For the past year, I've been working in East Croydon once a week and I've been gradually exploring the area on my lunch breaks. That has, of course, included tracking down the best specialty for specialty coffee. I'll keep this guide updated with new discoveries, but for now, read on to discover my four favourite specialty coffee shops in Croydon.
Aera Coffee House
Located on the ground floor of a modern development a few minutes' walk from East Croydon station, Aera Coffee House is beautifully designed. Think calming neutral tones and tactile textures. There's a range of seating, from cosy nooks and window seats to stools at the curved coffee bar.
The coffee is from Origin and I've enjoyed both piccolos and flat whites brewed with the Resolute Blend, which has milk chocolate and stone fruit notes. As well as the usual espresso-based drinks, Aera serves hand-brewed filter coffee and a wide range of matcha drinks. It's a lovely place to hang out — and it's been busy every time I've visited.
Aera is located at 21 College Road, Croydon, CR0 1NN (East Croydon rail). Instagram.
Bob's Your Uncle
I first came across Bob's Your Uncle (great name!) en route to dinner at The Store (which has now sadly closed). It's close to South Croydon station, or a 15-minute walk from the town centre. The small coffee shop has a few tables upstairs and further seating in the basement. There's local art on the walls and it's a relaxed and welcoming space.
Bob's Your Uncle serves coffee from Cuppers Choice, as well as coffees from guest roasters from time to time to time. I ordered a piccolo and when the barista brought it over to me, I immediately knew from the aroma that it was a naturally processed coffee. I was correct: it was Cuppers' Choice Fugi Natural from Rwanda. It was beautifully brewed, with the funky, juicy flavours coming through very nicely.
Brunch and a wide range of pastries and sweet treats are also on offer. And the team often host pop-ups, socials and other event. Keep an eye on their Instagram for the latest info. There's also a sister location in Eltham.
Bob's Your Uncle is located at 2 Selsdon Road, Croydon, CR2 6PA (South Croydon rail). Website. Instagram.
Crushed Bean
Crushed Bean is a small but lovely coffee shop right in the heart of Croydon, a short walk from both East Croydon and South Croydon stations. The staff are extremely welcoming and on a sunny day, light streams into the café and you can either take a seat at one of the small tables or perch at the window.
The coffee is from Clifton Coffee Roasters and Crushed Bean serves a wide range of single-origin coffees on espresso and V60 pourover. On my first visit, I had a delightful piccolo, brewed with the Finca Buena Vista coffee from El Salvador, which had sweet and citrus notes. Next time, I tried the Finca Voller, a Peruvian anaerobic coffee with super-juicy tropical flavours.
They also offer a big selection of other drinks, as well as their popular toast menu. I will definitely have to save room for the pesto toast (with confit tomato, mozzarella and basil) or the Mumbai cheese toast (with chilli, coriander, mint, spices, tomato and cheddar) next time I visit!
Crushed Bean is located at 81 High Street, Croydon, CR0 1QE (East Croydon rail). Website. Instagram.
Tao Cafe
Tao Cafe was the first specialty coffee shop I came across in Croydon. It's the closest to East Croydon station — and my office, so I stop by fairly often. The thoughtfully designed space is a real haven for specialty coffee lovers. There's a variety of seating options set around the central coffee bar — the concrete is offset by the cheery pastels of the décor.
Tao's coffee is roasted by Plot in southeast London and the espresso-based drinks and single-origin filter coffees are always immaculately brewed. Since I first visited, they've expanded their food offering with a brunch menu featuring dishes like avocado toast and shakshouka. You can also opt for sweet and savoury pastries and other lighter bites.
Tao is located at 2A Ruskin Square, Croydon, CR0 2WF (East Croydon rail). Website. Instagram. My full review.
For 150+ more of my favourite coffee shops in London, check out my London specialty coffee guide.
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