Since I moved back to London 15 years ago, I have spent a lot of time eating my way around the city's increasingly diverse and impressive restaurant scene. To help me keep track — and for when friends and family asked for recommendations — I started jotting down my favourites in a Moleskine City notebook, which eventually evolved into a Google Sheet and then a blog post in 2016. An update was long overdue and here it is: my 50 favourite restaurants in London. 

The original Frequency Coffee has long been a favourite of mine, and its King's Cross location was convenient for my office. Of course, working from home last year — and for the foreseeable — has meant I haven't been able to visit owner Justo and his team as often as usual. But when I stopped by on a staycation day in November, I found out that Justo was soon going to be opening a second branch, on Camden Passage in Islington.

Despite its close proximity to Angel Tube station, it's easy to miss Scarlett Coffee Roastery if you don't know where to look. Located on a quiet stretch of Duncan Street, which runs east from Upper Street, the cafe and roastery is a stylish haven of speciality coffee — and brunch.


Scarlett takes its name from the bright red hue of ripe coffee cherries, and the scarlet ibis stands proudly — if one-leggedly — as its sigil. These vibrant pinky-red colours add pops of colour to the otherwise grey tones of the cafe, from the coffee bar with hexagons reminiscent of the now-defunct Coffee Curators Gallery, to the gorgeous grey marble table that occupies most of the space in the main area of the shop. There are also some seats at the window, outside on the small patio, and upstairs on the mezzanine level where the Probat roaster holds court.




I arrive in the early afternoon on a Saturday, and brunch is still in progress, with dishes like pulled lamb with poached eggs on sourdough toast, as well as brunch classics like crushed avocado on toast, albeit with some interesting twists. There are also various cakes and pastries for tho I have already eaten but I make a note to come hungrier next time. Instead, I skip straight to the coffee menu. All of the usual espresso-based drinks are there, and they also serve pourovers, brewed through the Clever Dripper.



First up, I order a cortado with the De Beauvoir espresso, a Colombian variety, which tastes smooth, sweet and very well-balanced with a little milk. When I spot the Clever Dripper, I decide to try the filter coffee too; Clever Drippers are sadly all too rare — and they are one of the few brewing devices that I don't own. The single-origin filter-roast beans are from Rugali Coffee Washing Station in Rwamiko, Rwanda. The coffee, served in a navy Kinto mug, is very well brewed with notes of dark chocolate and red berries, which again evoke the inescapable scarlet ibis.



After I've finished my very enjoyable cups of coffee, I pop up to the mezzanine to get a better look at the roaster and the beautifully designed bags of retail beans. As well as the De Beauvoir espresso, whose name recalls the local neighbourhood, there are two versions of the Rwandan beans: washed process ('Ibis') and honey process (in the black packaging). They roast on Wednesdays and the cafe is closed, but if you show up on any day, you'll see that new Islington coffee shop is most certainly pretty in scarlet.



Scarlett Coffee Roastery. 30 Duncan Street, London, N1 8BW (Tube: Angel).

For 100+ more of my favourite coffee shops in London, please check out my speciality coffee guide. 

Almost three years ago, I put together a guide to my favourite speciality coffee shops in London's King's Cross. I've worked in the neighbourhood since 2010 and as I've often noted, it has been a delight to watch the area emerge as a real hub for craft coffee. My original guide featured seven speciality coffee shops, of which one has closed and two have been taken over by new management. In my 2019 update, I've included ten coffee spots — three of which have opened in the past six months. My very favourites are marked with an asterisk below, and in purple in my Google Map.

As I mentioned in my original guide, there are different ways to define the King's Cross neighbourhood, but I tend to include locations for which King's Cross is the closest Tube station.




