The teeny tiny area of Primrose Hill may be sandwiched between the bigger areas of Camden, Belsize Park et al but it’s retained a fiercely independent neighbourhood vibe – complete with a few excellent cafes and coffee shops. Looking for the best cafes in Primrose Hill? These are the spots that should be on your radar.
Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Primrose Hill
Greenberry
Straddling the line between cafe and restaurant (it also makes an appearance on my guide to the best restaurants in Primrose Hill) , Greenberry is a long-time local favourite. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and (a rare occurrence) excels at all three.
At the weekend it dedicates itself to the higher art of brunch Greenberry style with flavourful dishes, heaps of coffee and freshly-squeezed juices. Pop in for a coffee, pop in for a hearty meal – just don’t try and pop in for brunch without a reservation or you’ll find yourself sorely disappointed.
The Little One
It has been more than eight years since The Little One first graced Primrose Hill with its presence and I’ll bet there’s many the morning that locals thank the powers that be for its caffeine-fuelled goods.
The name is accurate: it is little, so don’t bank on nabbing a seat but they do know their way around an expertly-prepared coffee and the baked goods are really rather good.
Sam’s Cafe
Hot off the press, the new premises for Sam’s Cafe only opened in August 2020 but already it’s making quite a name for itself in the neighbourhood. That’s partly down to the fact that one of its founders – Sam Frears has been a lifelong resident in the area and knows pretty much every person that pops up on a regular basis.
Along with co-founder – the author Andrew O’Hagan, Frears has brought a new lease of life to the premises, which sit somewhere between a traditional English caff and a French bistro.
Ripe Kitchen
Healthy foods, drinks and great coffee – it’s not hard to see why Ripe Kitchen is such a success. Brunch is served daily until 2.30pm – you’ll find some old brunch faves along with a few (worthy) reinterpretations like the Smoked Bacon Brioche Bun. Post-brunch, sandwiches are the main stars of the show – choose from classics or build your own.
Primrose Bakery
It’s been over a decade since Primrose Bakery’s cupcakes took London by storm and we still love them just as much today.
The colourful confections range from the standards (carrot cake, vanilla, red velvet and their crew) to more eclectic delights (umm margarita cupcake anyone?). It’s rumoured that popping into the mint-walled bakery and treating yourself to a cupcake will cure all manner of ills – if not, it never fails to brighten your day.
Le Tea Cosy
A traditional London caff right on the main strip of Regent’s Park Road, Le Tea Cosy is a surefire bet for good food and good coffee – you really can’t go wrong.
They specialise in crepes and they are pretty d-lish, but this is a London caff we’re talking about here so you’d better at least consider the fry up before you order. It’s big and greasy and if you’re in the mood, it will hit the spot.
Other, more bitesize options like bacon baps and eggs on toast are available if that’s more your speed.
Chloe’s Espresso
Right on the limits of Primrose Hill and Belsize Park sits Chloe’s Espresso, a coffee and juice bar with a great selection of things to choose from.
The freshly blended juices are definitely one to consider. The only problem is that something from the menu of Chloe’s excellent baked goods probably requires a coffee to complete that perfect marriage.
Perhaps one of the detox herbal teas would be a happy medium?
Chamomile Café
Instantly noticeable from its signature blue facade the Chamomile Café stands out for more than just its snazzy exterior. That’s down to the quality of the food and drink they turn out.
Starting with the coffee because that’s probably why you’re here, Chamomile Café source their beans from right here in London with a local supplier that takes this kind of stuff very seriously – Dark Arts Coffee.
The teas are similarly thought out, as is the food. They use top-quality organic ingredients to turn out a menu of healthy food that doesn’t pull any punches in the flavour department either. If you need a feed, this one should be on your radar.
Primrose Hill Cafe Guide: Tips
- If you’ve got your heart set on lunch, make sure you book ahead. Many of these spots have very limited seating so you might be hard pressed to find a table.
- That said, if you haven’t booked many of these places are very close together so it won’t be too much of a drag getting to another spot if there’s no space for you.
- Weather permitting, grabbing a cup to go and checking out the view from the top of Primrose Hill itself could be a lovely way to take a coffee break.
