10 Best London Coffee Shops for the Coffee-Obsessed Postgraduate

Here we are nearing the end of the school year, which only means one thing, at least in my world...

We are due for a reflection on London's best coffee places :)

Surely, years of café exposure have led to this seminal moment. My 7-year-old self had delighted in weekly café visits. It was, after all, where I had learned and developed all the basic skills that had prepared me for my adulthood. The café no longer stands, but the memories remain. I had learned to make my very first sale, order my own food, think for myself, build my confidence, and socialize. It was where I learned to love books and the café lifestyle--the institution within which I grew to find solace. So, of course, more than a decade after, this passion would linger in me and manifest into this foray into the coffee arts.

*Also to note, all of the recommendations listed below are prices around the same--with coffees ranging from £3-£5, pastries from £1-6, and dishes from £10-18.

Without further ado, here are London's 10 BEST coffee shops for the studious coffee obsessed Grad student:

1) High-Grade Coffee lives up to its name. Not too far from Shoreditch High Street Station and within Brick Lane, this coffee shop is petit yet artful and minimalist. If you don't mind taking your coffee to go and love a good place to detour after a day of vintage shopping, this is the place. I made two visits to the café and tried two different kinds of coffee: a mocha and a cappuccino. The latter was perfectly bittersweet, something you would not expect from a cappuccino as we would normally consider it to be bitter. Oh my, and the mocha was just the same. The best way to describe it was how the drink was perfectly aromatic and nutty. Perfect for the local weekend getaway during a study break.

2) Chestnut Bakery Every month, the café's Instagram page advertises the pastry-of-the-month. They offer out-of-the-box, daring twists to classic treats, all the while staying true to their original versions. They can be classic cinnamon rolls, strawberry tarts, miso white chocolate cookies, basic croissants, or ones with goat cheese and Zatar, or fig & goat cheese kouign amanns. So look out on their page if you fancy a little limited-edition experience to enlighten your foodie palette. They offer coffee classics and do flavor well, however, as highlighted earlier, their strong suit is in their pastries. Thus, if you are ever looking for an Instagram-worthy café, this place is the one. Noticeable from a mile away, the café exterior is covered by an overgrown flower wall. The ground floor gets the most crowded; however, their first floor is much quieter, even on the weekends. So if you're ever in search of a comfortable study space in central London mixed with good coffee and sweet treats, here's a gem for you.

3) Gecko Coffeehouse Easy to find and situated on the main street close to Old Street Station and plenty of well-connected bus stops, the coffee shop boasts a study space with Free Wifi on the basement floor and is a perfect spot for any vegan who loves their coffee and treats. Drinks come on a faint-colored oval wooden tray partnered with a glass of water for refreshment. Pastries are varied, though predominantly cakey in style. If you're a fan of people-watching, the location is ideal. Simply sit on the high stools pressed against the window, and you are gifted with a view of a busy London street.

4) Grind Craving a mid-century modern environment above a food court in a novel glassy building? This coffee shop in Canary Wharf is one of the many branches spread all over London. Here, they offer classic coffees alongside unique lattes, such as the Butterfly Pea Latte. If you love pink and cute cup designs, this one's for you. Brunch is also served till 3 PM in other branches, with classic English breakfast dishes or little nibbles, such as calamari. Unforgettably, the cool thing about this brand is its versatility. A coffee shop in the day, and bar at night, they offer seasonal drinks that add a little spice to your evening social.

5) Ozone Coffee Roasters in Shoreditch is usually busy on the weekends, but you can usually manage to find seating on the weekdays, especially in the high stool area facing the main street indoors. I recommend coming in on the weekdays for ample seating and calm, although after 3 pm, on the weekends, the place is just as comfortable. Wood and industrial architecture echo throughout and give the place an edgy, hipster feel. They sell their own blends as well as journals and coffee-making materials. They do use different blends for different coffees, so look out for drastically different flavor profiles depending on what you order. Their cold brew was more acidic, while their mocha was more of what is expected. Their food is, however, their highlight. They offer varying egg dishes and unique twists to dishes with fish and potatoes. One such difference was in the three options for their eggs benedict: trout, ham, or halloumi. They also offered classic English breakfasts.

6) Arôme in Covent Garden is one of two branches. This one may get busy rather often, thanks to its central location. Ambiance-wise, the place is small, so I would recommend this place as a quick stop, although they do have benches outside. White exterior and Japanese-esque wooden furniture pieces add simplicity and calm, contrasting the expected crowds that roam through the place. However, if you ever miss your French pastries and are in need of a fix, this place is for you. Their apple tarts, french toasts, and escargots are mouthwatering, and their coffee selection is flavorful and standard.

7) Redemption Roasters in Angel occupies a special place in my heart. The coffee shop boasts a sleek modern design with pops of color all around. They operate on two floors with outdoor seating both behind and in front of the coffee shop. However, their basement floor is rather unique. Ivory-colored reliefs decorate the walls to give the space a gothic, cave-like cherubic aura. Simple pastries, such as croissants and cronuts, are sold. Sandwiches and brunch dishes, such as eggs benedict, are sold there as well. You order at the counter first, and they offer cards that lead up to a free drink on your tenth drink. One of their highlights was their particular blend of coffee. Chocolatey, yet citrusy and bold--it was reminiscent of the coffee sold at my favorite coffee shop back in San Francisco, Andytown. Rather humorously, this particular coffee shop carried such an American west-coast vibe. Even more, they sell their own coffee blends and coffee-making supplies. If you ever need a change of scenery, a perfect study space on the weekdays--this is the place for you.

8) Blank Street Coffee in Shoreditch is one of the many branches around London. Yet, their menu selections remain quite unique. Classic options aside, the coffee shop offers simple gourmet sandwiches, such as brie focaccias, and unique beverages from their signature Pistachio Lattes (which I tried) or Strawberries and Cream Iced Latte and Cold Brews. They offer specials as well, and for their Spring Specials advertised Blueberry Matcha lattes and Violet Lemonade. It's situated by numerous bus stops, yet hidden away slightly away from streets normally crowded with shoppers or rush hour folks.

9) Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters by Aldgate East & Portobello Road is ideal for mini social get-togethers, stepping away from the busy streets of London, it is a perfect rest spot after a visit to Portobello Market in Notting Hill. They sell amazing Colombian blends and hang unique miniature Colombian-style decorations. The Aldgate East location is larger and is perfect for those who need a place to sit unbothered while doing work on their laptop.

10) Pickwick by Liverpool Street Station is perfect if you're a coffee-obsessed Finance Bro. Sleek and green, and one of two branches, this one lies close to a number of corporate buildings and has enough space for a good research sesh, coffee date, or stop-by for your wake-up call mid-work. They offer well-executed coffee classics and classic pastries, both mouthwatering and simple at the same time.