* Caravan
One of the first speciality coffee spots to open in King's Cross, way back in 2012, Caravan remains one of my favourites. If you're just in the market for an espresso-based coffee or single-origin Kalita Wave pourover, head to the back of the spacious Granary Square restaurant, where you can sit at one of the tables that face the bar, in an area also used for cuppings. Caravan's sourdough pizzas and the all-day weekend brunch menu are very good, so if you have time, you can combine an expertly brewed single-origin coffee with a delicious meal. They also sell coffee-making kit and their own coffee beans.


Caravan is located at 1 Granary Square, London, N1C 4AA. Full review. Website. Twitter. Instagram.
Craft Coffee
Since I published my last King's Cross guide, the coffee cart that can be found between King's Cross and St Pancras stations has changed ownership. Craft Coffee, who also operate at Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey, now run the stand, serving espresso-based drinks brewed with coffee from Notes (see below). I've had many a macchiato here on my way into the office (when I have remembered my reusable cup) or at lunchtimes, and the quality is always good.


Craft Coffee is located at Battle Bridge Place, London, N1C 4TB. Website. Twitter. Instagram.

Frequency
Located half a mile east of King's Cross station, Frequency is a delightful speciality coffee shop and co-working space by day, and a cocktail bar by night. Both the name and the décor allude to friendly owner Justo Tripier's interest in music, and Justo and his team serve (and sell) their own coffee roasted in small batches at The Tate. For great coffee in a relaxed atmosphere, Frequency is well worth seeking out.


Frequency is located at 121 King's Cross Road, London, WC1X 9NH. Full review. Website. Twitter. Instagram.

Half Cup
I will always remember Half Cup as the place I went for a hearty brunch to get me through a long day in the office after staying up way too late to watch the 2017 UK General Election. But the creative and oft-changing brunch menu is not just for emergencies and special occasions. The coffee, from Nude, is also very good. The Brazil/Guatemala espresso blend works well in the piccolos and macchiatos I usually order and the cosy cafe, just south of the Euston Road, is a fine place to caffeinate.


Half Cup is located at 100–102 Judd Street, London, WC1H 9NT. Full review. Website. Twitter. Instagram.
House of Morocco
Located in the Caledonian Road cafe previously occupied by Pattern Coffee, House of Morocco has retained many of its predecessor's titular patterned walls, and added some Moroccan accent pieces. The coffee is roasted by Terrone and served in various espresso-based drinks. There is also Moroccan mint tea, juices, smoothies and all-day eats. Perhaps the most colourful cafe in King's Cross, House of Morocco is also one of the most welcoming — and conveniently for me, it's also the closest to my office.


House of Morocco is located at 82 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9DN. Full review. Website. Twitter. Instagram.

Ko Coffee
The newest speciality coffee arrival to King's Cross, Ko Coffee opened in spring 2019, taking over a vacant shop on a stretch of Pentonville Road that is home to various other small eateries. Period features, including vintage tiling, remain in the small cafe, which has co-working spaces upstairs and downstairs. The coffee is from Assembly — a welcome roaster addition to the neighbourhood — and I've been in a few times for well-brewed piccolos and espresso shots. The food menu is starting to ramp up too, with breakfast pastries, and sandwiches, salads and cakes for later in the day.


Ko Coffee is located at 258 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9JY. Full review. Website. Instagram.

* Le Café Alain Ducasse
Despite the recent growth in the King's Cross coffee scene, it was the opening of Le Café Alain Ducasse in the sleek new Coal Drops Yard development late in 2018 that cemented King's Cross as a real speciality coffee destination. Now famous (some might say infamous) for its £15 filter coffee — a delicious coffee sourced from Yemen (via Qima), which I had to try on my first visit, and which did not disappoint. I've sampled various espressos, noisettes (macchiatos) and filter coffees, each of which has been immaculately brewed by Jakub Klucznik and his colleagues. Although the coffee at Le Café is exceptional, each visit has also been an enjoyable experience. Seated at the zinc bar, you can converse with the baristas as they talk through the process, from bean to cup, conveying knowledge and passion, and offering a truly personal service.

I speak highly of every coffee shop in this guide, but if you only have time to visit one and want a memorable experience, Le Café Alain Ducasse is the one to go for.


