Hidden Gem: Prufrock Coffee Inside a London Boutique

You’ve walked past a hundred cafés in London. Most are forgettable, some are overhyped—but what if the best cup is hiding behind a clothing rack? One traveler found just that: a top-tier specialty coffee experience tucked inside a boutique, run by a World Barista Champion’s team.

The answer? Prufrock Coffee, hidden within the Present clothing store in London, serves excellent siphon and espresso—brewed by a friendly, well-trained barista using quality gear like an Uber Boiler and VST filters. It’s not just good for a hidden spot—it’s genuinely one of the better cups in the city.

What Makes Prufrock Special?

Last year, while wandering London, one visitor stumbled upon the best cup of coffee in town—not in a dedicated café, but inside a fashion boutique. The secret? Prufrock Coffee, operated by Gwilym Davies, the 2009 World Barista Champion. Nearly a year later, on a return trip with a local guide, the same traveler found Davies had opened another location. This one had seats. And yes, it was excellent again.

The Siphon Experience

Sitting at the siphon bar, the traveler ordered a cup brewed using Square Mile’s freshly roasted New Guinea Agoga beans. Despite initial skepticism about both the brand and siphon technique abroad, the result was surprisingly good. The barista, a cheerful blonde with a witty touch, likely contributed to the experience. The siphon was heated using a Halogen lamp—a standard tool in specialty siphon brewing—and the water came from an Uber Boiler, an advanced machine not yet widely adopted in Taiwan, according to the traveler.

Gear Talk: Teflon-Coated Handles and VST Filters

Curious about the setup, the traveler asked about the barista’s siphon handles—revealed to be coated in Teflon for easy cleaning. This detail helps maintain hygiene and ensures consistency across brews. The barista explained that coating the filter basket (like the so-called “Black Beauty”) would narrow the holes too much, slowing espresso flow, so it’s avoided. She also showed off a VST filter—precision-engineered with perfectly uniform holes to minimize variability between brews. Though she hadn’t tried it yet, online reviews praised it for “continuous improvement.”

The Espresso Verdict

Before leaving, the traveler ordered an espresso, brewed on a Simonelli machine. The grinder, however, was labeled with Square Mile stickers. The shot? Solid. Not life-changing, but good enough that when the group moved on to another café recommended by a thick London coffee guidebook, the verdict was quick: stick with Prufrock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Prufrock Coffee located?

Prufrock Coffee is located inside the Present clothing store in London. The exact address isn’t mentioned in the article, but it’s described as a hidden spot within the boutique.

Who runs Prufrock Coffee?

Prufrock Coffee is run by Gwilym Davies, the 2009 World Barista Champion. His team is trained professionally, contributing to the high-quality coffee and service.

What coffee did the traveler order at Prufrock?

The traveler ordered a siphon brew made with Square Mile’s New Guinea Agoga beans. Later, they also tried an espresso from a Simonelli machine with a grinder labeled by Square Mile.

What special equipment does Prufrock use?

Prufrock uses an Uber Boiler for heating water, siphon brewers with Teflon-coated handles for easier cleaning, and a VST filter (not yet tried by the staff) known for uniform hole size and reduced brew variability.

Is there seating at Prufrock?

Yes, unlike the original hidden location inside the boutique, this newer Prufrock branch has seating, making it a more traditional café experience while still being a hidden gem.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Siphon and Espresso

For siphon brewing, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—known for its bright tropical fruit and juicy body, ideal for showcasing clarity in full-immersion methods. For espresso, their Strawberry Candy Espresso blend delivers a sweet, fruity profile with notes of berry and soft acidity, perfect for milk drinks or straight shots. Both beans highlight the precision and balance that specialty brewing demands. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.