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 five favourite specialty coffee shops in Croydon.
Last updated: March 2026
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.
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 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 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.
Located a short walk from East Croydon station, Urban Baristas is a bright and spacious cafe serving coffee, sandwiches and baked goods. I first visited Urban Baristas in Wapping and they now have over 20 cafes across London with more coming soon.
There are lots of tables inside and the décor is light and bright, with cheery pastel accents, including on the retail coffee packaging. You could almost be walking into a cafe in Bondi...if only Croydon had a beach!
The menu focuses on espresso-based drinks and matcha, but they also do V60 pourovers if you want to try one of the single-origin coffees. I had a cortado, which was carefully brewed using the house espresso. My coffee was smooth and well-balanced with milk chocolate notes.
Urban Baristas is located at Stephenson House, 2 Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon, CR0 6BA (East Croydon Rail). Website. Instagram.
For 150+ more of my favourite coffee shops in London, check out my London specialty coffee guide.
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