Coffee houses in London started to pop up in the 17th Century frequented by those from the insurance houses and auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christies. The first Gentleman’s Clubs emerged from coffee houses, attracting a more aristocratic clientele by charging membership fees.
Kopi luwak is the world’s most expensive coffee, largely due to the unusual production method involved. It has been produced from the coffee beans which have been digested by the palm civet, an Indonesian cat-like animal. The faeces of this cat will be collected, finished and sold as kopi luwak. The short supply and high demand, the different taste and the unique production methods make kopi luwak the most expensive coffee in the world.
Coffee in Mayfair
Today, coffee has become as integral a part of our daily lives as taking a shower, we enjoy it, we need it and we judge it. Coffee, as we know comes in all shapes, styles and sizes and Mayfair and the surrounding locale is spoilt for choice when it comes to places either to grab a cappuccino on the go, or meet for a leisurely expresso and watch the world go by.
Taylor St Baristas, Brook Mews
Nestled away in a quiet street around the back of Claridges is Taylor St Baristas, known for its delicious house blend – ‘Rogue Express’ and a fine selection of single origin and guest coffees from across the world. The café is lined with church pews where customers can relax and catch up over excellent coffee, or choose from wonderful ‘Postcard Teas’ and enjoy homemade cakes, salads and soups.
Rapha Clubhouse Cafe
The Clubhouse Cafe at Rapha offers a healthy menu, which includes nutritious breakfast choices, fuel sustaining dishes for cyclists on the go and healthy energy snacks including granola, rice and brownie ride bars, combined with a great venue to watch the latest live racing. The menu consists of dishes from renowned cycling regions, constructed by acclaimed cycling chef Henrik Orre. The house coffee comes from Workshop coffee (@workshopcoffee).
Swans Bar at Assouline
Swans Bar at Maison Assouline offers an exquisite selection of French platters, artisanal teas and coffee, wine, champagne and cocktails. Originally a banking hall designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1922, the Grade II–listed building was one of the most iconic locations in the capital. In 2014, as Assouline celebrated its 20-year anniversary, the luxury culture and lifestyle brand opened the doors of Maison Assouline, its first international flagship store, now a heaven for every bibliophile with a taste for the finest things in life.
Illy Café London
Illy Café London combines a design influenced space with a genuine Italian cafè experience with illy’s innovative high-end technology, offering Londoners the chance to refuel, reflect and relax in stylish surroundings. From breakfast bomboloni pastries, filled with vanilla cream and jam, to lunchtime piadina wraps, plates of antipasti and pasta dishes. This Regent street café offers good food at any time of day, whether you are eating on the move or enjoying a sit-down meal.
The Mount Street Deli, Mount Street
At The Mount Street Deli you can enjoy a delicious range of produce from all over the British Isles. Here you can enjoy a freshly brewed coffee made from the best of handpicked beans to Postcard teas and take your pick from the tempting range of freshly baked Viennoiseries and homemade cakes. There are imaginative healthy daily salads, sushi delivered straight from the expert chefs at Sexy Fish as well as meat dishes. Open all day, you can enjoy your coffee inside or outside and take in the hustle and bustle of Mayfair.