Le Café Alain Ducasse is located at Unit 16, Bagley Walk Arches, Coal Drops Yard, London, N1C 4DH. Full review. Website. Instagram.

Notes
Another of the longer-established King's Cross speciality coffee shops, this branch of Notes opened in 2015. There are a few small tables inside (including on the mezzanine level), and more seating outside in Pancras Square, which is a great place for people-watching when the weather is kind. The espresso-based drinks are brewed with Notes' own coffee, roasted in East London, and they serve an all-day food menu, along with craft beer, wine and cocktails of an evening.


Notes is located at 1 Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG. Full review. Website. Twitter. Instagram.

* Origin
Origin's minimalist coffee bar on the Euston Road is actually their second location in the British Library, but I prefer this spot to the the equally busy concession in the bustling main atrium of the library. I often stop by to buy beans on my way into work, and because this entitles me to a free cup of coffee, I also usually try either whatever single-origin filter coffee is available or a piccolo. The coffee is always impeccably brewed and I've also picked up some really great retail bags of coffee beans over the past couple of years. A small menu of light bites, sweet and savoury, is also on offer.


Origin is located at 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB. Review. Website. Twitter. Instagram.

Redemption Roasters
The original London location of Redemption Roasters — a coffee company and social enterprise that roasts inside Aylesbury prison — on Lamb's Conduit Street is doable from King's Cross on a lunch break. Nonetheless, I was pleased when another branch opened in Coal Drops Yard, much closer to my office. They serve espresso-based drinks and hand-brewed filter coffee, as well as brunch and various sweet treats inside the rustic cafe, which has some lovely period features. Meanwhile, coffee beans — with Redemption's distinctive, colourful packaging — and assorted coffee kit are also on sale.


Redemption Roasters is located at Unit 109, Lower Stable Street, London, N1C 4AQ. Full review. Website. Twitter. Instagram.

Of all of the speciality coffee shops in King's Cross, Pattern Coffee was the closest to my desk — and the most colourful. But my disappointment at Pattern's closure, in late 2017, was soon assuaged when House of Morocco opened in its place. I've been back for coffee several times since then, most recently last week, when I was finally able to take some photos to accompany my review.


Located on a quiet stretch of Caledonian Road, five minutes' walk from King's Cross station, House of Morocco occupies a small rustic space with a wooden counter and tables, and assorted mis-matched furniture — my favourite place to sit being the brightly coloured upcycled cinema seats.


Although there have been some refurbishments, I was pleased that the distinctive patterned walls of House of Morocco's predecessor have remained in place. These are complemented by colourful Moroccan textiles. Meanwhile, large windows at the front and back of the shop allow light to stream through, even on dull days.



Each time I visited, I received a warm welcome from the friendly staff — even during the sometimes busy lunchtime period. The all-day food menu includes various dips (the hummus is delicious), Moroccan flat breads, and several Moroccan-influenced brunch dishes, which come with a side salad. They also serve a popular selection of raw juices and smoothies, as well as Moroccan fresh mint tea — about the only type of tea I ever drink, in case you were wondering.


As for the coffee, it comes from London-based Italian speciality coffee producer Terrone & Co. They use a 50% Guatemalan, 50% Brazilian blend for their espresso-based drinks. I usually order a macchiato or a cortado, which are invariably well made. The Terrone espresso tastes sweet and smooth in smaller espresso drinks.


On my most recent visit, I'd already eaten lunch but I did have room for one of the raspberry pastéis de nata that were sitting temptingly on the counter. I've never tried one of these crisp custard tarts with raspberries before, and the tart flavours contrasted nicely with the sweetness of the custard. Regular pastéis de nata are also available.


 During my trip to Marrakesh in 2011, I bought a couple of ceramic bowls, both of which I have managed to break. And if, like me, you have a penchant for Moroccan ceramics and other homewares, House of Morocco also has a small shop. There are some stunning rugs in their Etsy store, too.


