London’s best cycling cafes are an eclectic bunch, catering for everyone from resolute roadies to the occasional commuter. The truth is, it doesn’t matter where you are on your cycling journey, these bike-friendly cafes will welcome everyone with open arms. Whether you’re a hardcore triathlete, a fixie fan or the sort of rider that’s only really in it for the espressos (we don’t judge), these quirky spots cater for one and all.
While London’s cycling cafes all offer excellent coffee and pastries, they are also community hubs brimming with heart and soul, offering a place for cyclists and non-cyclists alike to converge. In fact, part of the joy of visiting a cycling café is meeting like-minded individuals who love brunch and bikes in equal measure.
Many function primarily as workshops, so you can get your bike repaired while you stay and sip on a macchiato or two. Others double as clubhouses for cycling clubs across the capital, acting as a meeting point for members to meet pre- or post-ride. You'll find many of the most popular bicycle coffee shops in London lie within easy access of popular cycling routes around the city, whether you're in the mood for a few laps around Richmond Park, or fancy venturing out into the rolling Surrey Hills.
If you’re already feeling alienated by the thought of hordes of lycra-clad cyclists swapping Strava stats over coffee, fear not. We've included places that cater to the modern cyclist, from a spinning studio that doubles as a café and plant shop (we know, how millenial) to a romantic Thames side spot where the only bikes you’ll see are the sort with baskets attached to the handlebars.
There’s never been a better time to be a cyclist in London. Gear up, get on the road and head straight to one of these cycling cafes. Trust us – they wheel-y are very good.
The Dynamo, Putney
What: Thanks to its proximity to Richmond Park, nearly every café in Putney is overrun with cyclists enjoying a flat white pre- or post-ride. But The Dynamo has got to be our favourite amongst them. This restaurant and café takes its name from one of the best cycling clubs in the capital - London Dynamo - and everything is designed with a cyclist in mind. Multi-coloured bikes are fixed above the navy-blue frontage, while inside there are hanging racks for riders to store their bikes while they dine. It serves pizza and beer any night of the week, but weekends here are all about brunch and refillable coffee. Choose from cycling themed dishes like 100 Mile Porridge, a Strava smoothie and a Ventoux pizza.
Where: 200-204 Putney Bridge Road, SW15 2NA
Book now: The Dynamo
Rapha London Clubhouse, Soho
What: Major cycling brand Rapha launched its first-ever Clubhouse in 2012 as a social meeting point for cyclists to drop in, enjoy coffee and a bite, and meet other like-minded people. It was a pioneering concept at the time, and has since expanded to include more retail space, a larger café and an exhibition area. So, whether you’re on the hunt for a new jersey, or just fancy a coffee and natter about your latest PR, there’s a space at Rapha to suit you.
Where: 85 Brewer Street, W1F 9ZN
Book now: Rapha London Clubhouse
Pearson, East Sheen
What: You won’t find much about a cafe on Pearson's website, so this really is one for those in the know. If you stop by for a repair, or just want to browse its clothing and equipment selection, you can grab a very good cup of coffee (plus some energy-packed snacks) while you wait. This bike shop in East Sheen is also located a five-minute cycle from Richmond Park, perfect for a pre- or post-ride pick-me-up.
Where: 232 Upper Richmond Road, SW14 8AG
Fortitude Bakehouse, Bloomsbury
What: Not strictly a cycling cafe, but definitely a hub for local cyclists, Fortitude Bakehouse is a must-visit after you’ve spun a couple of laps around nearby Regent’s Park. The wide, cobbled street outside makes it easy for cyclists to rock up with their bikes, and there’s plenty of space to perch for a while with one of its epic buns.
Where: 35 Colonnade, WC1N 1JD
Book now: Fortitude Bakehouse
G!ro, Esher
What: G!ro first opened its doors in 2013 with a mission to serve and support Esher’s cycling (and non-cycling) community. From weekdays to weekends, lycra-clad cyclists converge at this popular joint to fuel up before heading out for a ride in the Surrey Hills. Coffee is provided by single origin supplier Workshop Coffee, while the menu uses local producers to create its freshly-prepared dishes. You can also browse a selection of high-end cycle brands while you're there for a spot of aspirational retail therapy.
