Quiet London: Favourite Calm London Cafes

Who doesn’t love going out for coffee and cake.  Sitting in a  calm cafe with a book and a delicious cup of coffee is one of the things I love to do on precious days off, and I have a few which I will always gravitate towards.  Our high streets these days are overloaded with large coffee shop chains but these are not the places I particularly want to spend my time in.  The cafes I like are usually smaller, although not always, are relaxed, aesthetically pleasing and ultimately calming.  I want to enjoy coffee in a place where I don’t feel rushed or hemmed in by other customers talking on their phones.  And of course the coffee has to be good too.

I want to share with you some of my favourite calm cafes in London, the ones that I love to visit.  Many of my favourites are not in Central London and are perhaps a little bit hidden, which is what makes them special. The pleasure of all of these cafes, is that I know they will always feel calm and welcoming when I visit.

Angie’s Little Food Shop (Chiswick)

Angie’s Little Food Shop is really one of my favourites, and not just because it happens to be my name sake.  It is light and bright and airy. White walls decorated by beautiful ceramics.  Healthy, seasonal food.  Delicious breakfasts, brunches and lunches and delicious coffee. Much of the food is sourced from Covent Garden Farmers Market and always look so attractive. There is a scandi feel with the white washed floors and faded wooden tables.  Chilled back ground music and friendly, helpful staff all make for a relaxed and all round calm cafe. I love it here and always look forward to visting.

Garden Museum Cafe (Lambeth)

The cafe at the garden museum used to be in the museum itself and I loved popping along here for a coffee when I worked a short walk away.  Now the cafe is housed in a separate building adjacent to the museum.  This is a real hidden gem (as is the Garden Museum itself)  If the weather is good sit outside amongst the plants and herbs.  If not enjoy the light and and airy cafe.  The cafe is open from 8am for coffees and pastries which is great if you work in the area, lunch from 12pm, and for supper on Tuesday and Friday evenings. The food is all seasonal and fresh and tasty.  Coffee and a pastry in this calm cafe before or after a trip to the museum is just perfect.

The Tea House at Petersham Nurseries Cafe (Richmond) Most garden centres these days have cafes, but few have cafes which come anywhere close to the beautiful Tea House at Petersham Nurseries. This is such a relaxing place to stop for a while for a little refreshment. A collection of battered tables and chairs, either in a long green house or in a shady or sunny spot outside surrounded by creamy hydrangeas and terracotta pots filled with flowers.  The Tea House serves seasonal food, inspired by its kitchen garden and has both a British and Italian twist.  There is an excellent selection of teas and coffee and melt in the mouth cakes.  I can vouch for these!  The white chocolate, pistachio cookie I had on one visit is the best I’ve had. Sitting here with a book and a cup of coffee, surrounded by beautiful plants is heavenly.  I would visit Petersham nurseries for the tea house alone.

Charlottes W5 (Ealing Broadway)

W5 Charlottes is a converted Victorian stable block a tucked away at the back of Dickens Yard in Ealing Broadway and has been an excellent addition to Ealings foodie scene.  Its great in the evening for delicious dinners but I love it for breakfast or coffee during the mornings when it is quieter. The building is gorgeous, with a very stylish interior and there is a very relaxed, laid back atmosphere. Locals can often be found here during the day tapping way on laptops and enjoying the attentive but unobtrusive service. I have been here for morning coffee, worked away on my laptop for a couple of hours and then stayed for lunch.  All the food is seasonal and sourced from small suppliers who have a passion for quality and sustainability.  I can vouch for the avocado on sourdough!

Fabrique (Various Central London Locations)

The Fabrique Bakeries are actually quite small, and on occasion can get quite busy, but I still find them to be calm places to go for coffee and pastries.  They originate from Stockholm in Sweden and the focus on all they produce is a mix of fresh natural ingredients and TLC.  If you have ever had one of the Fabrique cinnamon or cardamom buns you will know this to be true.  There is really nothing like a Fabrique cinnamon bun served with a cup of delicious coffee. Just writing this makes me want to head there right now!  I like to go early during that lovely time in London between workers and tourists.  The white tiles, and shelves and trays piled high with delicious Swedish pastries make for a lovely surrounding and the perfect calming cafe in which to start the day.

Of course, there are so many other wonderful coffee shops and cafes in London, but I wanted to share with you some of my favourites, those that I find genuinely calming and of course the ones I know well.

Where do you like to go for calm coffee? I would love to have some of your recommendations too.