Espresso Base London

Coffee the Italian way

Madeline from London

<strong>About me</strong> When I moved to London after graduating in 2020, I didn’t plan to stay for long. My dream was to travel the world and moving to the Big Smoke just felt like a way to bide my time until the pandemic ended and international borders reopened. I found a simple job in a frozen yoghurt shop and spent my days off exploring the local sights. The lon...
"Anyone who wishes to indulge their sweet tooth without punishment will have to do so the Italian way, with a cioccolata calda or an amaretto biscuit."

Forget the fancy cafés. London’s best coffee comes from a tiny pop-up tent in Bloomsbury. Positioned at the far end of a churchyard, Espresso Base is easy to miss. However, the observant few who do venture down the bamboo-lined pathway will be richly rewarded.

Here Gennaro De Mattia stands, in rain or shine, pulling shots on his trusty La Marzocco. He’s not a forthright coffee snob, but there are signs: namely a chalkboard warning customers of the additional 10p charge for sugar. Anyone who wishes to indulge their sweet tooth without punishment will have to do so the Italian way, with a cioccolata calda or an amaretto biscuit. Coffee enthusiasts might also be interested in purchasing a bag of beans or a new espresso gadget.

After that, it’s just a case of finding a seat among the plants (preferably under an umbrella – the weather in England is unpredictable), and sipping away to the sound of jazz music and trickling waterfalls.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
024-burger-1
Snacks

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

London Spotter Madeline

<strong>About me</strong> When I moved to London after graduating in 2020, I didn’t plan to stay for long. My dream was to travel the world and moving to the Big Smoke just felt like a way to bide my time until the pandemic ended and international borders reopened. I found a simple job in a frozen yoghurt shop and spent my days off exploring the local sights. The longer I stayed in London, however, the more attached I became to the people, places and the chaotic but exhilarating way of life. At times, making ends meet was challenging, but I knew this was where I ...

About this spot

12a Bloomsbury Way

Espresso:

£

2.60

Sep 21, 2025

Our London City Guide

Find your way with 276 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our London guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in London

Oliviya

Lebanese Food for the Soul

Oliviya on Hampstead High Street is known for its hospitality and authentic Lebanese flavors. Try different mezze, grills, and toum that tastes like home!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Helena

Homsi

Nov 17, 2025

Primrose Hill

Protected viewpoint in London

One of six protected viewpoints, Primrose Hill overlooks London’s skyline, with Blake’s quote: "I have conversed with the spiritual sun. I saw him on Primrose Hill."

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Danielle

Broadhurst

Nov 17, 2025

Astronomy Photographer of the Year

Exhibition

The Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition is quiet corner of Greenwich, with awe-inspiring space photos, gathered from 68 countries.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Danielle

Broadhurst

Nov 17, 2025

Toklas

Quick bite in Aldwych

I have tried to resist repeatedly getting their pain au chocolat and try something else from their wide selection of savoury treats as well...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Angelina

Ivanova

Nov 17, 2025

Stones Fish & Chips

Crispy, Flaky, Delicious

Stones in Acton serves delicious, yet affordable fish and chips with crisp, freshly fried batter and a warm North African hospitality. A must in London!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Helena

Homsi

Nov 14, 2025

Bancone

Affordable Luxury

Bancone stands out in London with fresh handmade pasta, great service, lively ambiance, and fair prices. Every dish delights and exceeds expectations.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Helena

Homsi

Nov 14, 2025

London Review Bookshop

A must for book lovers

Twice a week, all the tables are pushed to one side, and the bookshop is transformed into an intimate venue for author talks, film screenings and debates.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Madeline

Gowers

Nov 12, 2025

Strawberry Hill House

London’s Gothic castle

Walpole spent most of his life transforming the building into his own ‘little Gothic castle’, with battlements, arched doorways and stained glass windows.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Madeline

Gowers

Nov 12, 2025

Fitzrovia Chapel

An architectural masterpiece

Aside from its compelling history, what really sets Fitzrovia Chapel apart is its extraordinary gold mosaic ceiling. So don't forget to look up!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Madeline

Gowers

Nov 12, 2025

Book 28 Library

A tiny queer utopia

What really sets Book 28 apart, is their commitment to sourcing intersectional literature that would be unlikely to appear in your average public library.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Nov 12, 2025

Woburn Walk

A taste of Regency London

Designed in 1822 by Thomas Cubitt (the architect behind large parts of Belgravia & Pimlico), Woburn Walk retains many of its original Georgian shopfronts.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Madeline

Gowers

Nov 12, 2025

Alba Caffè

A taste of the Mediterranean

Savour your food, indulge in good conversation and when you’ve scraped your plate clean, go out onto the patio for a long, drawn-out coffee in the sun.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Madeline

Gowers

Nov 12, 2025

Heading to London?

276 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

London app Home
London app Home
London app Map
London app Home

Heading to London?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

276 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Coffee & tea

Our team loves London

Get to know our other Spotters from London

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
19
Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
Filters