Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Waterloo

"The view from Rafael Viñoly’s Sky Garden, also known as the Walkie-Talkie building, is unlike any other in the city. From here you can survey London’s ever-growing sprawl with the city stretching up to the north, Tower Bridge and the Shard to the south, and Canary Wharf to the east. It’s free to explore the tower’s three stories of landscaped public gardens, but make sure to book in advance."

"Located on floor 36 of the iconic Walkie Talkie, the views from the Darwin Brasserie are pretty striking. Although Fenchurch Restaurant – one of Sky Garden’s other offerings – is higher, the Darwin Brasserie has better views thanks to its position further back from the Sky Garden’s atrium roof. A good option if you want to enjoy the sights without the flocks of camera totting tourists."

"Get the lift to the top of 20 Fenchurch Street and let your toddler explore London’s highest public garden. There are 360 degree views of the London skyline, gardens to run around in and a café where you can buy cakes and pastries. Cost – Free, but you need to prebook."

"Restaurants Ice-cream parlours Soho. Those nitro-fuelled experimentalists at Chin Chin are the Willy Wonkas of the ice-cream world, and this Soho shop is an ostentatious showcase for their wares. Not only their signature ices (anyone for halva black tahini?), but also full-on desserts – there’s some seriously elaborate stuff going on here amid all the bells and whistles."

"Address: 49-50 Camden Lock, Camden Town, London NW1 8AF and 54 Greek Street, London W1D 3DS. Whether you're a science buff or not, you have to head here just for the experience - you get to watch as your dessert is frozen to order using liquid nitrogen. Toppings and sauces are kept in beakers to complete the science lab vibe, and flavours are outlandish - think pandan leaf and black sesame cake."

"A thick, brownie-like cookie with sweet-and-sticky dulce de leche, toasted hazelnuts and cranberries, it’s luxurious – full of Valhrona chocolate – and super indulgent. 54 Greek St, London W1D 3DS or 49-50 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF. Open for take-away in the weekends."

"This North London bakery describes itself as ‘a bit health conscious’: cakes contain low fat and sugar, but enough to ensure they taste delicious. Cutter & Squidge cakes make the perfect centrepiece for a big celebration too: the Macron Drip Cake, for instance, is a layered creation decorated with macarons, topped with chocolate shards and finished with 24 carat gold. Vegan cakes are also available, and everything can be personalised."

"Vanilla sponge with apple jam, cinnamon buttercream – custardy, sweet, perfectly spiced – crispy white chocolate pearls, biscuit crumbs and an apple crisp to finish. It has all the flavours of a traditional apple pie, but it’s lighter and wonderfully soft. 20 Brewer St, London W1F 0SJ. Currently online only."

"It’s pretty, it’s pink and the cakes and treats are equally as gorgeous to eat as well as look at. Their famous for their ‘biskie’ creations which are a cross between a cake and a cookie sandwiched with cream or chocolate. If you prefer you can go for one of their perfectly presented cakes by the slice."

"Known as one of the edgiest, artiest universities in London, it’s no surprise that Goldsmiths has opened its very own contemporary arts institution. And to be fair to them, it’s pretty damn cool. This Grade II-listed, former Victorian bathhouse boasts a deliciously diverse range of art – from world-class exhibitions by international artists, to new projects and emergent practices."

"Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art, known as Goldsmiths CCA, is located in New Cross on the Campus of Goldsmiths University. It is designed for students, artists, and the wider public, offering exhibitions, diverse events, and educational activities. Originally the building was the boiler house and public laundry of Laurie Grove Baths, a Grade II-listed building."

"Breakfast Coffee Low delivery fee"

"As part of Upper Street’s burgeoning food scene, Galley has brought a fresh, sophisticated approach to seafood. The menu showcases the best in seafood recipes from all over the world. From the more traditional crab on crostini to Spanish inspired octopus and chorizo a la plancha, you can enjoy a variety of flavours in a chic setting."

"With multiple locations across the city and an impressive range of flavours rotated daily, Crosstown’s handmade fresh doughnuts are not to be missed. For a seasonal snack, the Pumpkin and Nutmeg Custard Doughnut is full of wintry flavour, including pumpkin sourdough, cream cheese icing, pumpkin seeds, and orange zest. Similarly, the Spiced Apple and Pear Crumble Doughnut is bursting with the taste of maple, pecan, and autumn fruits."

"One doughnut spot that’s on every Londoner’s lips is Crosstown Doughnuts, known for their wild and wacky flavour combinations. From cinnamon scrolls to matcha tea, peach and nectarine to yuzu and passionfruit, there’s a doughnut to fit every taste bud. You’ll know when you spot someone munching into one of their doughnuts because you can spot their trademark ‘x’ piped onto the corner."

"Another place that absolutely slays the donut game is Crosstown. These guys have only been in London since 2014, but they’ve garnered a massive following since then. As plenty of Londoners would confirm, a donut from Crosstown is absolutely one of the best desserts in London."

"Restaurants Bakeries Newington Green. From the folks behind Primeur and Westerns Laundry, Jolene is a supremely beautiful warehouse-style space in a quiet spot opposite the park in Newington Green. During the day it runs as a low-key brunch spot and bakery: they stone-mill their own flour in-house using 100 percent unaltered grains grown sustainably on farms in Sussex and Norfolk."

"From the duo behind Lyles and Primeur, Jolene is a firm east London favourite. Located on Newington Green, its airy feel and low-hanging lights make this the perfect spot to enjoy a long afternoon. With stone milling onsite (the process of grinding wheat and grains), the bread is as fresh as it gets too."

"Brunch , Bakery/Cafe"

"Cafe de Nata specialise in one thing and one thing only – authentic Portuguese custard tarts (or Pastéis de Nata if you want the real name!) Hundreds of these gorgeous little tarts are made baked by hand every single day in each of their bakeries and if you’re lucky enough you might catch one coming straight from the oven. Takeaway mostly but there are 2 seats in the window if you can grab one."

"Besides coffee, they only serve Pastel de Nata, which are Portuguese Custard Tarts, THE sweet treat of Portugal. If you’ve been wanting to try one, this is the place to do it. They’re baked fresh every day right in front of customers, and they’ve really got it down to an art."

"If you’ve ever had a Portuguese tart (also called a Pastel de Nata) you’ll know why Cafe de Nata is so popular. It’s one of our favourite dessert places in London, and whilst these tarts may be small – they’re also mighty."

"Nando's is a firm favourite across the country, with delicious flame-grilled peri-peri chicken, as well as tasty vegetarian and vegan options and mouth-watering sides. As one of the most popular places to eat in Wembley Park, they’ve embraced al fresco dining and will offer table service after 12 April in their outside seating area. No reservation required."

"How did a chicken restaurant become one of the most beloved chains in Britain?. Nando’s offers so much more than its delicious flame-roasted chicken – they have dozens of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as healthy sides and salads. It’s no wonder that Nando’s is amongst the most popular family restaurants in Wembley Park."

"Somewhat bemusingly, it claims to be the oldest French restaurant in London despite only being founded in the 1940s. Still, the menu is brimming with classic French dishes, so we’ll forgive this apparent fib."

"A post shared by Rita Platts (@ritaplattsphoto) on Oct 5, 2014 at 3:11am PDT. It’s hard to miss the bright pink front of Rasa N16 when walking down Stoke Newington Church Street. Be treated to Kerala’s fragrant spices – think cardamom, ginger, turmeric and black pepper – as the chefs weave together intricate flavours."