorts of flora and fauna to discover. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the visitor center is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Viles Arboretum offers medicinal plant walks, and although the May 18 session is full, you can still register for the June 15 and Sept. 14 events, lead by herbalist, homeopath and flower essence practitioner Debra Bluth. Tickets are $25. Advertisement

The Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve has four areas to explore on its property in Northeast Harbor: the Asticou Azelea Garden (dawn to dusk daily), the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden (noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday from July 9 to Sept. 8, reservations required), Thuya Garden (dawn to dusk daily, June 15 to Oct. 14) and Little Long Pond Natural Lands (hiking trails and carriage roads open dawn to dusk daily). On June 26, at the Wildflowers of Little Long Pond event, participants can wander around the garden’s fields and forest, spotting wildflowers along the way while practicing how to identify them.

Joyce Saltman, right, and Beth Anisbeck embrace a tree for 60 seconds during a tree hugging event sponsored by Portland Parks and Recreation, at Deering Oaks Park last year. Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer

TOURS AND MORE

2nd Annual Tree Hugging 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Deering Oaks Park, Portland. portlandmaine.gov The tree hugging is a family-friendly community gathering to celebrate Portland’s many trees. Park ranger Liz Collado will lead a sensory awakening and forest bathing session. Along with tree hugging, there will be a storytime, and you can touch a forestry truck and meet naturalist Noah Querido and Portland city arborist Mark Reiland. Just down the road, you’ll find Fessenden Park, on the corner of Brighton and Deering Avenues. The tulips have arrived, and it’s worth a visit to see them.

McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 24. McLaughlin Garden and Homestead, 97 Main St., South Paris, $5. mclaughlingardens.org You’ll find more than 125 varieties of lilacs at the McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival. Explore on your own or take a guided tour led by a horticulturist. There will also be family-friendly activities, and you can shop for native and unusual plants.

4th annual Woodfords Community Garden Tour 1-4 p.m. June 8. Woodfords Corner Community in Back Cove, Deering Highlands, Oakdale and Deering Center, $20 suggested donation. woodfordscorner.org Presented by Friends of Woodfords Corner, this self-guided tour features at least 10 gardens. As you make your way down the list, you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised by all of the hidden havens bursting with flowers, plants and impressive yardscaping elements.

Peony Society of Maine 23rd annual Garden Tour 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 and 15. Both tours start at 1348 Ohio St., Bangor, $5 donation. peonysocietyofmaine.net You’ll visit multiple gardens in Bangor, Winterport, Ripley and St. Albans, and your senses will be filled with countless peonies. A peony plant will be raffled off at the end of each tour. Advertisement

Hidden Gardens of Historic Bath 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 22. Sagadahoc Preservation Inc., 880 Washington St., Bath, $40. sagadahocpreservation.org The Hidden Gardens of Historic Bath house and garden tour features several homes in North Bath. Every stop on the tour will be a treat for your senses and may motivate you to make some of your own magic when you get back home.

Garden Conservancy Open Garden Days 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 29. Beckett Castle Rose Garden, Singles Road, Cape Elizabeth, $10. gardenconservancy.org You’ll see plenty of roses as well as ocean views at Beckett Castle, which sits right on the water, with views of five lighthouses. The castle was built in 1871, and its rose garden features more than 70 varieties of heirloom roses. A 50-foot stone tower doubles as the rose arbor entrance to the castle.

PICK A PLANT SALE

Tate House Museum’s Annual Plant and Herb Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 18. Tate House Museum, 1267 Westbrook St., Portland, 207-774-6177.  tatehouse.org The wide selection includes perennials divided from the museum’s 18th century reproduction garden. Visitors can also make their own “seed bombs” and get a sneak peak at a new installation by artist Ashley Page from 10 a.m. to noon.

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland Spring Plant S ale 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 18, Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, 217 Landing Road, Westbrook, 207-854-9771.  arlgp.org   Perennials, house plants and more will be on sale, and plants that don’t have specific pricing are “name your own fee.” Anyone interested in donating plants or pots to the sale should send a message to [email protected] .

Taking Root Plant Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1, Tom Settlemire Community Garden, Maurice Drive, Brunswick, 207-729-7694.  btlt.org This annual sale is organized by the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust. Proceeds benefit the Common Good Garden, which provides food and gardening education for the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program. Master gardeners will be on hand to help shoppers choose their best options.

Scarborough Land Trust Native Plant Sale and Spring Festival 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1, Broadturn Farm, 388 Broadturn Road, Scarborough, 207-289-1199.  scarboroughlandtrust.org Visitors will find native plants, food vendors, local artisans, guided nature walks and activities for kids. To preorder plants, visit the Scarborough Land Trust website.

Maine Audubon Society Native Plants Sale and Festival 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 8, Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, 207-781-2330.  maineaudubon.org More than 75 species of native wildflowers, shrubs and tree seedlings will be available, along with workshops, info tables and experts.

Staff writer Megan Gray contributed to this report.

Related Headlines

Headed to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens? Here’s what else to check out in Boothbay

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