Lodestar Coffee — Restaurant in London

I was craving a croissant and a coffee after an early morning where I hadn’t had time for breakfast. I looked online, found this café with plenty of positive reviews, and decided to give it a try since it wasn’t too far from me. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it.

The coffee was nice, but when I arrived around 10, they had almost no pastries left — no croissants, no pain au chocolat, not even a muffin. What was left didn’t look appealing.

I agree with Billy’s comment: the place is very small, yet customers are asked to come back to the counter to pick up their coffee. The sugar is kept hidden away in a cabinet behind the bar, which feels inconvenient. There was also a half-empty bottle of water on my table when I sat down, and no one came to remove it or clean the table. Even after other customers left, they usually clear their cups but I didn’t see anyone from the staff wiping down tables.

When I left, there were two dogs (with their owners) inside the café, which I found quite off-putting — especially since they were blocking the exit.

Overall, I didn’t feel welcome. The place seems to cater to its regulars and if you’re not part of that group, you feel out of place. The atmosphere wasn’t pleasant, and I just wanted to leave as soon...

This place is fantastic and well worth the trip no matter where you are in greater London.

Starting with the non-coffee aspects. The music in here is fantastic. A perfect vibe for a coffee shop and the aesthetic of the shop is great too. Lots of natural light, cozy seating, and great drinkware. You can tell a lot of consideration went into designing this space.

Now to the coffee. Probably the best coffee I’ve had in England. The equipment he is using like the top of the line La Marzocco and the grinders and scales all assist with the great quality coffee but the owner’s knowledge and passion for coffee really shines through too. Lots of options for batch brew, hand brew, and even a guest espresso option which I don’t see as often. They have some really interesting coffees and offerings and I just absolutely cannot say enough good things about this shop. I traveled about 45 minutes to get here but if it was 2 hours away I would still make it a part of my regular routine it’s that good. As a coffee person, I can tell you that this spot is rare and unique and should...

Lodestar Coffee — Where Dessert Meets Espresso Perfection

Lodestar Coffee is a quiet triumph — a place where coffee is treated with reverence and desserts are crafted with flair. Whether you’re sipping a silky flat white or indulging in a slice of pistachio cake, everything feels intentional, balanced, and deeply satisfying.

Why it’s a standout:

Coffee — rich, smooth, and brewed with precision (beans often from Assembly or similar roasters)

Desserts — inventive, seasonal, and beautifully plated (think miso caramel brownies or blood orange polenta cake)

Atmosphere — minimalist, warm, and quietly stylish

Service — friendly, fast, and genuinely welcoming

Ideal for solo rituals, quiet catch-ups, or sweet afternoon escapes Staff are passionate and always happy to chat about...