Hidden London Coffee Gem: Prufrock Inside Present Boutique

It’s not often you walk into a clothing boutique and come out raving about the coffee—but that’s exactly what happened in London last year. Tucked behind racks of clothes was a surprise: Prufrock Coffee, run by 2009 World Barista Champion Gwilym Davies, serving some of the best cups in the city. Fast forward nearly a year, and while back in town for other reasons, a local friend led me to another Prufrock location. This time, it wasn’t hidden at all—and it had seats.

If you’re hunting for a reliably excellent cup in London, Prufrock Coffee—especially this newer, more ‘normal’ shop with seating—is worth the detour. The baristas know their stuff, the equipment is cutting-edge, and the coffee (including a standout pour-over on a Syphon) is precisely brewed. Even the espresso landed better than most.

What Makes Prufrock Stand Out in London’s Coffee Scene?

Last year, after wandering around London and sampling countless cafés, only one place stood out: Prufrock Coffee, hidden inside the Present boutique and run by former World Barista Champion Gwilym Davies. On a return trip, though I wasn’t intentionally seeking coffee, a local friend guided me to Prufrock’s newer location. This one isn’t tucked away—it’s more visible, and notably, it has seating. The improvement? Not just accessibility, but consistency. The same expert touch behind the original Prufrock is here, too.

Syphon Perfection and the Uber Boiler Detail

Sitting at the Syphon bar, I ordered a pour-over without overthinking it. The barista, friendly and professionally trained, used Square Mile’s New Guinea Agoga beans. While I’m usually sceptical of Square Mile’s roasts, this one surprised me. The Syphon was brewed using a halogen lamp—standard in many specialty shops abroad—but what caught my eye was the water source: an Uber Boiler. It’s a high-end, temperature-controlled water boiler not yet widely adopted in places like Taiwan (or so it seems). The barista explained it ensures precise temperature control, a critical factor in Syphon brewing.

The resulting cup? Better than expected. It’s rare to find a café where Square Mile beans are executed this well. The barista, a cheerful blonde, might have added charm, but the technique mattered more. She also showed off the Syphon filters—coated with Teflon for easier cleaning. These filters are not new, but seeing them in daily use was a first. They rinse clean quickly, simplifying workflow and maintaining quality. When asked why they don’t coat the filters used for espresso (the so-called ‘Black Beauty’ filters), she explained that doing so would reduce the brew’s flow rate due to narrower pores, negatively affecting espresso extraction. So, standard filters it is.

VST Filter Experiments and Espresso on Simonelli

The conversation shifted to filtration science when she pulled out another tool: a VST filter. These precision-engineered filters promise uniform hole sizes, minimising variability between brews. They’re expensive and, according to her, still on the trial list—she hadn’t used them yet herself. Online reviews suggest ‘consistent improvement,’ but she’s waiting for someone else to take the first plunge. As for espresso, the machine was a Simonelli, a solid choice in professional settings. The grinder, however, was unmarked except for Square Mile stickers, hinting at a preferred roast supplier.

The espresso? Solid. Nothing mind-blowing, but well within the range of competence. It’s exactly the kind of reliable shot you’d hope for in a shop led by a former world champion. After the visit, I did go to another café recommended by a friend’s guidebook—but it was a letdown. In hindsight, sticking with Prufrock would’ve been the smarter move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Prufrock Coffee located in London?

Prufrock Coffee has at least two locations in London—one hidden inside the Present boutique, and a newer, more accessible shop with seating. The exact address for the latter isn’t specified in the article, but it’s described as a standalone location that’s easier to find and visit.

What coffee did the barista use for the Syphon brew?

The barista brewed the Syphon coffee using Square Mile’s New Guinea Agoga single-origin beans. The coffee turned out better than expected, despite the author’s usual scepticism toward Square Mile’s roasts.

What special equipment does Prufrock use for water?

Prufrock uses an Uber Boiler to heat water for Syphon brewing. It’s a high-precision, temperature-controlled boiler that ensures optimal brewing temperature, though it’s not yet widely adopted in some other regions like Taiwan.

Why doesn’t Prufrock use Black Beauty Teflon-coated filters for espresso?

The Teflon coating that works for Syphon filters would narrow the pore size if applied to espresso filters (like the so-called Black Beauty), reducing flow rate and negatively impacting espresso extraction. So, Prufrock sticks with standard espresso filters to maintain proper shot speed.

Has Prufrock tried the VST filter system yet?

Not yet. The barista showed off a VST filter, which features ultra-consistent hole sizes for reduced brew variation, but she hadn’t tried it herself. She mentioned waiting for someone else to test it first, though online reviews report ‘continuous improvement.’

How was the espresso at Prufrock?

The espresso was brewed on a Simonelli machine, with the grinder reportedly stocked with Square Mile beans. The shot was described as ‘good’—not extraordinary, but solid and reliable, especially considering the shop’s specialty coffee pedigree.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Syphon & Filter Brewing

For fans of Prufrock’s Syphon-style brewing, try FrontStreet Coffee’s PWN Golden Mandheling—deep-roasted for low acidity, with heavy body, herbal notes, and hints of dark chocolate and earth. Its full mouthfeel suits immersion brewing like Syphon or French press. Alternatively, the Brazil Queen Manor offers a balanced cup with nutty and cacao sweetness, ideal for pour-over. Both beans highlight the craftsmanship behind smooth, structured extractions. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.