As much as I like to steer clear of the kinds of places that people flock to purely for a photo, I can’t deny that some of London’s cafe’s and restaurants are just made for the ‘gram. From aesthetic West End spots smothered in pink to east London hangouts where you can literally hang on a cute swing, this lot are serving up more than just coffee or cake. Read all about London’s best Instagrammable cafes here – they really are a stunning bunch.
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ELAN Cafe
With cute cafes dotted all over the city, ELAN Cafe London is the place for pink decor, brunch dishes, mocktails and coffees. Choose between Dutch baby pancakes and French toast as you soak up lattes topped with Lucky Charms or – my favourite – an alcohol-free pina colada.
📍: various locations
Ladurée
One of Paris’ famous cafes has made its way across the sea, bringing the iconic macarons, pastries, eugénies and pretty lattes to London. Not only does Laduree boast outlets at luxury stores like Selfridges and Harrods, but the French favourite also has sit-down space from Covent Garden and Notting Hill all the way to Bicester Village.
📍: various locations
The Magazine at Serpentine
You might not think Hyde Park is the place for a slick interior, but The Magazine is a gorgeous space. First built in 1805, the space has seen many transformations; most recently with the addition of a restaurant inspired by its history as a gunpowder magazine and designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. The menu is curated by Friends of Ours and includes brunch, lunch, coffees and drinks.
📍: West Carriage Drive, Hyde Park, W2 2AR
Flying Horse Coffee
This speciality coffee roastery originating in Hackney now has multiple locations across east and west London, but my favourite is the Shoreditch cafe. It’s got high ceilings, an industrial feel, and a simple brunch menu of fry ups with eggs galore.
📍: various locations
Wolfox at Loaft
Aesthetic cafes in London don’t get much better looking than Wolfox, and their location at homeware store Loaft is a crown in the jewel. A beige-lover’s dream, limewashed walls, gorgeous ceramics and soft lighting set the scene for croissants drizzled with icing and perfectly poured coffees.
📍: 53 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JU
🚉: Covent Garden station
Pophams
Coming a long way from the days where they only had one location in Islington, Pophams have since gone on to occupy spaces across London Fields and Victoria Park. I can never resist a maple bacon croissant, though their specials are well worth a try too. I’m talking pastries topped with rum-caramelised banana, filled with rhubarb custard and packed with a flaky punch. This has got to be one of the best cafes London has, for sure.
📍: various locations
Apple Butter Cafe
Among the most beautiful cafes in London, this place is so popular that they had to open multiple locations. Head to Apple Butter Cafe for cosy and casual vibes matched with pretty interior design and tasty food. Brunch dishes include truffle scrambled egg and pancake stacks, while desserts come in the form of saffron milk cake and chai creme brûlée.
📍: various locations
Chestnut Bakery
For a cute caffeinated date, Chestnut Bakery doubles up as one of the most romantic coffee shops London has to offer. Sticky cinnamon buns, kimchi monkey bread and salted caramel pain au chocolates feature on the menu at the Belgravia and Covent Garden bakeries, so you’re in for a treat.
📍: Belgravia / Covent Garden
🚉: Victoria station / Covent Garden station
Linnean Cafe
A nice cafe, spa and restaurant all wrapped up in one gorgeous location, Linnaean is one to watch. Whether you came for a facial in the medi-spa, haircut in the salon or just fancy some classic brunch dishes, you’ll find it all here.
📍: Nine Elms, London SW11 7AX
🚉: Battersea Park/Oval
Blank Street
On my list of aesthetic cafes in London? Blank Street is one for all you coffee and matcha fans. Since popping up in New York amid Covid, the American brand has gone on to be a hit for its mint green colour scheme and special creations like the iced blueberry matcha.
📍: various locations
Dalloway Terrace
An iconic Instagram cafe in central London with foliage that changes with the seasons, Dalloway Terrace is a must all year round. The indulgent menu features breakfast, brunch, dinner and afternoon tea, though you can’t go wrong with a few cocktails. Outdoor dining in winter? They’ve even got heaters and blankets to keep you snug.
📍: Fitzrovia, London WC1B 3NN
🚉: Tottenham Court Road
Greenwich Grind
Coffee with a view of London doesn’t get better than this… Along with branches in Clerkenwell, Soho and beyond, Grind is the cafe brand that’s offering proper brews, neon-lit interiors and photo-worthy dishes. I can’t resist stopping by for an espresso martini, or three at one of the most famous cafes in London.
📍: Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 9JB
🚉: Greenwich
Locke at Broken Wharf
As part of Locke Hotels’ collection of stunning stays, Locke at Broken Wharf is the riverside outpost that’s home to Insta-worthy interiors and a banging brunch menu. Whether you’re a freelancer in need of a desk or came for live DJs on the weekend, there’s a bit of everything here.
📍: Queenhithe, London EC4V 3DT
🚉: Cannon Street/Blackfriars
Farm Girl
Though they have locations across London, Farm Girl’s original Notting Hill cafe is the one you need to visit. Get down to Portobello Road for rose lattes, meat-free plates and the option to sit both indoors or outdoors.
📍: Nine Elms, London SW11 7AX
🚉: Notting Hill Gate
Minnow
As a north Londoner born and raised, I don’t usually veer south of the river. But I’ll make an exception for Minnow, whose seasonal dishes and snap-worthy decor is one absolutely for Insta. Head to Clapham Common to see the independent restaurant and coffee shop for yourself.
📍: Clapham, London SW4 0HY
🚉: Clapham Common
Abuelo
When it comes to Instagrammable cafes in Covent Garden, Abuelo has you sorted with gorgeous brunch dishes, pared-back interiors and a simple aesthetic that is just screaming to be photographed.
📍: 26 Southampton Street, WC2E 7RS
🚉: Covent Garden
Clean Hearts
Instagrammable coffee shops aren’t restricted to the West End – Shoreditch is also home to a few as well. Cue Clean Hearts, the organic spot that’s pioneering locally-sourced food in a beaut setting on Commercial Road. Think pastel tones and rattan swings.
📍: 52 Commercial Road, London EC1V 9DR
🚉: Old Street
Feya
From Marylebone to Knightsbridge, Feya is the cute Instagrammable cafe in central London that’s all about brunch and patisserie. Expect a bright interior that’s ideal for catch-ups over coffee.
📍: Various London locations
Aubaine Selfridges
The iconic restaurant with flowers on the ceiling? Aubaine might have locations all around London, but it’s the Selfridges spot that holds the crown. Along with the gorgeous Brasserie of Light, the wisteria-filled room is one of the most beautiful places to eat around the West End. I took my mum here for a birthday meal which went down a treat, as this one to impress.
📍: Marylebone, London W1A 1AB
🚉: Bond Street
Peggy Porschen
My list of luxury cafes in London really wouldn’t be complete without this west London gem, would it? You can’t miss Peggy Porschen’s flowery, pink exterior… it’s hiding delicious cakes and an afternoon tea spread.
📍: Chelsea and Belgravia
🚉: Sloane Square
Rachel’s Nails + Coffee
With drinks while you get your nails done, Rachel’s Nails + Coffee are giving a new meaning to self care with their menu of treatments. Oh, and did I mention the flower wall?
📍: Fitzrovia, London W1T 2JR
🚉: Goodge Street
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