Coffee Shops In South London: Camberwell & Brixton

If coffee is your most important meal of the day these coffee shops in Camberwell, Brixton and Herne Hill might just be for you. For true coffee aficionados, I’ve listed the coffee beans they use in case you’re after a specific variety of the black stuff, plus some of the best things on their menus for a little snack to accompany your hot beverage too.

LUMBERJACK

Feel like treating yourself this weekend, but not sure what on? 100x times yes to this SE5 favourite on Camberwell Church Street. Aside from their amazing coffee, courtesy of Assembly, LUMBERJACK also has a wide variety of cheese, spreads and wines and you sure will find something that’ll hit the spot. I’m partial to the almond croissant, but I can never get enough of their cakes. They also contribute a lot to the local community through their apprenticeships as well as their wonderful manager Natasha who organises lots of events in the area, which is lovely.

IRENE

IRENE has been gracing Camberwell’s high street and Brixton Village with delicious in house baked goodies and breads and is one of the few places in the area that you can get a Matcha Latte at. Big fan of their Gentleman’s Baristas brews, and always love a place that uses Oatly Milk too. Their seeded sourdough and baguettes are freshly baked in store and are a regular part of my weekly shop. And who doesn’t love a yellow or lilac takeaway coffee cup?

LOVEWALK

It wouldn’t be a list of best places for coffee without LOVEWALK, who have been here for decades and are a true Camberwell staple just off Denmark Hill. They do a strong All Press brew that always helps me kick-start my mornings. It’s also my go-to place for hot chocolate that reminds me of the ones I used to have in my childhood.

GLADWELLS

This grocery/cafe/bakery may offer a treasure trove of produce and treats, but their Monmouth coffee also holds its own. GLADWELLS is a great place to pick up fresh bread, vegetables, meats and snacks, plus with their indoor seating, it’s perfect come rain or shine.

Bad Brew

This new upstart just sprang up on Coldharbour Lane, being the first dedicated coffee shop (Johnny’s is great, but a cafe/restaurant) between Denmark Hill and Loughborough Junction Station. A simple, quite sweet Matcha Latte, a good beginner one I would say. They use Oatly for their Oat Milk.

GROVE LANE DELI

Just off Camberwell Church Street is this small cafe/bakery, which serves up Assembly coffee and a whole array of assorted cakes and pastries, their white chocolate cookies (sadly not always on the menu) and their pecan pie are my standouts.

CAYA

This cafe and working space on Coldharbour Lane near Brixton, serving Ozone coffee, is one for the mocha lovers – not that the rest of their menu isn’t worth it. They do a cracking Matcha Latte, and if you’re in season, their Pumpkin Spice Latte knocks any chain ones out of the park. The owner Kate + team always makes my day, and if that’s not enough, CAYA also does the most delicious three cheese toastie in London.

FOUR BOROUGHS

This bike-friendly cafe in the Coldharbour Works plaza is the perfect spot to sit down in the calm away from Coldharbour Lane and Loughborough Junction and enjoy a locally roasted Assembly Coffee – they do a mean Latte. They sell nice pastries as well as healthy wraps filled with falafels, feta and other nice things, made by local company Vine.

F. MONDAYS COFFEE

With two branches, one on Brixton Hill and another on Coldharbour Lane, this place has the best name imo, and some of the best Alchemy coffee you can get your taste buds on. But that’s not all folks – they do mouth-watering, freshly baked Potato Bread to take away, and their cookies are to die for, specifically the macadamia and white chocolate, and the salted caramel ones.