London’s Kioskafe Serves Coffee and 300 Magazines

If you’ve ever walked into a coffee shop hoping to find something to read beyond a laminated menu, you’re not alone. Many specialty coffee drinkers want more than just a caffeine hit—they want atmosphere, community, and something to dive into while they sip. One new London cafe is answering that need in a uniquely curated way.

Monocle’s Kioskafe, which opened in October 2023 at London’s Paddington Station, offers access to over 300 international magazines alongside coffee—making it as much a reading destination as a caffeine stop.

What Is Kioskafe?

Kioskafe is the newest addition to Monocle’s growing network of cafes, but it stands apart from the more formal Monocle Cafés. Located in the bustling Paddington Station, this smaller, cosier outlet is designed as a casual retreat for travellers, journalists, and magazine lovers. The space is filled with black magazine racks displaying publications from around the world.

What Magazines Can You Find There?

The cafe stocks over 300 titles, including well-known international magazines like New Yorker and Vogue Paris, as well as niche and independent publications from Japan and elsewhere. The selection spans fashion, culture, design, and current affairs—offering something for almost every interest. The colourful covers and diverse content create a visually engaging environment that invites browsing.

What’s the Vibe Like?

The interior is warm and inviting, with a design that reflects Monocle’s signature aesthetic. The logo and branding remain consistent with the Monocle style, and the space includes branded merchandise such as paper cups and accessories. The outdoor seating area adds to the relaxed, transient feel—ideal for a quick coffee or a longer read.

Why Combine Coffee and Magazines?

Monocle’s founder envisions Kioskafe as a place where journalists, editors, and readers can take a break, enjoy a coffee, and flip through some of the best magazines from around the globe. The concept blends the tactile pleasure of print media with the ritual of coffee drinking, creating a space that feels both modern and timeless.

What About the Coffee?

While the article doesn’t go into detail about the specific coffee offering, the focus is clearly on creating a well-rounded experience where high-quality coffee complements the reading materials. The cafe is positioned as a casual yet thoughtfully designed spot, suggesting a commitment to both beverage and atmosphere.

Has Monocle Done This Before?

Yes. Monocle previously opened more traditional cafes under the name Monocle Café. Those locations have a more polished, consistent design and are often located in urban centres. Compared to Kioskafe, they tend to follow a more conventional cafe layout—but still maintain the brand’s signature attention to detail and style.

What’s the Goal of Kioskafe?

According to Monocle’s leadership, the goal is to create a space where people can pause, refresh, and engage with content—whether that’s a feature in the New Yorker or a Japanese indie zine. It’s meant to be a haven for those who value both good coffee and good reading material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Monocle’s Kioskafe located?

Kioskafe is located at London’s Paddington Station. It’s part of Monocle’s expanding retail and cafe presence, but is specifically designed as a smaller, more casual space compared to the flagship Monocle Cafés.

How many magazines does Kioskafe have?

Kioskafe offers a selection of over 300 magazines from around the world. The collection includes major international titles like New Yorker and Vogue Paris, as well as niche and independent publications, particularly from Japan.

Is Kioskafe part of the Monocle Café brand?

Kioskafe is related to Monocle but is distinct from the more formal Monocle Café locations. While Monocle Café has a more standardised, urban cafe format, Kioskafe is smaller, cosier, and designed around a magazine-reading experience.

What’s the atmosphere like at Kioskafe?

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with black magazine racks, cosy seating, and branded elements like paper cups and merchandise. There’s also outdoor seating, making it a flexible spot for a quick coffee or a longer reading session.

Does Kioskafe serve good coffee?

While the article doesn’t detail the specific coffee menu, the cafe is positioned as a place where coffee complements the magazine reading experience. The focus is on creating a thoughtfully designed environment for both beverages and content.

Can I buy magazines at Kioskafe?

The article does not specify whether magazines are available for purchase, but the presence of 300+ titles suggests a strong focus on reading on-site. The cafe functions primarily as a space to enjoy coffee alongside a wide selection of print publications.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Magazine Reading

Pair your time at Kioskafe—or a similar cafe—with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Guji Humbera, known for its complex stone fruit and floral notes, or Yirgacheffe Konga, which highlights bright citrus and jasmine. For something deeper, try the Brazil Fazenda Santa Ines, a nutty and chocolatey single origin that balances well with long reads. All three beans showcase the clarity and balance that complement a calm, magazine-filled cafe experience. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.