London has seen a vibrant transformation over the past two decades with coffee culture firmly taking over. What was once a city of tea drinkers, a daily coffee or post-meal espresso has become the new ritual. Nowhere is this more evident than in the chic neighbourhood of Chelsea, where locals and visitors can find a mixture of both well-known high street chains as well as independent, artisanal brewers. As the demand for high-quality, speciality coffee grows, finding the best coffee in Chelsea becomes a must.
Kiss The Hippo
Kiss The Hippo are a fast growing chain with locations across London and are fast becoming synonymous with exceptional coffee. Their Chelsea location is found on the King’s Road and brings a Scandinavian minimalism to the area, creating a serene and calming environment that contrasts wonderfully with the vibrant street outside.
They are known for an ongoing commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing of beans and a meticulous approach to producing the finest cup of coffee possible, making it a standout choice for coffee aficionados and casuals alike.
The organisation has expanded beyond being a place to get a cup of coffee and now offer merchandise, brewing equipment as well as coffee pods and bags for all your home brewing needs.
The Roasting Party
The Roasting Party is another King’s Road establishment that brings a vibrant and lively atmosphere to Chelsea. Founded in Australia, their dedication to simplicity and sustainability has seen them quickly become a favourite locale among the locals.
What sets The Roasting Party apart from your typical high-street chain is the level of dedication and passion their baristas offer. Each cup of coffee is expertly prepared, ensuring a consistently excellent experience with simplicity and flavour at the heart of it.
Beyond the coffee, The Roasting Party offers an array of cakes and pastries, each pairing wonderfully with their drinks. The café’s friendly and approachable atmosphere makes it a great spot for socialising, working or simply enjoying a moment of relaxation.
Amar Café Chelsea
Amar Café is an independent establishment that brings the art and boldness of Colombian coffee to the streets of Chelsea. It is a unique and authentic coffee experience that is a genuine delight for lovers of a fine espresso. Their beans are sourced directly from farms in Colombia, ensuring that every cup is filled with a distinct and vibrant flavour that Colombian coffee is so well known for.
The espresso at Amar Café is bold, aromatic and with a smooth finish that truly highlights the quality of the beans. The café itself is an inviting atmosphere complete with a warm, rustic decor that reflects its South American roots. Perfect for a quick coffee on the go or a more relaxed break in one of London’s most charming neighbourhoods. It is a must-visit for those wanting to explore the diverse world of coffee beyond traditional high-street offerings.
But for those looking for something really remarkable…
SHOT Espresso
Found on the other side of Green Park to Chelsea, SHOT Espresso is worth the journey for any coffee aficionado. This boutique café has garnered a sizable following in recent months in part due to the exceptional coffee offerings but also for their trademark £265 espresso. Made from Japanese typica beans, the coffee is described as being ‘reflective of the deeply-held Japanese value of striving for perfection’ and available as an espresso, macchiato, flat white, americano, cappuccino or latte.
SHOT Espresso produce a beverage made from some of the rarest coffee beans available, dedicating their craft to brewing as close to a perfect cup as possible. The result is a unique and unforgettable experience in one of the most stylish locales in London. Whether you are there to indulge in the unique espresso or just looking for a first-rate fix of caffeine, SHOT Espresso is a must-visit.
The Campaner
Chelsea Barracks’ own, The Campaner opened its doors in May 2024 and has since firmly established itself as one of the neighbourhoods premier spots. Embracing elegance and modern luxury, The Campaner is more than a cafe but rather a destination for those who appreciate the finer things, including a perfect espresso.
There is a wide range of popular coffee drinks at The Campaner, serving favourites like lattes to macchiatos cortados with beans supplied by Allpress. Allpress have an unwavering commitment to sustainable and the ethical sourcing of coffee beans, only using speciality grade coffee with a SCA score of at least 83 points or above.
The menu expertly captures Barcelona cuisine with an interior of sleek and stylish finishes that enhance any moment you choose to experience, be it catching up with a friend or enjoying a moment of individual reflection.
Chelsea’s charm is that it effortlessly combines elegance with relaxation and the growing coffee scene is no different. While the quintessential pot of Earl Grey is still so synonymous with life in London, an expertly pulled shot of espresso is quickly becoming the go-to for many and with establishments like these, it is clear to see why.