Thanks to some recent openings, you can now walk about five minutes in any direction from King's Cross station and reach a great speciality coffee spot, and House of Morocco, to the north-east, is particularly lovely one.

House of Morocco. 82 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9DN (Tube: King's Cross).

For 100+ more of my favourite coffee shops in London, please check out my speciality coffee guide.

In case you missed you somehow missed the memo, King's Cross has become a great speciality coffee destination in recent years. My 2016 coffee guide for the area has fast become out of date, with Le Café Alain Ducasse and Redemption Roasters, in the sleek new Coal Drops Yard development, among my favourite recent openings.


Ko Coffee, a new coffee shop and co-working space on Pentonville Road, is a little closer to King's Cross station, and in close proximity to Pizza Union and Honest Burgers, so I spotted it before it had even opened on a lunch break. And once I noticed the coffee beans from Assembly Coffee, one of my favourite London coffee roasters, I began to follow its progress with interest.


I've visited twice since Ko opened in late March and enjoyed very good espresso-based drinks on both occasions. The house espresso is a Guatemalan coffee, which worked beautifully as a piccolo when I popped in on my lunch break one rainy Tuesday. I perched at one of the high stools set up alongside the wall opposite the counter so that I could chat to the baristas while I drank my coffee.




There is more seating and some lower, larger tables at the back of the cafe. The décor is rustic but colourful, with exposed-brick walls, tiling and some period features. Ko's name hints, in part, at the co-working spaces upstairs and in the basement, where there are desks, chairs, printers and wifi.



The food menu wasn't yet fully available when I visited, but I was tempted back to try the breakfast deal, which costs £4 for a coffee and a pastry. I was in a bit of a rush and opted for an espresso, which was very well brewed, along with an almond croissant. There is toast and a few cakes on offer too, if you want something more substantial and/or sweeter, with more options to come.



With its convenient location, friendly staff and great coffee, Ko is a very fine addition to the King's Cross neighbourhood. I'm also particularly pleased to have a place to buy Assembly beans so close to my office.


Ko Coffee. 258 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9JY (Tube: King's Cross).
For 100+ more of my favourite coffee shops in London, please check out my speciality coffee guide.

When I first started working in King's Cross, nine years ago, I used to have to walk 20 minutes at lunchtime for a good cup of speciality coffee (The Espresso Room was my usual port of call). I've often written about the rise and rise of the neighbourhood as a speciality coffee hub, and the latest coffee spot to open up in the area is really quite special.


Le Café Alain Ducasse — and the neighbouring chocolate shop Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse — has hopped over from Paris, a short ride on the Eurostar, whose terminus is nearby. The coffee is roasted in the Bastille area of Paris, in the 11th arrondissement, but the Gallic influences don't end there.



Most of the slender shop is occupied by the sleek counter reminiscent of many of the ubiquitous comptoirs en zinc you'll find in France. The espresso machine sits at the end closest to the French windows that look out onto the shiny Coal Drops Yard development. At the other end is the brew bar, where pourovers are very much the order of the day. In front of the counter, there is a row of leather-seated stools — these are the best spots for maximum interactions with your barista, but there are a few more seats against the other wall, and a couple of tables outside too.



An impressive range of single-origin coffees is on offer, including a coffee from France — yes, you read that right: from the island of La Réunion, in case you were wondering — and a beautiful coffee from Yemen, which goes for £15 as a filter coffee. On my first visit, that's exactly what I try, encouraged by the charming baristas, whose passion for coffee is as evident as their attention to detail and customer service. The tasting notes describe the coffee as delicate and sophisticated, and indeed, it is a subtle drink, whose flavours come out beautifully as it cools. Just as important as the taste, however, is the experience. The baristas explain the reasons for the high price for a single cup of the coffee, including the challenges of producing and exporting high-quality coffee in Yemen. They convey the value by talking through the coffee farming and production process, and all of the people involved from bean to cup, all taking great care at every stage.