Shopping/markets
Tucked into a narrow storefront in the heart of Soho, Algerian Coffee Stores has been supplying London with roasted beans and blended teas for well over a century, and the counter staff's knowledge of the shelves lined floor to ceiling with origins and blends is part of the draw. Its 4.8-star rating and strong local and hidden-gem scores point to a shop beloved by regulars rather than a tourist photo-op, even as its Soho location keeps it easy to fold into a wider walk. Visits tend to be brief but memorable, built around picking a bag of beans and chatting with staff about what to try next. It's the kind of specialty shop locals return to monthly rather than once.
✨ Reasons to go
💡 Good to know
⏱️ Typical visit
20 min
🕰️ Best time
morning, lunchtime, afternoon or early evening
🚶 Walking intensity
Easy pace
What people say
"What a gem. I arrived just after 9am and was greeted by the loveliest staff, who made me feel welcome from the moment I walked in. I picked up some Santos and Algerian Special beans and received excellent service from the lady who helped me. Friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about coffee. The shop itself is wonderful. It feels authentic, steeped in history, and full of character. In a city where so many places feel interchangeable, this feels like a true community institution. You can sense the heritage the moment you walk through the door. It’s no wonder they have such fantastic reviews. I’m so glad London’s oldest coffee shop is still going strong after more than a century. Places like this are rare and deserve to be treasured."
— Nu
