How Much For A Cup of Coffee? The Most Expensive Coffee In London

People might argue that Coffee is an American import, which came over during the early 90s, when coffee shops started spring up all over London. Coffee has been part of the London scene for centuries, in fact as far back as 1652.

I dislike coffee chains, you know, the ones I mean. The pretenders try to recreate a cosy and homely atmosphere with sofas and large chairs for you to sink into and drink your expensive coffee. In most cases, the coffee isn't all that and as my Italian friend says, it's also not cool to drink a latte after breakfast.

I much prefer independent chain where you can get a different experience each time. I prefer organic coffee, and I know it’s sourced sustainably, too.

Here are some interesting facts

• The coffee industry in London is worth £1.5 billion

• 90 million cups of coffee are drunk in the capital each day brining in £450 million revenue each day

• There are over 3700 coffee shops in the city of 8 million

• There's been a 700% increase in speciality coffees

Coffee Houses History

Turkey has a lot to do with coffee in London. How? A Greek merchant called Pasqua Rosee, worked for a Coffee Merchant in Marseilles, traded coffee coming in via Turkey, and started the first small coffee house in St Michael's Alley in the City of London.

The initial coffee shops were different to taverns ale houses (modern day pubs) because they provided a place for intellectual conversation and information exchange.

They quickly became known as 'penny universities' because coffee cost one penny and for that, one could have an intelligent conversation about politics, the economy, literature and current affairs.

Many of the well-established industries such as Insurance, financial services and newspapers started out with deep roots in coffee houses.

21st Century Coffee Revolution

Coffee became the go-to drink in London in the 21st Century and influenced by international from America and Australia. F.R.I.E.N.D.S played a big role in making coffee shops trendy, where you and your friends could hang out in a coffee shop for ages and talk about anything and everything.

The coffee vibe changed again after Covid and the vibe is split depending on where you go in London. I've seen independent coffee shops spring up more or less everywhere. I regularly see one of my neighbours pop into a local coffee shop with a mug in hand. It's a local place where many people hang out in or take their coffee and go.

SHOT in Knightsbridge

I've also seen the high-end version too. I popped into one recently and was impressed with the vibe and the coffee. I heard about SHOT a while back and it is a high-end cafe in Knightsbridge. It is the location that attracts a different type of clientele.

As we were handed the menu, I noticed the most expensive coffee on the menu. I definitely wasn't going to have a £270 a cup coffee. Instead, I got the Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. I must say it was the best coffee I've had in London. At £12 for a cup, I'm glad it was. I also noticed the famous Kopi Luwak.

Kopi Luwak

What is this coffee? Cat poo Coffee 🙄🤣 Coffee cherries partially digested and excreted by the Asian palm civet, known as luwak in Indonesia. The Civet's digestive enzymes break down the bean's proteins and acidity to give a smoother, earthy and chocolate type coffee texture.

Originally from wild civets from Indonesian Islands such as Sumatra and Java, these days, Kopi Luwak comes from farmed civets. Is it worth the £70 per cup? I didn't try it. I skipped the Japan Typica Natural at £265 too.

Parting Comments

The coffee scene is here to stay. Coffee in London will continue to evolve as the city grows and develops.

You could visit a new coffee shop daily in London and never return to the same one. With 3700 to choose from, it would take you over 10 years to visit every single one. Wow. That’s impressive. I'm not saying you should drink expensive coffee either to enjoy the cafe culture. I would invite you to try the independent brands dotted around the city. This way, you will be supporting small business and getting a different coffee experience.

Next time you sip a flat white/Espresso/Macchiato or whatever tempts your taste buds when you’re next in London, pause and reflect on coffee’s history in the Big Smoke.

Thank you for your attention.

Best Wishes

Tabby