Check out brands that were born in cities from Dubai to Doha.
London’s coffee scene is causing a stir. The capital is brimming with cafés, which range from the relaxed to refined. Whether you’re looking to catch up with friends, family or work remotely, there’s a coffee shop to suit your needs. Here are the best coffee shops in London for Middle Eastern travellers.
1/2 Million
The Saudi-born brand made its debut in London. Located on the world-famous Oxford Street, it is easy to spot thanks to its light blue façade and bright neon sign. The hot drinks include a Cappuccino, Cortado, Flat White, Piccolo and a range of teas. The cold beverages include Iced Americano, Iced Chocolate, Iced Latte and Iced Tea. Plus, there are pretty pastries – cakes, croissants or chocolate, anyone?
GO: Follow @halfmillionuk on Instagram for more information.
% Arabica
% Arabica might sound like it was born in an Arab country, but it actually originated in Japan. The minimalist cafés can be found across the Middle East, from Saudi Arabia to the UAE. The brand prides itself on sourcing coffee from its own farm. The menu includes classic as well as creative drinks from a Honey Latte to Kyoto Latte, and food ranging from baguettes to ice cream. Locations for the % Arabica coffee shops in London include Broadway Market, Covent Garden, Spitalfields Market and South Molton Street.
GO: Follow @arabica_uk on Instagram for more information.
Barn’s
Saudi Arabia’s Barn’s hasn’t set up shop yet, but we are buzzing with excitement. Founded in 1992, the brand aims to open ten coffee shops in London and across the UK. We’re hoping the London café reflects the Kingdom’s menus. Famous for its speciality coffee, the drinks include Caramel Mikato, Sahleb, Spanish Latte and White Mocha.
GO: Visit https://barns.com.sa for more information.
Bafarat
Saudi Arabia’s Bafarat is located on London’s Warwick Street. The smart space boasts semicircle sofas, large mirrors, and a bright, airy feel. The menu includes Americanos, Arabic Coffees, Hot Chocolates, and Matcha Latte. There is also afternoon tea, pastries, cookies, and snacks, from Lobster Rolls to Truffle Quiches.
GO: Follow @bafaratcafe on Instagram for more information.
Black Sheep Coffee
In 2013, Black Sheep Coffee started with the help of crowdfunding on Kickstarter. The brand prides itself on not using single-use plastic, and offers free coffee to homeless people. The three different venues include a café, café express and coffee and cocktails concept. Black Sheep Coffee is famous for using robusta coffee beans. The hot drinks include Americano, Cappuccino, Espresso and Flat White. The cold drinks include Iced Americano, Iced Latte, Iced Matcha Latte and Iced Mocha. Plus, there are a range of freshly prepared smoothies. Black Sheep Coffee also has outposts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
GO: Visit https://leavetheherdbehind.com for more information.
Chapati & Karak
Chapati & Karak might be located on Brompton Road, but it draws its inspiration from Qatar’s Katara Cultural Village. As the name suggests, it’s all about chapatis and karak. The drinks menu includes Black Tea, Cardamom Karak, Ginger Milk, Green Tea, Karak Shake and Mint Tea. The food menu includes Egg Chapati, Sweet Chapati and Soft Cheese Chapati.
GO: Visit https://chapatikarak.com for more information.
Crome
Crome is already a staple on Doha’s and Riyadh's dessert scene. In London, it describes itself as the city’s first French toast café. So, if you want to start the day off in style, visit the St. Christopher’s Place venue. The desserts are oh-so-sweet and include sky-high croissants with indulgent fillings, from chocolate to strawberry. Highlights include the Pistachio Soft Serve Cone, The Berry Best French Toast, and Lotus Biscoff French Toast.
GO: Follow @crome.london on Instagram for more information.
EL&N London
Cameras at the ready. EL&N London is one of the most Instagrammable cafés in the world. The brand opened its first coffee shops in London but is #trending in the Middle East. The cafés can also be found in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah and Riyadh. The instantly recognisable pink walls, floral features and motivational neon signs have made this a hit on social media. The cute coffee spot serves hot and cold drinks. Plus, it’s a superb spot for breakfast and brunch.
