We asked the team: the most relaxing cafés in London

Hard work requires an agile mind. Here at UnderTheDoormat we’re well-versed in where to find that perfect coffee, from our local establishments to luxurious hideaways.

It’s not just about the work – cafés are an essential part of the weekend, not least as the cold winter mornings draw in. We asked the team to give their thoughts on the perfect café to sit back and relax – so grab that warming cup and have a read of our go-to coffee shops.

Who knows? Next time you may find yourself in one of our favoured spots.

Centre/North

Merilee: I really love Freestate Coffee in Holborn. In the midst of so many chains (it used to be a small Pret itself), it’s an oasis with wonderful cakes and leaf teas as well as coffees – their chocolate brownie is to die for (and I’m American). It’s a great place to meet in the centre of town and just relax!

Richard: Workshop Coffee in Clerkenwell. It does great coffee but just as importantly it does great real food (dishes not just cakes), has free wi-fi and you can chill or work there. Honourable mention goes to J+A Café also in Clerkenwell (homely and great cakes, although the service could be faster) and Prufrock Coffee on Leather Lane (nice coffee, but they could expand their range). Looking back, I clearly put quite a lot of thought into where to get my coffee!

Hannah: I know absolutely nothing about coffee or tea, but hot chocolate recommendations I can do. Knockbox Coffee on Lambs Conduit have really nice hot chocolate, and their cakes and sandwiches are super tasty too!

Nuria: Caravan in Exmouth Market – the little one!

East

Nuria: Ozone Coffee Roasters near Old Street – they roast the coffee and sell it to many other coffee shops in London and their brunch menu is so yummy!!! Another place is Friends of Ours, again near Old Street, where they do nice coffee and nice brunch! A third one is in Shoreditch, where you can find Lantana Café… Do you want me to carry on?

South

Nuria: Monmouth Café is still my favourite coffee place in London, with a branch near London Bridge.

West

Max: I’m going for Artisan Coffee, a small café on Upper Richmond Road (about 10 mins away from our office) – some of the strongest (and so best) coffee I’ve had in the area. It’s also a great place to have a cup before (and/or after) a show at the Odeon or thePutney Arts Theatre, a fantastic local amateur drama centre.