London is heaving with coffee shops. From Pret A Manger to Starbucks to Costa, you can’t turn a street corner without seeing one. But growing alongside these huge chains are the more trendy shops, the type that don’t have to scream out for your attention and showcase an unappealing lengthy queue. As popular as the huge chains are, I feel that they often lack character and the coffee doesn’t impress as much as you’d hope.

Whilst walking through Bishopsgate and Spitalfields Market, I came across a chain that I had never heard of before - Department of Coffee and Social Affairs. Both shops were unique had completely different layouts and interiors; Bishopsgate was light and open with windows and an organised seating area, whereas the Spitalfields shop kept with the market theme and was set in a small corner comprising of open brickwork and just a few benches to share with other customers.

Whilst being a little on the expensive side, you get to choose which coffee beans you would like for your brew and the staff make your visit really enjoyable. I think Department of Coffee and Social Affairs should be the place you visit next to give you your morning coffee hit.

For more information and locations, click here.

Londonewcastler’s are flocking to new independent coffee supplier Lisa Latte, newly arrived in Fitzrovia. In typical independent coffee culture style, the premises are very hard to find, opening hours flexible and the offering changes daily depending on mood and the weather. But what cannot be doubted is that the mysterious Lisa is a mighty fine Barista…