London has an endless supply of sights, shops and restaurants – there’s just so much to see and do! As the poet Samuel Johnson famously wrote, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” It’s the UK’s most popular tourist destination – according to Groupon, London attracted almost 20 million visitors in 2017. Getting around all of those sights and museums can be exhausting, though, and you can end up feeling like all you’ve seen is other tourists! If you want to get off the beaten track and see the real, authentic London, a good place to start is by exploring its many gorgeous and quirky cafes. They’re the best place to meet locals, take a break, get a new perspective on the city, and savour your time in the capital. Cafes also offer a great backdrop for photos, adding some authentic local charm and cultural interest to your Instagram feed. Here are three of the most Instagrammable London cafes to include on your next visit:
1) Chief Coffee
A hidden gem tucked away in Chiswick, Chief Coffee is a fantastic find for coffee lovers. The prices are quite good for London, the food and drink are excellent, and the bar is stunning. Check out their custom copper and wood filter coffee brew station, granite counter and exposed brick walls. The atmosphere is chilled out and you won’t be rushed to move on if you linger over that first cup. Downstairs in the Pinball Lounge, there’s a fairly impressive collection of classic 80’s and 90’s pinball games to play. Gamers will love to have a go on these vintage machines, installed there by pinball-fan and owner Sam for “big kids as well as little kids”, and they make another quirky Insta photo op to enjoy. They’re also dog-friendly, so nobody is left out of the fun!