13 Unusual London Coffee Shops You’ve Never Heard Of

If you’ve ever wandered through London wondering where to find a coffee shop that isn’t just another minimalist café with oat milk lattes, you’re not alone. The UK capital is home to some of the most oddly specific—and oddly wonderful—coffee experiences in the world. These aren’t your typical third-wave spots. They’re themed, functional, and sometimes downright bizarre. Here’s where to find them.

In short: London is home to at least 13 wildly different coffee shops, including a cereal-only café with 12 milk options, a pay-by-the-minute lounge, a cat café, and even a former Victorian men’s toilet turned coffeehouse. Each offers a completely unique experience beyond just coffee.

Cereal Café: Breakfast for Coffee Drinkers

Britain’s first cereal-only café, Cereal Killer Café in Brick Lane, serves global cereals from 7am to 8pm daily. But it doesn’t stop at cereal—there are 12 types of milk to pair with 20 cereal varieties. Whether you want Rice Krispies with almond milk or Corn Flakes with oat milk, the combinations are almost endless.

Pay-by-Time Cafés: Coffee by the Minute

Ziferblat, modeled after a Russian pay-by-time café concept, charges just 3 pence per minute. Grab a clock when you arrive, return it when you leave. There’s no minimum stay, and hot drinks and snacks are unlimited during your visit. A quick coffee might cost mere pence, making it one of London’s cheapest coffee experiences.

Dog-Friendly & Pet-Themed Coffee Spots

Scooby’s Boutique Coffee Bar serves coffee and cake to humans—and cheese bone biscuits, chicken muffins, and even “doggy cappuccinos” for pets. Meanwhile, Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium invites you to enjoy coffee alongside resident cats. “Let the cats join you for a peaceful lunch,” says the owner. Luckier visitors might find a cat napping on their lap.

Historic & Converted Coffee Spaces

The Attendant began life as a Victorian-era men’s public toilet in 1890. Rediscovered decades later, it’s now a café with original features like cast-iron doors and repurposed porcelain urinals turned into tabletop dividers. Nearby, E Pellicci is a classic East London café dating back to 1900, known for its timeless charm rather than just coffee.

Korean Fusion & Themed Eateries

Hurwundeki stands out with its dual identity: a café by day and a 1950s-style barber shop next door, both run by the same Korean owner. Alongside coffee and desserts, you can order traditional Korean dishes like bibimbap. It’s a true cultural mashup in a single space.

Gaming & Hobby Coffee Lounges

Opening soon, Draughts will be a haven for board game lovers. Entry requires a fee, but you can bring your own games or buy one there. The café serves beer, wine, and snacks while hosting regular tournaments, designer talks, and theme nights. It’s part café, part strategy lounge.

Themed Cafés for Nostalgia & Novelty

The Love Shake is a 1950s-style milkshake bar serving alcohol-infused shakes, classic American fare, and free coffee refills. Biscuiteers in Notting Hill lets customers make their own cookies and often hosts baking-themed events. Cabmen’s Shelters, green wooden huts dating to 1875, still serve taxi drivers—but the public can visit one on London Heritage Open Days.

Bike Shops That Serve Coffee

Look Mum No Hands combines a bicycle repair workshop with a coffee bar. It’s a hub for cycling enthusiasts, hosting events from movie nights to speed dating and knitting classes. It’s as much a community center as it is a coffee stop.

Nana: Soup, Burgers & Toilet Tiles

NANA, once a public women’s toilet, now serves community-made soups, burgers, and fresh cakes. Original tilework remains intact, adding character to the relaxed eatery housed in a former restroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cereal café in London, and what makes it unique?

Cereal Killer Café in Brick Lane is the UK’s first cereal-only coffee shop, serving global cereal brands from 7am to 8pm. It offers 20 cereal choices and 12 different milks, allowing for over 200 possible combinations. It’s a niche spot for breakfast cereal enthusiasts.

How does Ziferblat café in London work?

Ziferblat charges customers 3 pence per minute of stay. You take a clock when you arrive and return it upon leaving. There’s no minimum time, and all hot drinks and snacks are free to consume during your visit, making it a very affordable coffee option.

Which London coffee shop lets you hang out with cats?

Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium is a cat café where visitors can enjoy coffee while interacting with resident cats. The café encourages a calm environment and mentions that cats may even curl up on your lap during your visit.

What was The Attendant café before it became a coffee shop?

The Attendant was originally a Victorian men’s public toilet built in 1890. It was later converted into a coffee shop, retaining original features like cast-iron doors and repurposed porcelain urinals that now serve as table dividers.

Is there a board game café in London?

Yes, Draughts is a forthcoming board game café in London. It will charge an entry fee, offer a range of games to play or buy, and host regular gaming nights, designer talks, and competitions for strategy game fans.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Themed Cafés

For a café like Cereal Killer or Lady Dinah’s, try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for its bright citrus and floral notes, perfect alongside sweet cereals or light pastries. Their Guatemala Antigua offers chocolate and spice, ideal for pairing with cookies or richer desserts at Biscuiteers. Finally, the Colombia Huila brings balance with caramel and almond tones, great for any milk-based drink in a cat or dog-friendly setting. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.