Chief Coffee — Restaurant in London

Gave it a brief look purely for the top floor arcade. Arcades are a bit of rarity in London now, after all. The top floor is relatively small and mostly focuses on rhythm games (I cannot remember the names of them, sorry!), but they had the stand out Initial D Zero which was my intent of visiting; I love me some Initial D. Note, you should probably use your pre-existing IC card/mobile app if you have it or try and set it before hand.

I would say they need a stronger air-con unit there though because it was stuffy on a hot summer day.

The basement houses mostly pinball machines, also not my kind of thing, but I'm sure there's a crowd for it. I did spot a Viewlix cabinet for Ultra SFIV though but it was off.

Personally (and totally subjective), I would love it if they switched out some pinball machines and the Viewlix for Super Turbo, SFIII and any other Capcom or Konami classic (X-Men/TMNT) to vary it up a bit, but I guess getting those original cabinets is a challenge in itself.

Worth noting the machines take 100yen, and you can change £5/$£10 for yen, which isn't great for real exchange rate, so just do £5 in case you don't plan to stay long.

Of course, main floor is the coffee shop. I didn't buy anything, but it looked like any other good coffee shop.

I'd go back, but sadly it's a bit of a walk from me so I'll save it for the special long walks, or the days I need my Initial D fix.

Good luck to it. More power to traditional...

I have visited the Chief Coffee recently with my sister on her birthday, after not coming in for a few months and was shocked by the new rules concerning pinball machines. In the past I predominantly came to the café to play pinball, although have planned to go there for a coffee with my friend in May. The owner or manager of the café told us that if we wanted to play pinball, it was "ok", but really it wasn't, as it wasn't an arcade and we should really buy some coffee. He lingered while repeating more of the same information, making us feel very uncomfortable, as if we were trying to cheat him in some way or other. I'd understand this position be that the pinball machines are a free "extra" for café customers.. I wouldn't have come to play them without buying drinks if that was the case. Nevertheless It is not the case, as you do have to pay for the machines and what we usually spend on average visit is more than the price of coffee. Having said that, we have played one game, as I didn't want to disappoint my sister on her birthday. After that we left, having spend just a few pounds instead of £5+, which we were planning to. Now unfortunately I am not going to ever visit there again, as I am not going to be pressurised into buying coffee in order to have a privilege to pay for the pinball machines. It is a shame really, chief café used to be...

5-Star Review 🌟

From the moment we stepped through the door, we knew this place was something special. The atmosphere strikes that rare balance between cozy and cool, warm lighting, thoughtful decor, and just enough hum to make it feel alive without being overwhelming.

The coffee? Next level. Rich, smooth, and clearly made with care and precision. You can taste the quality of the beans and the skill of the barista in every sip. We had a Matcha and my husband had a coffee and that was easily the best of the best, we’ve had in years, and I don’t say that lightly.

What really sets this place apart, though, is the staff. Genuinely friendly, not forced. They are genuinely interested in knowing you on a personal level, your order, and even ask how your day’s going like they actually mean it. That kind of warmth is rare, and worth coming back for.

The pastries, cakes and food offerings are equally delicious, locally sourced, beautifully presented, and full of flavour. Whether you’re grabbing a quick cup or settling in with a book, or a game of chess - this café just gets it right.

A hidden gem that deserves to be on...