Where: 2 High Street, KT10 9RT
Book now: G!ro
Pedal Back Café, Earls Court
What: A bike shop with a difference, Pedal Back Café is all about cool kit, cracking food and community vibes. Married couple Nicky and Ria originally launched the concept in Tooting back in 2015, although it’s since relocated to Earls Court on Lillie Road. Drop in for a bike service and enjoy a coffee or toastie to pass the time. There’s a lot of girl power going on here too. Coffee comes courtesy of all-female roastery Girls who Grind, while the food menu features toasties named after female riders past and present. It also runs Pedal Back Cycling Club where cyclists of all abilities are welcome to join in regular group rides.
Where: 24 Lillie Road, SW6 1TS
Book now: Pedal Back Café
The Elder Press Café, Hammersmith
What: The best way to access this gorgeous cafe just off the Thames path is by bike, which is probably why you'll usually find a cohort of bicyles parked up outside. You know - the ones with wicker baskets and panniers strapped to the side? The Elder Press Café is for those who prefer to pedal at a more leisurely pace, which is exactly how the team run the entire operation. This tranquil spot serves up wholesome brunch and lunch dishes, from super grain porridge and chia pots, to kimchi fried rice with scrambled tofu and miso. Coffee comes from Ozone, and all its packaging is either biodegradable or recycled.
Where: 3 South Black Lion Lane, W6 9TJ
Book now: The Elder Press Café
Cycle Culture, Tooting
What: If you prefer to cycle indoors with a group of people to a pumping playlist, then this one’s for you. Founded by husband-and-wife team Paul and Mili Saini, Cycle Culture is a studio, coffee house and plant shop located on Upper Tooting Road. Of course, there’s a coffee shop waiting for you after a tough workout, serving up strong coffee, protein shakes, granola pots and more. The plant shop is a cute, if slightly random, addition to its business model, but these guys are all about health and happiness in every aspect of life, and plants sure do perk up a dreary space.
Where: 64 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7PB
Book now: Cycle Culture
Colicci, Richmond
What: Although not strictly a cycling café as such, we couldn’t write this guide without mentioning Colicci. It’s located right next to Roehampton Gate in Richmond Park and is probably one of the most frequented cafes by cyclists due to its lush location. It serves knockout coffee, hand-baked cakes and locally-sourced food, but the real selling point is its huge alfresco terrace, which offers spectacular views over the park.
Where: 138 Priory Lane, SW15 5JP
Book now: Colicci
London Bike Studio Café, Stoke Newington
What: This little café in North London offers services, repairs and bike insurance, hosts technical classes, and, of course, is home to a charming café. Coffee comes from Caravan Coffee Roasters, while tea, chocolate and pastries are all sourced from local suppliers.
Where: 7a Evering Road, N16 7PX
Book now: London Bike Studio Café
Hungry Bikes, Islington
What: Bikes, coffee, food and wine: four essential elements that have turned this Islington favourite into a much-loved neighbourhood gem. Its bike shop is built for busy cyclists, with quick and affordable service options available, but it’s the café, deli and wine bar we’re really interested in. Pop by for a cup of specialty coffee and a sandwich if you’re in a hurry, or stay a while and enjoy a selection of Italian classics, from arancini to lasagne and hunter’s chicken. Finally, the intriguing wine list features everything from sparkling to orange wines, with prices starting from £4.50 for a glass.
Where: 212 Essex Road, N1 3AP
Book now: Hungry Bikes
139 Coffee, Kingston
What: 139 Coffee originally started out in Richmond, on 139 Richmond Road, when founder Vicky had the idea to set up a cafe and community space back in 2016. Three years later, it moved to this larger site in Kingston, where it functions as a friendly neighbourhood cafe in partnership with Cycle Exchange, a pre-owned performance bike retailer and service centre. That means customers can browse its bike collection, or book their own bike in for a service, then head straight to the cafe to enjoy top-quality coffee, or something off the weekly-changing menu.
Where: 27 Sury Basin, KT2 5NZ
Book now: 139 Coffee
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