Monmouth Coffee Company

Monmouth Coffee Company at Borough Market is a shrine to properly made coffee. The queue on weekends is no joke—Friday and Saturday mornings see it heaving—but it moves fast and the result is worth every second. What sets this place apart is the staff's genuine expertise; they'll talk your ear off about the difference between a washed and natural process if you show any interest. Their espresso is consistently excellent, and the brewed coffee from their rotating single-origin selection is where they really shine.

The seating is basic but that's not the point here. You come for the coffee, period. They use full-fat milk because they know it makes a better latte, unlike many places that skimp on quality. The pastries and breads are simple but well-chosen, perfectly complementing the coffee without trying to be the main event. If you're a coffee nerd, this is your kind of place. Just be prepared to wait and don't expect to linger for hours—the focus is on the drink, not the atmosphere.