Discover the BEST coffee shops and cafes in Covent Garden! These are my five go-to spots that offer quality espresso, solid bites, and a friendly atmosphere.
If you’re visiting London, there's a 99.99% chance you'll make your way to the Covent Garden neighborhood. Not only is Covent Garden market, a top tourist attraction, located in this area, but popular spots like Trafalgar Square, the National Portrait Gallery, and Leicester Square are minutes away.
If you find yourself in Covent Garden and in need of a caffeine fix, or just a spot to sit and rest your feet, continue reading to discover the BEST cafes in Covent Garden. These are my absolute favorite and most visited coffee shops.
This map shows my favorite coffee shops in Covent Garden. Click the icon in the very top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Click the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.
- Purple - TOP 5 coffee shops in Covent Garden
- Black - honorable mentions
1. WatchHouse.
One of the best cafes in Covent Garden for when you need it all: space, WiFi, stellar cafe bites, and legit coffee
WatchHouse is relatively new to the scene and they are blowing up! Locations are popping up all over London, and I'm not surprised at the fast growth.
Watchhouse ticks all the boxes. Space to spread out, WiFi, a solid food menu, beautiful baked goods, expert latte art (even with alternative milks), and what they call "modern coffee".
You'll notice on the coffee menu that there are several different coffee beans listed on the menu. One type is used for white drinks (anything with milk), another for black drinks, and several options are listed for pour overs. This to me, shows Watchhouse takes their coffee seriously.
The menu changes throughout the year as different coffee beans are switched out seasonally. I also appreciate that they don't charge extra for alternative milk.
The food menu offers more than just standard coffee shop fare. Stand out items are the oat and rye porridge, salmon, avocado, and poached eggs on sourdough, Brioche pain perdu with poached spiced plums, lemon curd mascarpone, and roast hazelnuts, and the Veg House with halloumi, poached eggs, avocado, roast tomato and mushroom on sourdough.
There are two Watchhouse coffee shops in Covent Garden. Watchhouse Seven Dials is a 5-minute walk from Covent Garden Market. While this location technically isn't in Covent Garden, it's a 30-second walk from the Covent Garden "border". Watchhouse Seven Dials is spacious with both main floor and downstairs seating. This location always seems to be busy.
Watchhouse Covent Garden is a 1-minute walk from Covent Garden Market. This location is not yet open, but it looked close when I walked by in June 2023.
1. Drury 188-189
One of the best cafes in Covent Garden for an affordable lunch and a lively atmosphere
Hands down one of my favorite cafes in Covent Garden. I visit Drury 188-189 every time I'm in London. The vibe is comfortable and lively as the place was always filled with visitors.
You’ll find people chatting with friends, grabbing a quick lunch, or reading a book. This coffee shop is all about the #DisconnectToReconnect trend that many cafes in Europe are adopting. This means no WiFi and no computers.
The coffee is wonderful and they make a mean flat white, but the food is what really stands out.
This is one of the best cafes in Covent Garden if you’re looking for a solid food selection ranging for healthy to sinful. The homemade pastry selection is divine. Try the caramel pistachio brownie.
Healthy options include the avocado toast, yogurt bowls, fresh pressed juices, and sandwiches. The lunch option where you pick 3 pre-made salads or pair a protein with 2 salads is a great deal at £10 to £15.
3. Monmouth Coffee Company
One of the best Covent Garden coffee shops for coffee snobs seeking the highest quality espresso
You can't talk about Covent Garden coffee shops and not mention Monmouth Coffee Company. Known for their high-quality brews and beans, Monmouth has has developed a cult-like following.
The location at 27 Monmouth Street is the original location…hence the name. They’ve now expanded to two other locations, one in Borough and one in Bermondsey.
While the Covent Garden location does have inside seating, it's small and the place is always packed. Thankfully they offer a nice sidewalk patio when the weather is decent. Try to go when they open at 8:00 am to get a seat. Or plan to enjoy your coffee standing up outside the shop.
It's worth noting that Monmouth Coffee Company does not offer to-go cups. You can either enjoy your brew onsite or buy a reusable cup for £5.
There's a nice selection of sweet and savory pastries if you need a light snack. You can also buy a bag of beans to take home.
Monmouth roasts their own beans and their baristas are awesome at helping you find a roast you’ll love.
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Photo: Abuelo Cafe
4. Abuelo Cafe
One of the best cafes in Covent Garden for Instagrammable bites and solid toasts
Abuelo is one of the cutest little cafes in Covent Garden. Take a seat at the communal table, snug sofa corner, or the covered sidewalk patio. This small space is beyond cozy and serves organic farm-to-table meals.
The coffee is high quality and made from organic single-origin beans.
Abuelo makes some delicious and very Instagrammable toasts. The honey whipped mascarpone with figs is a must. The roasted pumpkin on activated charcoal sourdough with goat cheese and the truffle mushroom toast are also excellent.
There's no WiFi, which is probably a good thing since the space is so small.
5. Amelia
One of the best Covent Garden coffee shops for French pastries, crepes, hot chocolate, and strong iced Americanos
Amelia was a new find on my latest trip to London. There are currently just two location in London; one in Seven Dials and one in the heart of Covent Garden.
This cute Covent Garden cafe is known for their pastries, crepes, and hot chocolate. The coffee is, of course, really good as well. Especially their iced americano...strong and dark...just how I like it.
Photos: Sonobel PR
Honorable mention - The Black Penny
The best Covent Garden Cafe for when you're craving brunch dishes with your coffee
The Black Penny offers excellent coffee, reliable WiFi, and a stellar all-day breakfast menu. Pair your morning latte with a granola bowl, brioche French toast, or a hearty breakfast toast.
My favorite items are the crispy duck hash, the porridge with bananas, honey, and candied walnuts, and The Gatherer (poached eggs, sourdough toast, grilled halloumi, sauteed spinach, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, and beans).
The space is small but has a few tables and chairs inside and out as well as counter space. WiFi is available.
Honorable mention - Route Strand
The best Covent Garden coffee shop for friendly service and Italian-style coffee.
If you like Italian-style coffee and fresh Italian pastries, you'll love this spot! The pistachio croissant is a must. They also have great salads in the afternoon. Best for to-go as the space is small.
In summary
And there you have it! These are my absolute favorite coffee shops and cafes in Covent Garden. Whether you're looking for a beautifully made flat white or a full-blown brunch with your coffee, one of these places will hit the spot.
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