Prufrock Coffee Hidden in London’s Present Boutique

Last year, while wandering around London, the only coffee shop that really impressed me was Prufrock Coffee—tucked inside a fashion boutique called Present and run by 2009 World Barista Champion Gwilym Davies. Nearly a year later, I returned to London not for coffee, but thanks to a local friend, I ended up at another Prufrock location. This time, it had something surprising: actual seating. And yes, it was just as good.

If you’re hunting for a standout specialty coffee experience in London, Prufrock—especially the one inside Present—is worth seeking out. The baristas know their craft, the equipment is top-tier, and the coffee (including a well-executed siphon and espresso) punches well above its hidden location.

What Makes Prufrock Coffee Special?

Prufrock Coffee is the brainchild of Gwilym Davies, who won the World Barista Championship in 2009. Known for his precision and professionalism, Davies opened this particular branch inside a boutique called Present. At first glance, you’d never guess a serious specialty coffee shop was hiding in plain sight among the clothes racks. The original location is famously tucked away, but this newer branch offers a rare thing in London specialty coffee: actual seating.

The Siphon Brew: Square Mile’s New Guinea Agoga

Sitting at the siphon bar, I ordered a pour-over-style siphon brew. The barista used Square Mile Coffee Roasters’ New Guinea Agoga. While I’m usually sceptical of Square Mile’s roasts, this one surprised me. The barista used a halogen siphon setup—still common in the UK but less so elsewhere. She mentioned the water came from an Uber Boiler, a high-end water filtration and heating system that’s still rare in places like Taiwan.

The coffee turned out well—clean, balanced, and better than expected given my usual doubts about Square Mile’s profiles. Whether that’s due to the skill of the barista or the quality of the roast, it worked. The friendly, knowledgeable barista added to the experience, making the cup even more enjoyable.

Coffee Equipment Nerdery: Teflon-Coated Handles & VST Filter Baskets

Our conversation drifted to gear. The barista showed off the shop’s siphon handles, which were coated with Teflon. This isn’t a new idea, but it’s not often seen in action. The coating makes post-brew cleaning much easier, ensuring consistency and hygiene without affecting flavour. When I asked why they didn’t coat the filter baskets too—like the famed “Black Beauty” setups—she explained that doing so would narrow the brew holes too much, hurting espresso flow and extraction.

She also pulled out a VST filter basket, a premium, precision-engineered option designed to ensure every hole is exactly the same size. This minimises variability between brews. However, she admitted she hadn’t tried it yet herself. Online reviews praise it for “massive, consistent improvement,” but at this location, it was still waiting for a brave first user.

Espresso: Simonelli Machine with Square Mile Grinder

Before leaving, I ordered an espresso. It was brewed on a Simonelli machine, though the grinder was unmarked except for Square Mile stickers. The shot was good—solid, well-balanced, and enjoyable. Not mind-blowing, but a clear sign that the fundamentals were all there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Prufrock Coffee located in London?

One branch of Prufrock Coffee is located inside the Present boutique in London. A second, more recently opened location offers seating and a more traditional café setup—but both are connected to 2009 World Barista Champion Gwilym Davies. The exact address for the Present location isn't stated in the article, but it's known to be tucked within the fashion store.

What coffee did they serve in the siphon brew?

The siphon coffee was made using Square Mile Coffee Roasters’ New Guinea Agoga. It’s a single-origin offering, and in this case, it was brewed using a halogen-powered siphon setup. The result was better than expected, with a clean and balanced cup profile.

What unusual coffee brewing tools did the baristas mention?

The baristas discussed Teflon-coated siphon handles for easier cleaning and a VST precision-designed filter basket that ensures uniform hole sizes. They also explained why they don’t use Teflon on espresso filter baskets—the narrower holes would restrict espresso flow and negatively impact extraction.

Did they have an espresso option, and how was it?

Yes, an espresso was available. It was brewed on a Simonelli machine, with the grinder marked only by Square Mile branding. The espresso was reported as solid and enjoyable—nothing extraordinary, but well-balanced and competently made.

Why is Prufrock hidden inside a boutique?

One Prufrock branch is intentionally located inside a fashion boutique called Present. This adds to its “hidden gem” appeal. The setup reflects the original Prufrock philosophy of offering high-quality coffee in unexpected places, though a newer branch with seating has since opened.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Siphon & Espresso

For siphon brewing, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui—known for its vibrant tropical fruit notes and juicy body, perfect for highlighting clarity in full-immersion brews. If you're after a reliable espresso, the Strawberry Candy Espresso blend delivers a bright strawberry soft candy sweetness, ideal for milk drinks or solo shots. Both beans reflect the quality and clarity sought in specialty setups like those at Prufrock. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.