These are the best cafés around KCL campuses, according to a coffee and matcha enthusiast

KCL campuses are surrounded by countless cafés. But with so much choice, how do you know which ones are worth a visit?

That’s where my “extra-curricular” expertise comes in, saving fellow students from stumbling out of incomprehensible lectures and straight into actually good coffee, matcha, or whatever keeps you going.

I generally order the classics: Cappuccino, iced matcha latte, iced americano, and the occasional espresso or matcha tea. No sugar, no syrups. You can always add your extras later, knowing the base is good.

I think this gives me a solid foundation to judge quality. So, armed with my monthly Oyster card, I’ve collected coffee recommendations all around London. You never know, you may just find your new favourite café.

Rose Bakery

Rose Bakery is located about a 15 minute walk from Strand Campus, at the top of Dover Street Market between Charing Cross and Piccadilly Circus. The café offers matcha that’s perfect for those not yet obsessed: Mellow, lightly sweetened by the milk, and priced at £4.50, which is fair for central London.

It boasts bright natural light, an open-plan space, and a mild bustle that makes ideal background noise for working. The iced coffee is also strong enough to balance the milk, offering a nice bitterness and depth.

However, Rose Bakery isn’t the place for those who like caramel or strawberry syrups: It only offers natural sweeteners like honey, but it does have an intriguing rose matcha latte. Slightly floral, it’s an acquired taste, but perfect if you like more complex flavours. Sitting beside bunches of lavender on the windowsill, overlooking Victorian brickwork, you can feel far removed from central London. Yet I’ve worked entire afternoons here, feeling both productive and caffeinated.

Toklas Bakery

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Across from the Norfolk Building,  Toklas Bakery is perfect for an hour’s break between lectures. I wasn’t a huge fan of its cappuccino, but the cortado was excellent. With less foam, it had a more balanced, full flavour. The latte art is also impressive, if that’s your thing.

Unfortunately, it does get super busy and seating can be hard to find at times. The dim, warm lighting creates a cosy atmosphere, but it isn’t always ideal for studying.

Katsute100

The best matcha hides in a café called Katsute100, a Japanese tearoom with several locations in London. Its iced matcha latte with almond milk is my go-to. Pricey at £5.95, but genuinely one of the best in London, owing to the fact that it’s whisked fresh to order, making it smooth and earthy.

It also serves matcha hot chocolate and syrups for those who prefer something sweeter. Seating is limited, and though light streams through skylights, the bustle of UNIQLO below makes it better for a treat, rather than a study session.

Neal Street Espresso

The best cappuccino can be found at Neal Street Espresso, also in Covent Garden. This coffee shop doubles as a social enterprise, working with London City Mission to employ people who’ve been in prison. The staff are incredibly skilled baristas, and the beans are single origin supporting a small South American farm.

There’s Wi-Fi, good seating, natural light through a skylight, and plenty of snacks – making this a top contender for the best study café near Strand Campus.

The Colombian Coffee Company

The Colombian Coffee Company is a warm, colourful spot serving exclusively Colombian-grown coffee and small bites like empanadas and tamales.

You can even choose your beans and brewing method. Its cappuccino (£4.50) is smooth and slightly chocolatey, worth the ethical, speciality focus. There’s no Wi-Fi, but there are outlets to charge your laptop.

Hideaway Coffee House

This is a literal hidden gem tucked down Farriers Passage, also in Soho. The cappuccinos at Hideaway Coffee House are rich and chocolatey, served at the perfect temperature. The matcha here is strong in colour and flavour too – especially the iced version.

The middle-strength flavour pairs well with vanilla syrup for matcha newcomers. Seating is mostly outside, but the small indoor space has outlets and Wi-Fi.

FILTRD

Finally, for those seeking a bright, minimalist study space rather than the perfect drink, there’s FILTRD. Formerly LOAFT, the café remains relaxed, with large tables, natural light, and plenty of plug points. Wi-Fi is available (though the password could be simpler), and it’s quiet and calm. If you prefer herbal teas, this may be a great space for you.