The ancient hunting cry, ‘so-hoe,’ is said to be the inspiration behind the name Soho when the area was a royal hunting park for Henry VIII. After a cholera outbreak in 1854, the gentrification moved away. It allowed immigrants from France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Hungary, and Russia to move into the area. Soho evolved into the culturally diverse district it is today.
Over the years, Soho has gathered a few stories, some with unsavoury headlines. Since the 1980s, Soho has undergone a transformation journey, and today it attracts students and young professionals. The district still maintains a flamboyant, bohemian vibe and an energetic atmosphere that attracts coffee houses, so here are five of the best cafes in Soho.
The Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Soho
If you want a breather from the buzzing atmosphere of the Soho streets, take a break in one of the many cafes and coffee shops in Soho.
1. My Place – All Day Coffee
In the heart of Soho, My Place is proud of the reputation it has forged for the calibre of coffee and food they serve to its clients. They love to attract locals, regulars and travellers alike.
The well-loved coffee house uses cutting-edge equipment to make the best coffee in Soho. However, their overall appearance is low key creating a relaxing atmosphere. Combine with the soft background music, and you might find yourself chilling and admiring the artworks adjoining the walls created by local artists.
They open at 8 am, seven days a week, earlier than many places in the area, ideal for an early morning coffee or breakfast.
- My Place serves an espresso coffee for £2.70.
- Further drinks menu options include cocktails, beers and spirits, with a popular Espresso Martini priced at £11.50.
Sometimes a coffee menu is overwhelming with all the choices. My Place staff are helpful and will recommend a coffee, such as the Cortado, at £2.90. An espresso of Spanish origins with equal measures of espresso and steamed milk.
The My Place food menu is relatively small, with locally-sourced ingredients where possible.
The Soho cafe serves breakfasts until 5 pm on weekdays and until 3 pm at weekends. An English Breakfast is £13.50 and comes with eggs, sausage, bacon, black pudding, tomato and baked beans with sourdough toast.
- A vegetarian choice is a Spinach and Avocado Omelette with cheese and sourdough toast for £12.00.
- Salads and Burgers are available from noon with Smoked Salmon Salad for £13.50.
- Sandwiches and wraps are served from noon to 5 pm.
A To Share section is available from 5 pm. One option is an Artisan Baked Camembert with garlic, rosemary, and ciabatta for £12.50.
My Place is a laid-back, quirky and cute cafe in Soho. They serve excellent coffee and delicious food. The eatery gets busy, and sometimes you queue on arrival. However, the staff is efficient and attentive.
Address: 21 Berwick Street, London, W1F 0PZ
Telephone: 020 3417 2829
2. Farm Girl – Cafe Australian Style
It all started for farm girl Rose Mann in 2015 when she arrived in West London and couldn’t find the holistic, healthy food and great coffee she sought. The quest began, and Farm Girl soon hit the scene with five branches across London, including Soho.
Farm Girl claims that the food and cafes get photographed more than Kate Moss because they are cool and good-looking.
The coffee used at the Farm Girl comes from Winchester-based The Roasting Party, speciality roasters who focus on quality coffee and sustainability.
The menu at Farm Girl showcases numerous holistic options. One such option is their signature Rose Latte at £4.50, brewed using rose water-infused milk and rose petals because of its many health benefits.
- A smooth and velvety Espresso is available at £2.70.
- The drinks menu offers various milk options, CBD oil, rose water, and mushroom powders at additional cost.
- For something to eat, the Cherry Ripe Pancakes are an indulgent choice at £14.00.
- Something healthier is the Farm Bowl Salad at £14.00, full of colourful goodness.
Farm Girl is a cute coffee shop in Soho with pretty hanging baskets and string lights from the ceiling. Reviews say the insta-worthy food is as good as it looks.
Address: 1 Carnaby St, Carnaby, London W1F 9QG
Telephone: 0207 7341626
3. Tintico – The Best Coffee in Soho
Tintico is passionate about coffee and goes to great lengths to ensure they serve the finest coffee it can find.
