In Brixton and in need of your coffee fix? These are the spots you shouldn’t miss.
It’s safe to say that we are head over heels for Brixton – from cool street food markets to buzzing bars, there are so many things to do that you’re never short of an option or two.
Hunting out a coffee in Brixton? You’ll have a great spread of choice on your hands. From the neighbourhood greasy spoons like Express Cafe to places like F. Mondays that are so charmingly Brixton and the spots that treat coffee like a religion (we’re looking at you Brixton Blend), here are the places you want on your radar.
The Best Brixton Cafes and Coffee Shops
Cafe on the Hill
If you’re looking for a place that sums up the buzzing energy of Brixton and throws in a little of its neighbourhood charm too, Cafe on the Hill will be just the spot for you.
The place is family-run but you’d probably be able to guess that from the chilled-out atmosphere and the smiling faces behind the till – none of Starbucks’ grumpy-faced employees here.
We’ve been multiple times for their brunch offerings (the Lost in London pancakes stack really slaps if you’ve got a bit of a hangover) but you’ll find just as much reason to visit if you’re after nothing more than a good cup of coffee.
Parissi
Perhaps you’re after something a little more unique. You’ll find it in Parissi, a cafe run by a Greek man who knocks up some seriously good cakes to go with your coffee.
Alongside those cakes you’ll find plates of Mediterranean-inspired cooking that all has a healthy bent to it. The factor that unites it all might just be that everything that comes out of the kitchen is beautifully presented (prepare your Insta followers for a photo dump).
After all this food talk, don’t be fooled into thinking that the coffee plays second fiddle here. It doesn’t. Owner Spyros Parissis sources some great quality beans and works magic with them to turn them into a cup we’ve returned to try on more than one occasion.
Brixton Blend
There are two types of coffee drinkers in this world. Those who drink the stuff to get them through the morning and those who treat it like a sommelier treats wine, searching for the magic in the dark depths of the cup.
If you lean (or claim paid-in-full membership) of the latter group you’ll find a top-notch coffee programme at Brixton Blend. They sell coffee from Volcano Coffee Works, a local coffee roaster that supplies special blends to Brixton Blend.
The house roast is a nutty, chocolatey brew with beans from Brazil, El Salvador and Colombia and absolutely hits the spot. Even the get-through-the-morning coffee drinkers would agree.
Cafe Madelina
Cafe Madelina can be spotted from right down the street. It’s got this lovely corner spot that boasts an old-timey exterior that’s not seen so much in this part of London anymore. In true Brixton form, this is often contrasted by Pride flags flapping in the wind and crowds of London’s hip youngsters taking up the tables outside.
They are hugely popular as a brunch spot for reasons that will become clear if you decide to grab a bite to eat with your coffee. If you don’t, you’ll still find enough to smile about with their delicious cups of joe, the speciality teas they’ve got on offer and the friendly, welcoming service.
Express Cafe
It could be argued that London’s beating heart can be found in its greasy spoons. They’re hubs that are at the centre of neighbourhoods and when you find a good one, there’s no denying their charm. If you’re after a true Brixton experience then, a local caff (not cafe) would be a good place to start.
Allow us to introduce the Express Cafe, a bastion of Market Row’s great local hangouts. They serve up greasy full English breakfasts, sandwiches that’ll split your sides and a decent coffee.
Your coffee is not going to come with tasting notes. We doubt the owners even care to tell you where the beans were sourced but if you want south London at its most authentic, this is where you’ll find it.
Cafe Tana
Part of Brixton’s charm is that in spite of the fact the area has grown in popularity, big-name brands haven’t pushed out the little guy. A great example of the small businesses that have held on is Cafe Tana, a super-laid-back little spot that thumbs its nose at the chain coffee houses.
You can find a great spread of breakfast options and lunches on offer, but you’re here for the coffee. At Tana they source their beans from Ethiopia and it comes bursting with flavour.
We love this spot because the folks behind the counter clearly know how to work the beans to get the most out of them, but your coffee doesn’t come with any of the pretension that is often served up alongside the places that came along with the hipster coffee revolution.
Blank Brixton
For those times when you fancy spending a chilled-out hour or two with a good book and an even better coffee, Blank Brixton welcomes you with open arms (and oodles of caffeine).
The brunch here is fantastic, a flavoursome blend of British, Jamaica, and New Zealand dishes. Better yet – it’s vegan, though even meat lovers won’t find themselves too put out with the vast array of pancakes, fry-ups, and meat alternatives.
