How London’s Doppio Coffee Shop Inspired My Sketchbook

I’m an artist and teacher from Nanjing, and during my time staying near the University of the Arts London, I found myself returning day after day to the same small coffee shop—Doppio. Every visit wasn’t just about caffeine, but a quiet ritual, a moment of observation. That repetition led to something unexpected: the convergence of coffee drinking and sketching became my way of seeing the city.

Doppio Coffee Shop quickly became my go-to spot—not just for excellent fresh coffee, but for watching the rhythm of daily life unfold around me. Over a week, I sketched there nearly every day, capturing not just cups and chairs, but the quiet stories playing out in a space designed for lingering.

A Factory-Style Café with Character

The Doppio shop near my dormitory felt like stepping into a working coffee factory. Through the glass door, the right side held the service bar where coffee and pastries were served. To the left, the seating area was a mix of mismatched tables and chairs. But the real charm lay in the details: behind the seating, rows of low wooden shelves held sacks of different coffees, each with unique origins and roast styles. On the other side, by the windows, a collection of brightly colored moka pots, pour-over brewers, grinders, and uniquely shaped coffee cups lined the shelves.

But the surprises didn’t end there. A door led to the back area—a warehouse-like space filled with tall shelves of gleaming metal coffee extraction machines in all kinds of industrial designs. And among the seating, I found one wooden chair with geometric patterns hand-painted right onto the surface. I wanted to take it home.

Flat White and Quiet Moments

Whenever I visited the National Gallery, I’d head straight to the ground-floor café for a flat white. There, against the dark wooden wainscoting and warm brown wooden furniture, I could reset before diving into art. The upper walls displayed oil painting reproductions, mostly classical works in earthy tones, adding to the rich, contemplative atmosphere.

Sitting in the corner on a simple wooden chair, I sipped my coffee and watched people. Opposite me, shadowy figures chatted away. I pulled out my sketchpad and began to draw: the cup, the table, the figures in the distance, the black wainscot framing it all, and the painting on the wall. It wasn’t just a scene—it was a feeling, a moment I wanted to hold on to.

An Unexpected Encounter

As I sketched, a grandfather at the next table noticed. He smiled, gestured toward my pad, and struck up a conversation. He told me his wife was a watercolor painter holding an exhibition nearby at a gallery by Tate Modern. He insisted I visit and even wrote down the address and directions in my notebook. A random coffee break had turned into a personal invitation to another corner of London’s art scene.

In that moment, it hit me: this is what makes coffee culture so alive. It’s not just the drink or the furniture. It’s the collision of routines, the shared spaces, and the unexpected human connections that happen over a simple cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Doppio Coffee Shop located?

Doppio Coffee Shop is located near the dormitory area of the University of the Arts London. The exact address isn’t specified in the article, but it’s described as being very close to where the author stayed during her time in London.

What kind of coffee equipment does Doppio display?

Doppio showcases a wide variety of coffee equipment including moka pots, pour-over brewers, grinders, and an array of uniquely designed coffee cups. In the back area, there are also shelves of commercial-grade coffee extraction machines with shiny metal casings and various industrial designs.

What did the artist sketch while sitting at Doppio?

The artist sketched the coffee cup, the wooden chair she was sitting on, the figures of people chatting in the background, the dark wooden wainscoting, and a classical painting reproduction on the wall. She captured the overall scene as a way to document the mood and moment.

What made the chair at Doppio special?

One wooden chair at Doppio featured hand-painted geometric patterns on its surface. The artist found it so unique and appealing that she wanted to buy it and take it back to China, though the distance made that impractical.

Did the artist meet anyone interesting at the café?

Yes, while sketching, the artist was approached by an elderly man who complemented her drawing. He shared that his wife was a watercolor painter with an upcoming exhibition near Tate Modern and even wrote down the gallery’s address and directions for her in the sketchbook.

What coffee did the artist order at the National Gallery café?

The artist ordered a flat white while visiting the National Gallery café, where she would go to refresh before viewing art exhibits.

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