As Tintico sources coffee from speciality farms, estates, and cooperatives, they change their coffee subject to availability. They are currently using coffee from a micro-farm in Honduras that uses an entirely natural process. The farm has less than one hectare and is 1200 m above sea level.
Tintico serves a simple Latin / Spanish-inspired menu to complement the fantastic coffee.
- The Soho coffee shop serves hot, iced and alcoholic drinks. A Tintico coffee is £2.80, and a Cortado coffee is £2.90.
- From the Not Coffee menu, a Dirty Chai is £3.50, and an Iced Latte is £3.20.
The food menu uses locally-sourced ingredients to produce tapas-style plates. Their sample menu offers,
- Pulled Ham Hock on sourdough toast with chutney and cheese for £9.50
- A vegan option of Avocado on sourdough toast with pesto, sun-dried tomato, pickles and seeds for £8.00.
Tintico has a calming and rustic interior with plenty of plants and art. It is an ideal place to relax and unwind in one of the best coffee shops in Soho, London.
Address: 57 Greek Street, London, W1D 3DX
Telephone: 07950 323186
4. The Colombian Coffee Company – Coffee Artisans
The Colombian Coffee Company have a mission to connect UK coffee lovers with the hearts of the communities who produce the coffee beans. Co-founder Eduardo Florez grew up in a home gripped by poverty and daily violence in Colombia. Co-founder Gabriela Oakley had lived in Colombia and witnessed the farmers’ struggle.
The coffee company hopes that by enjoying their favourite hot drink, UK coffee drinkers will appreciate the importance and impact they can have on coffee farming communities. They hope to achieve this by bringing you the most authentic and best coffee experience you will have.
- The coffee shop in Soho doesn’t list prices on its website, but social media displays a Tinto, the most authentic Colombian black coffee, at £4.00.
- A Campesino is a Tinto with panela and cloves for £4.00.
- In addition to serving coffee brewed using the Colombian method, they also serve coffee using European techniques. A long black and latte are both £3.80.
They also serve Colombian bread.
The Colombian Coffee Company serves some of the most authentic and best coffee in Soho in cute, vintage cups. The coffee shop is fascinating, with bundles of information about the various coffee beans. There is an online shop if you want to enjoy your coffee fix at home while supporting Colombian coffee farmers.
Address: 22 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DY
Telephone: 07452 140590
5. White Room Coffee – Cut and Grind
Cut and Grind? White Room Coffee is a coffee shop in Soho with a barber and a music studio. It is a coffee shop with an arty vibe, a regular flow of music folk, and a range of trainers displayed on the wall for sale.
White Room Coffee has built a superb reputation for creating a fantastic, welcoming atmosphere. Many say they pop in for coffee and stay for one to three hours just chatting and chilling.
They serve excellent coffee at reasonable prices. They list their menu on their Instagram page.
- An espresso is £2.25
- An Americano is £2.75
- A Cappaccino is £3.50
They serve a selection of teas, all priced at £2.50 and include Earl Grey, Chamomile, and Green tea.
They offer a small selection of light bites. Their Chocolate Krispies are a massive hit, priced at £3.50 for one or four for £10.00.
The White Room Coffee is a stone’s throw from the bustling Oxford Circus. The coffee shop has created a community atmosphere, and It is an ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries while enjoying tasty treats and some of the best coffee in Soho.
Address: 28 Poland Street, London, W1F 8QN
Related: Cat Cafes in London: 5 Purr-Fect Cafes
3 Tips For Choosing the Best Coffee Shop
Coffee shops and their menus can be confusing. Here are a few tips to help you decide which one to choose.
- Do you like black or milk-based? Cappuccino is a good starter for a milk-based coffee.
- Does the shop provide milk alternatives? Many people look for milk alternatives in their coffee, so it is essential to select a shop with dairy-free options.
- Good customer service is vital to a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying your coffee. It is also important that you feel comfortable asking questions about the coffee. It might be the type of bean where the coffee shop sources beans or you might be concerned about ethically sourcing coffee beans.