The best café in London in 2026

Here at Time Out, we pride ourselves on being connoisseurs of café culture. From alfresco pavilions to old school Italian joints and even spots giving vintage biker vibes, we know the best places in the city for coffee, cake and a spot of light lunch.

But we’re not the only ones putting the capital’s caffs to the test. Each year, lifestyle guide Muddy Stilettos asks the public to vote for the best shop, pub, hotel, venue, deli and, of course, café across England, Wales and Scotland. Now in their 13th year, the awards have just revealed the best independent businesses in London across 21 different categories.

So which of the Big Smoke’s caffs has been crowned victorious? Muddy Stilettos’ winning cafe for 2026 was (drumroll please) Swiss Bread Bakery in Richmond. 

If you’re thinking ‘hang on, am I having déjà vu?’, don’t fret. Swiss Bread Bakery received the gold medal in 2025 and 2024, making this the third consecutive win for the southwest London bakehouse.

The indie coffee spot, run by Swiss besties Andre and Tanja, has built up a loyal following for its menu of fresh breads, croissants, cakes and cinnamon buns. It also serves up authentic Swiss lunches, which include flammkuchen, fondue, sausage boards and weekly specials.

The finalists for the Best Café in London 2026

• Swiss Bread Bakery, Richmond (winner)
  
• &Feast, Barnes
  
• Bar Italia, Soho
  
• Beam Cafe, Muswell Hill
  
• Café François, Borough
  
• Drunch, Regents Park
  
• Farm Girl, Notting Hill
  
• Old Bank Coffee House, Barnet
  
• Potter & Reid, Spitalfields
  
• The Beehive, Bethnal Green

Did you see that the world’s best afternoon tea is in London – and it has a ‘tea sommelier’?

Plus: east London pasta restaurant Ombra is closing down.

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