Where do locals drink coffee in London?

Locals with any taste in coffee have largely abandoned the high-street chains and orbit around a handful of independent roasters and their affiliated cafes. Monmouth Coffee in Borough Market and Covent Garden remains the benchmark, perpetually queued but worth it. Nearby, Flat White in Soho popularised the Australian-style espresso drink that now bears its name. In east London, Climpson & Sons on Broadway Market in Hackney draws a loyal neighborhood crowd, as does Allpress Espresso in Dalston. Square Mile Coffee, a roaster based in Bethnal Green, supplies many of the better independent spots across the city. Ozone Coffee Roasters in Old Street and Association Coffee near Cannon Street handle the City worker crowd without sacrificing quality. Specialty coffee in London typically runs £3.50 to £5 for a flat white. Most serious independents open around 7 or 8am on weekdays. If you're in a neighborhood without a recommendation, look for a cafe stocking Has Bean, Square Mile, or Caravan beans — a reliable proxy for quality.

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