As signs of spring emerged last weekend, I headed out into the sunshine. My destination? Belgravia, where one of my favourite London roasters, Workshop Coffee, has returned after a year-long absence with a gorgeous new specialty coffee shop.
When I launched my Caffeine Chronicles series, back in 2012, Workshop's London cafés were among the first to feature. I actually wrote about the Marylebone and Clerkenwell coffee shops in 2011, under their previous names of Sensory Lab and St Ali, respectively. They were joined by cafés in Fitzrovia and Paddington, among others.
I visited regularly over the years, especially the Fitzrovia location near Oxford Circus, whose gorgeous interiors always made me feel like I was hanging out in the living room of a particularly stylish friend. So, it was a sad day when the final Workshop left standing closed in September 2024.
But now Workshop is back and better than ever! Their new café and training academy, which opened in February 2026, occupies the ground and lower-ground floors of an elegant red-brick mansion in Belgravia, a short walk from Victoria Station.
When I arrived at lunchtime on Saturday, light was streaming in through the large, arched windows, one of many period features. A sleek marble coffee bar runs length of the main room, with small tables and high stools by the windows. There's a quieter alcove at the back, as well as seats outside on the pavement.
After saving my seat, I went to the counter to order. There were four single-origin coffees on pourover. On the recommendation of the friendly, knowledgeable barista, I went for the Bella Vista, a washed coffee from Arcesio Pancha and Yina Cuchumbe in Colombia.
The coffee was beautifully brewed, with juicy orange candy flavours in every sip. From the brunch menu, I also ordered the avocado on toast with poached eggs. It was delicious: the eggs were perfectly poached and the avocado fresh and flavoursome. There are other toasts, plus various sandwiches, salads and pastries on offer too.
I couldn't leave without sampling the espresso, so I also ordered a cortado, which tasted smooth and sweet. And just look at that latte art swan! Well, maybe cygnet given the small size of the cortado glass!
Downstairs, there's a spacious training academy, where they run a variety of coffee masterclasses for professionals and home enthusiasts alike. I didn't get the chance to take a peek inside, but I did stop by the retail shelves before leaving.
I picked out some beans from producer Ricardo Vargas in Ecuador. It's been a while since I've sampled Ecuadorean coffee and I've been enjoying it at home in my V60.
Every detail at Workshop's new café has been carefully considered, from the coffee and food, to the design and especially the warm service. Whether you're a long-time Workshop fan or are simply searching for a standout coffee and brunch spot in Belgravia, it's well worth the trip.
Workshop Café & Academy. 22 Eccleston Street, Belgravia, SW1W 9LT (Tube: Victoria). Website. Instagram.
For 150+ more of my favourite coffee shops in London, check out my London specialty coffee guide.
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