7 Best Cafes in Clerkenwell: A Local’s Coffee Shop Guide (2026)
Looking for the best cafes in Clerkenwell? Here’s where to get your sip on in the beautiful neighbourhood — from a local.
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Looking for a great café in Clerkenwell?
Whether you’re after a flat white between meetings or a quiet corner to write and people-watch, here’s some of my favourite spots for coffee in Central London’s most underrated neighbourhood.
P.S. – Be sure to read my Best Things to Do in Clerkenwell guide next!
The Best Cafes & Coffee Shops in Clerkenwell, London
EC1 Coffee House
49 CLERKENWELL ROAD, EC1M 4PN
Family-run since 2014, EC1 Coffee House is a cosy local café that’s quietly built up a loyal following — and for good reason.
Alongside their rich coffee, you’ll find an ever-changing line-up of homemade cakes and pastries (the bakers like to keep things creative). Wraps and cookies are big here too.
Must try: The Matcha, White Chocolate, and Macadamia Cookie
Briki
67 EXMOUTH MARKET, EC1R 4QL
Tucked along Exmouth Market, Briki brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Clerkenwell.
Expect lovely iced Greek lattes and perhaps a plate of homemade gemista…
Must try: Traditional Greek Gemista
Cafe Maya
114 FARRINGDON ROAD, EC1R 3AP
A stone’s throw from the Charles Dickens Museum, Cafe Maya is one of those spots that locals love to keep to themselves.
It’s unfussy, relaxed, and serves up generous portions at reasonable prices (harder and harder to find in London nowadays!) — from hearty breakfasts to buttery pastries and strong coffee to match.
Must try: The House Breakfast
Bench
42 BRITTON STREET, EC1M 5AD
Housed inside the Goldsmiths’ Centre, Bench is the kind of café that feels like a secret.
The coffee comes from Union Hand-Roasted and the menu leans seasonal, with light dishes and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy it all too.
Must try: Their delicious Frittata
Devotion Coffee Clerkenwell
55 ROSEBERY AVENUE, EC1R 4SD
Stylish and unpretentious, The Devotion Coffee Clerkenwell is all about quality coffee and good vibes (the Clerkenwell way).
The baristas know their stuff, and the cafe itself — bright, relaxed, with benches out front — is perfect for watching Clerkenwell life roll by.
Must try: Their Almond Croissant
Clerkenwell Kiosk
PARK RANGERS’ HUT ST JAMES’S CHURCHYARD, EC1R 0EA
Hidden behind St James’s Church on The Clerkenwell Kiosk is a tiny café in former park ranger’s hut.
Expect friendly faces, fresh pastries, and a local community vibe, a great little stop if you’re walking through the area with kids or dogs.
Must try: The Lemon Curd Doughnut
FWD: Coffee
54 FARRINGDON ROAD, EC1R 3BL
A familiar name across central London, FWD: Coffee’s Clerkenwell branch serves a blend of Brazil and Honduras coffee with design-driven interiors that make it far too easy to settle in with your laptop (or pop in for a quick caffeine hit).
Must try: When in season, the Blueberry Matcha
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CHECK OUT MORE LONDON GUIDES:
- The Best Things to Do in Clerkenwell, London
- The Best Things to Do in Islington, London
- The Best Brunch & Breakfast Spots in Clerkenwell, London
- London Neighbourhood Guides
Happy Londoning,