GO: Visit https://elnlondon.com for more information.
Enzo Café
A touch of the UAE has come to the UK with the opening of Ras Al Khaimah’s Enzo Café in Knightsbridge. The venue boasts a chilled and contemporary vibe. The venue includes a minimalist, muted design with dark sofas, wooden chairs and green and grey hues. If Enzo Café’s original menu is any indication, here’s what to expect in the big smoke. The menu spans classic and signature coffees, and desserts. The classic drinks include a Cold Brew, Long Brew, Chemez and Spanish Latte. The signature drinks include an Acai Smoothie, Hot Chocolate, Matcha Latte and Matcha Frappe.
GO: Follow @enzo.rak on Instagram for more information.
FLTR Coffee
Dubai’s FLTR Coffee has landed in London. The stylish speciality coffee shop is located on Chiltern Street, Marylebone and is easy to spot, thanks to the green branding. The large windows give you a look into the space, which feels like a cross between a bookshop and a coffee shop. The shelves are stacked with indie magazines and books and FLTR-branded items in neutral colours, including canvas bags, hats and T-shirts. FLTR Coffee’s drinks include filter coffee from Colombia, Ethiopia, Honduras and Panama. The cold coffee drinks include Cold Drip, Iced FLTR, Iced Spanish and Iced White. The matcha choices include Iced Matcha, Hot Matcha and Matcha Affogato.
GO: Follow @fltrdubai on Instagram for more information.
Grind
When you’re done with the daily grind, head to Grind. Since opening in 2011, the café has created a cool community feel. It includes large wooden tables and chairs, great for remote working. Located in East London, Grind prides itself on its sustainable approach, from its plastic-free approach to biodegradable pods. The food includes an all-day brunch, sandwiches, and snacks. The drinks include coffee, tea, juice, and smoothies.
GO: Visit @grind on Instagram for more information.
Ibakwala
Since 2016, Ibakwala Café has been bringing flavours from the Middle East to London. Drawing inspiration from across the region, the dishes include Baklava; the sponge cake, Hareesa; Levantine dessert, Nabulsyah; pistachio-filled pastry, Ma’amoul and more. The drinks include an Americano, Cappuccino, Espresso and Turkish Coffee.
GO: Visit https://ibaklawacafe.com for more information.
Kahve Dünyası
If you’re a fan of Turkish coffee, then put Kahve Dünyası on your radar. Located in St James, visitors can sit down for a cup or three, and buy sweet treats to have in or take home. The café serves freshly ground coffee, iced drinks and milkshakes. The decadent dessert includes handmade artisan chocolates and baked goods. Plus, there are sandwiches and snacks.
GO: Follow @kahvedunyasiuk on Instagram for more information.
Koub
London’s Belgravia district has just got a taste of the United Arab Emirates as Koub expands its horizons beyond the desert sands. After conquering Ajman and Dubai with its delectable brews, Koub is sprinkling its Emirati charm in the capital. Stemming from the Arabic word for cup, Koub guarantees a flavorful journey through its exceptional coffee blends that proudly reflect Emirati culture. From delicious doughnuts to scrumptious sandwiches, cupcakes, and buttery croissants, this café has got it all. And brace yourselves, Londoners, because Koub's signature Spanish Latte and their takeaway cold brew in those cool medicine-like bottles are about to become your new guilty pleasures.
GO: Follow @koub.uk on Instagram for more information.
Kayu Bakehouse
Dubai’s Kayu Bakehouse has opened on Curzon Street’s Shepherd Market in the capital. The artisan boutique specialises in French desserts, from brioche to croissants, and prides itself on using only natural ingredients. The menu will include Double Chocolate Brioche, Eclairs, Macarons, Mousse chocolat, Mosaic Roll Cake, and Raspberry Cream Cheese Croissants. The café boasts high-end finishes, including marble furnishings imported from Greece, reflecting the upmarket Mayfair locale.
GO: Visit https://trykayu.com for more information.
