Store Street Espresso — London
Here's the thing: stumbling upon the perfect Americano with Oat Milk is as much luck as anything else.
The weather has to be right, the pull has to be right, the oat milk has to be good. The barista has to give a crap.
I visited their Bishopsgate location on a rainy Sunday, and everything synced up perfectly.
Store Street Espresso — Here's the Deets
Store Street Espresso is one of London's best-known third-wave coffee pioneers, established in 2010 and still a benchmark for the city's specialty café scene. It's known for its minimalist interiors, thoughtful coffee program, and spacious, light-filled ambiance ideal for study breaks or casual brunch meetups.
Overview
- Founded: 2010 by Roger & Jack
- Signature Coffee: Square Mile's Red Brick Espresso blend
- Vibe: Bright, modern, and university-adjacent—popular with students and freelancers
- Menu Highlights:
- Espresso, flat white, matcha, and oolong teas
- Avocado toast (£7.50), cheese toasties, and filled brioche rolls
- Fresh pastries, cakes, and banana bread
Locations and Hours
| Location | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Store Street (Main) | 40 Store Street, London WC1E 7DB | Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–6 PM Sat 9 AM–5 PM Sun 9:30 AM–5 PM |
| Tavistock Place (Continental Stores) |
54 Tavistock Place, WC1H 9RG | Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM |
| Hammersmith | 245 Hammersmith Rd, W6 8PW | Mon & Fri 8 AM–3 PM Tue–Thu 8 AM–4 PM |
| Bishopsgate | 222 Bishopsgate, EC2M 4QD | Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM |
Website: storestespresso.co.uk
Phone: +44 20 7636 3011
Instagram: @storestreetespresso
What Makes It Stand Out
Store Street Espresso has been a leader in London's specialty coffee movement for over a decade, known for rotating guest roasters, locally sourced ingredients, and artistic presentations.
The cafés feature modern décor with hanging plants and natural wood, creating an atmosphere that blends Bloomsbury charm with contemporary design sensibility.
That Perfect Americano
On that rainy Sunday at Bishopsgate, everything aligned. The espresso shot was pulled with precision, the oat milk was fresh and creamy, and the barista clearly cared about getting it right.
Sometimes it's not just about the beans or the equipment—it's about that moment when all the variables come together perfectly. That's what I got at Store Street Espresso.
Quick Take
- Vibe: Modern, bright, student-friendly third-wave coffee shop
- Signature: Square Mile's Red Brick Espresso blend
- Best for: Quality coffee, studying, casual brunch meetups
- Locations: Four locations across London (Store Street, Tavistock, Hammersmith, Bishopsgate)
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — The perfect Americano exists
Note: Information compiled from multiple sources including Store Street Espresso's website, European Coffee Trip, Specialty Coffee Map, and visitor reviews. Hours and menu items subject to change—always check their website or call ahead.