The Best London Coffee Shops For Truly Memorable Outfit Pics
As the days grow cold and the nights draw in, one can feel in need of a little boost. My advice to myself when suffering a spot of seasonal slump is always to put on something I feel good in and take a picture. It’s about pulling myself out of the mental malaise — remembering that, though there may be swirls of anxiety and gloom in my head, I’m actually just a person doing their best — and here’s a photo to prove it. And I look nice. If I’m feeling particularly in need of some colour and freshness as an antidote to the greying of our British skies, I’ll combine this self-love selfie technique with some gorgeous locale. Here are some tried-and-tested cute cafe spots to warm the soul and infuse some colour and sparkle…
1. Pretty in Pink - EllaMia
Address: 45 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4HX
Nearest Tubes: Leicester Square and Charing Cross
Since the rise of Instagram, there’s been a concomitant rise in pink eateries. I, for one, am not complaining - there’s something so neat and satisfying about a colour-themed interior, especially when it’s a perfect candy pink. EllaMia offers classy coffee by day and vino by night, all surrounded by cosy pinks and brushed gold.
For more pink perfection, you may like to take in a coffee & cake at the truly gorgeous Peggy Porschen, or one of the many lovely EL&N locations across London.
2. Industrial Chic - Grind
Address: 34 Royal Exchange Threadneedle Street London, EC3V 3LP
Nearest Tube: Bank
Grind has many locations throughout the city, offering reliably fantastic coffee in consistently stylish decor. Expect stark lines, steel greys and photogenic tiling as you perfect that perch and snag the dream insta snap. Grind is a great place to meet friends or simply sip a coffee and let your mind wander. All the amenities that a multiple-location chain can offer - remarkably efficient service and a true plethora of options - make every visit to Grind a winner. We recommend a trip to the grade 1 listed Royal Exchange branch in Bank.
3. Purple Haze - Aubaine, Selfridges
Address: 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB
Nearest Tube: Bond Street
Want something high end to blast those blues away? You’ll be hard pressed to find a more memorable locale than Aubaine at Selfridges. There are several Aubaines in London town, but the iconic, floral-draped Selfridges spot is truly jaw-dropping. Perfect for a real TREAT, whether it’s cheering yourself up, congratulating a dear friend or showing off to a new date, Aubaine at Selfridges will have you wistful for Wisteria and fully seduced by its perky purple tones.
4. Baby Blue - Minnow
Address: 21 The Pavement, London, SW4 0HY
Nearest Tube: Clapham Common
A laid-back option, Minnow’s beautiful exterior houses all manner of culinary cred, offering brunch, dinners and a number of fabulous beveraginos. The pastel blue facade of the building makes my heart soar every time I visit, and pairs well with the darker, neutral tones so often found in more wintery attire. If you want a hot deal in the cold weather, Minnow offers BYOB on Tuesday evenings - a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a dreamy place to warm your cockles this autumn.
5. Green-eyed - Marchesi 1824
Address: 117 Mount St, London, W1K 3LA
Nearest Tubes: Green Park, Marble Arch, Oxford Circus
The prettiest Patisserie you’ll ever see, Marchesi has spent the last two centuries creating cakes so perfect you’ll almost not want to take a bite. Almost. These incredible candied delights are served up in a setting that’s equally sumptuous and stunning - lush green velvet seats, vintage windows, teensy plates that’d make Paddington Bear do a happy little dance. The array of cakes is magnificent, multicoloured and mouthwatering, while the decor will make you feel every inch the sophisticate - perfect for some cosy chic amid the autumnal drab outside.
6. The Edgy One: Attendant Coffee Roasters
Address: 74 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A 3JL
Nearest Tube: Old Street
Offering a verdant oasis of calm in the bustling Shoreditch Triangle, Attendant Coffee Roasters serves up an abundance of plants, sleek tiling and fabulous coffee. The team behind this hip hot spot really know their stuff when it comes to ethically sourced, and expertly roasted coffee. As a bonus feature, all of their branches — including the Fitzrovia-based weird sister situated in a Victorian public loo — warmly welcome pets. Who doesn’t love a photo shoot with a furry friend?
Cover image credit: Wikicommons