Ladurée
South Audley Street in Mayfair provides the perfect backdrop for Laduree’s distinctive French elegance. The interiors stay true to the brand’s signature style. Expect hues of pastels such as green, pink, yellow and much more. On the food front, the cafe features Ladurée’s signature line of lattes, such as the Marie-Antoinette Latte and the Ispahan Latte, each adorned with a mini macaron. Beyond their beloved macarons, Ladurée Mayfair will also offer a selection of cookies, finger pastries, and a savoury menu, for the first time. Get ready to indulge in croissants, club sandwiches, and many more options on the menu.
GO: Visit www.laduree.co.uk/for more information.
L’ETO
If you like your coffee with a side of sophistication, then head to L’ETO. The café has more than 40 restaurants around the world including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah and Muscat. The coffee shops in London can be found from Knightsbridge to Soho. L’ETO has a contemporary chic décor with hanging plants, wicker chairs and trinkets on shelves. Make sure you check out the stunning cake counter and speciality coffee.
GO: Visit https://letocaffe.com for more information.
Parkers
Dubai’s dining scene is going global. The homegrown brand Parker’s is now open in Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel and has already received the royal stamp of approval from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Parker’s started as a SnapChat account, and guests had to find keys to enter the restaurant. Today, the casual concept can be found in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The menus span breakfast, lunch and dinner. One of Parker’s most popular dishes is the Matilda Chocolate Cake, which is the stuff of Insta legend and draws its inspiration from Roald Dahl’s character Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda.
GO: Follow @parkers.london on Instagram for more information.
Prada Caffé
The world-famous department store Harrods is filled with luxury brands. Prada is mixing things up, as it offers not only clothes but also coffee. The Prada Caffé oozes elegance and is decked out in the brand’s signature style. The venue includes mint-coloured counters and walls and a black-and-white tiled floor. The café serves breakfast, lunch, and pastries, as well as hot and cold drinks, including coffee, tea, and fresh juice. Prada Caffé is open until 7 January.
GO: Visit www.harrods.com for more information.
Saddle Café
Founded in 2017 in the UAE, Saddle Café started as a single food truck serving speciality brews. Today, it has lots of loyal fans and can be found across 14 locations in the country, and it has an international outpost in Cannes, France and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Saddle Café in London can be found near the iconic department store Harrods. The venue draws inspiration from the Arabian equestrian heritage and love of good coffee. The team prides itself on sourcing the finest beans from across the world. The menu includes speciality coffees available in hot and cold brews, and signature serves range from Saddle La Brioche to Saddle Acai Smoothie.
GO: Follow @saddlelondon on Instagram for more information.
SHOT
The speciality café SHOT London is spectacularly sleek. Its black-and-gold décor and embossed cups ooze class. The café can be found in swanky spots, including Berkeley Street, Knightsbridge, and Wigmore Street. The menu includes house-blend coffee from Brazil, Ethiopia, and Sumatra, loose-leaf tea, hot chocolate, and soft drinks. Visitors to the Mayfair location should expect long lines from morning until night, so be prepared to wait!
GO: Follow @shot.london on Instagram for more information.
Tiffany Blue Box
Tiffany Blue Box can be found in the world-famous department store, Harrods. The concept will soon be coming to Dubai, and is bound to be a hit in the Middle East, where fashion cafés never go out of style. The café is an Insta hit – sit around Tiffany jewellery and sip coffee from Tiffany-blue cups. The dishes range from Cornish Crab muffins to Eggs Florentine, and the drinks range from an afternoon tea to a cocktail menu. The Breakfast at Tiffany dish is essential. Dressing up as Audrey Hepburn is optional.
GO: Visit www.harrods.com for more information.
Wanasa
If you want to know what Wanasa is all about, the clue is in the name. In Arabic, Wanasa means connecting with people in a humble setting. The café has a neighbourhood vibe and serves Middle Eastern breakfast and brunch dishes. Choose from a Kufta Wrap, Palestinian Falafel Wrap, or Toasted Breakfast Wrap. Drinks include coffee, iced coffee, and smoothies.
GO: Visit https://wanasacafe.co.uk for more information.