Stir Coffee
Coffee, craft beer and good food? Sign us up.
It’s no wonder that Stir Coffee is one of the most popular cafes in Brixton. It really knows how to please a crowd.
This cosy and quaint coffee shop’s motto is “good vibes matter”, and they sure do. If you want a friendly face to serve your beverage of choice, then you’ll love Stir.
This cafe is born out of a genuine passion for coffee and for Brixton. The owner can often be found manning the coffee machine and chatting away to customers.
A particular highlight of the menu is the tasty brioche buns that are perfect for a brunch – and fabulously accompanied by coffee or beer.
San Marino
Brixton has gone through many changes in recent years, but stepping into San Marino is like visiting the home of an old friend.
This Sicilian-inspired coffee shop has been serving up great coffee and great vibes in equal measure since 1993.
Being Sicilian-inspired, it’s no surprise that this Brixton staple also serves up amazing Italian food to boot.
They also do a mean full English breakfast – perfect if you’re craving something greasy and delicious after a big night enjoying Brixton’s nightlife.
San Marino makes sure everyone is welcome, so there’s also a great vegetarian and vegan section as well.
Cafe Van Gogh
Cafe Van Gogh is another 100% vegan cafe – but don’t fret, not every Brixton Cafe is plant-based.
This cafe is particularly special, as they’re a not-for-profit social enterprise that works with people with learning disabilities to provide on-the-job training. The result? An excellent cafe with reasonable prices – and some of the best coffee Brixton offers.
They also ensure that they waste as little as possible, and only use single-use plastic alternatives and compostable cups – which means you can enjoy a coffee or two without feeling guilty.
Caya
We’re always on the lookout for a cafe that offers a great working space as well as delicious food and the best coffee in Brixton. We certainly found it with Caya.
This Brixton hotspot is a co-working space, attracting freelancers, creatives and entrepreneurs to the space.
This means there’s a fun, energetic atmosphere that certainly helps to overcome any lingering writer’s block.
Of course, if you’re lucky enough to be footloose and fancy-free in Brixton, you’re totally welcome at Caya. The coffee is awesome and the good vibes can be shared by all.
Don’t miss the hummus on sourdough – yum.
Katakata
Don’t believe vegan and vegetarian food can be delicious? We dare you to try what’s on offer at Katakata. The crepes in particular are a revelation.
If you’re looking for a coffee shop sans meat and dairy, then you’re sure to love what’s on offer at this quirky cafe.
Forget the high-end furniture posing as rustic – Katakata really practice what they preach, recycling donated furniture to fill the cafe. The result is a warm and eclectic space.
The coffee is great, with a wide range of milk alternatives available if that’s your thing. It’s a guilt-free cup that’s best enjoyed in the comfort of this colourful and quirky space.
F. Mondays
As well as its memorable name (who hasn’t said something similar when your alarm sounds at the beginning of the week), F. Mondays is well-known for its great food and coffee.
Since opening up in 2014, word about their modest but delicious menu and fabulous coffee has spread throughout Brixton. It’s now a local fave that also features on many travellers’ to-do lists as well.
The cafe supports lots of other independent businesses, sourcing as much as they can locally. The menu also changes a lot depending on what’s in season.
What doesn’t change is the consistently awesome coffee. Whether you’re meeting up with a friend or just need a massive caffeine kick to face the new week, you’ll find it at F. Mondays.
Ritzy Cinema Cafe
Heading out to the pictures is one of the best things to do in Brixton, and if you’re looking for a great coffee shop nearby you won’t be disappointed.
The beautiful 1911-built cinema also houses a delectable cafe where you can sit and soak up the vintage atmosphere.
The menu has plenty of cafe favourites as well as some more unusual choices like a beetroot curry. They also have quite a good wine list, if you fancy a tipple before catching a flick.
Even if you’re not planning to catch a movie, it’s still a great choice for a coffee or a light lunch. Just be warned, it does get very busy so you might want to call ahead.
Pipoca Vegan
Fancy stocking up on your basics whilst you sip coffee? Pipoca is a low-waste store and vegan deli in Brixton that also happens to serve up some of the best drinks in London.
Some of the dishes are extremely hearty – take the chickpea, potato, and carrot mezze bowl, though you can swing by for a cup of joe and a pastry if you’re looking for something a little bit lighter.
Bring a Tupperware box along with you so you can purchase your plastic-free pasta and rice on your way out from one of the top coffee shops Brixton offers.
