London is filled with rooftop lounges, immersive experiences and bars. While the city has delivered some genuinely creative locales, it is also filled with tourist traps that bring people together at questionable prices.
Over time, Londoners have had to become increasingly discerning to find somewhere with a bit of soul, somewhere that is a haven for both their interests and wallets. Where can people go to bond over common hobbies and interests? Themed cafés are beginning to fill this void.
While just over half of young people in Britain reported that it is hard for them to make friends, places like this make people feel comfortable talking about their interests. And the beauty of it is that there are so many niche interests to celebrate.
Mark Wilesmore owns Ace Café, a Wembley-based joint for those into cars, bikes and rock ‘n’ roll. He says many people sit down alone at the cafeteria-style tables, ask someone to pass the ketchup and spend the rest of their time together chatting. “This is a place where people mingle,” says Mark.
Going hand-in-hand with making friends is the idea that themed cafés could help visitors with their mental health. Tobias Larsson, director and co-founder of cat café Java Whiskers, has noticed this. “We’ve had so many people with anxiety and PTSD, and they said they’ve tried different things, but this is what has made the biggest improvement for them,” he says. “I think it’s really beneficial for high stress and anxiety.”
So whether it’s to make friends or grab a moment of peace, London’s themed cafés welcome their solo visitors. Here are five of the best places in London to stay for a cuppa and a chat, knowing you will be in good company.
Java Whiskers
The soft lighting and many plants create a homey atmosphere, where cats crawl across surfaces and rub against visitors’ legs. Murmurs of conversations include strangers telling each other about their own cats and bonding over pets and pastries. “It’s like you’re going to church or something,” director and co-founder Tobias says about the peaceful atmosphere.
The best part? If you bond with one of Java Whiskers’ furry friends, you may choose to adopt them.
Where: 105 Great Portland St, London W1W 6QF and Ariel Way, London W12 7HB
Cost: Prices vary depending on how long you stay and which room you book. There is even an afternoon tea option to consider.
Find out more here.
Ace Café
This joint helps people grease the wheels of conversation and their bikes. Opening in 1938, it attracted motorcyclists due to its proximity to Britain’s arterial road network. It underwent a rebuild after air raid damage during World War II and still serves car, bike and rock ‘n’ roll enthusiasts today.
Ace Café hosts monthly meetups such as “Classic Car Night”, “All American Bike Night” and “Mod n’ Mini Night”, offering chances for people to get together and dive deep into their love for motor vehicles.
Where: Ace Corner, N Circular Rd., London NW10 7UD
Cost: You don’t need to make a reservation, so check out the menu, where a cup of tea is only £1.50.
Find out more here.
Rule Zero
Board and card gamers should run, not walk, to Rule Zero, where they can book a table and meet strangers to play with.
Michael Garside, 33, often comes solo to Rule Zero because of its welcoming atmosphere. “Board games and card games are inherently pretty social hobbies, so it’s a great way to meet people with the same interests,” he says. “It has a friendly community vibe of all ages and different experience levels.”
The venue also hosts planned events for specific interests, so whether you prefer Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon or Lorcana, there’s an event for you.
Where: 3 Succession Walk, Fish Island, London E3 2RX
Cost: Prices vary, so check out the booking system to schedule which games you’d like to play.
Find out more here.
London Chess Club
Every Sunday, the Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle fills up with chess players of all ages and skill levels. Taking over much of the food hall, the club also offers other, smaller events in cafés around London, but for newcomers hoping to meet new people, the club’s main event is the way to go.
Where: MMy, Elephant Park, London SE17 1RW
Cost: Free to attend
Find out more here.
Tea & Crafting
This is the place to be if you want to get into crafting. From calligraphy and pottery to candle-making and knitting, this colourful café hosts private events for all sorts of hobbies. The founder and owner Jane Gois works with talented creatives across London to bring in experts for both her one-off and long-term classes.
Where: 15 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, WC2E 7NG
Cost: There are so many different classes to choose from. But you’ll enjoy unlimited tea and coffee at any event.
Find out more here.
Want to join in?
Does one of these cafés interest you? Odd One Out is offering trips to these cafés throughout 2024. Check out our Membership Page and secure a ticket.