Check out brands that were born in cities from Dubai to Doha.
1/2 Million
The Saudi-born brand made its debut in London. Located on the world-famous Oxford Street, it is easy to spot thanks to its light blue façade and bright neon sign. The hot drinks include a Cappuccino, Cortado, Flat White, Piccolo and a range of teas. The cold beverages include Iced Americano, Iced Chocolate, Iced Latte and Iced Tea. Plus, there are pretty pastries – cakes, croissants or chocolate, anyone?
GO: Follow @halfmillionuk on Instagram for more information.
% Arabica
% Arabica might sound like it was born in an Arab country, but it actually originated in Japan. The minimalist cafés can be found across the Middle East, from Saudi Arabia to the UAE. The brand prides itself on sourcing coffee from its own farm. The menu includes classic as well as creative drinks from a Honey Latte to Kyoto Latte, and food ranging from baguettes to ice cream. Locations for the % Arabica coffee shops in London include Broadway Market, Covent Garden, Spitalfields Market and South Molton Street.
GO: Follow @arabica_uk on Instagram for more information.
Barn’s
Saudi Arabia’s Barn’s hasn’t set up shop yet, but we are buzzing with excitement. Founded in 1992, the brand aims to open ten coffee shops in London and across the UK. We’re hoping the London café reflects the Kingdom’s menus. Famous for its speciality coffee, the drinks include Caramel Mikato, Sahleb, Spanish Latte and White Mocha.
GO: Visit https://barns.com.sa for more information.
Bafrat
Saudi Arabia’s Barfat can be found in London’s Warwick Street. The smart space boasts semicircle sofas, large mirrors and a bright, airy feel. The menu includes an Americano, Arabic Coffee, Hot Chocolate and Matcha Latte. Plus, there is an afternoon tea available and pastries, cookies and snacks, from a Lobster Roll to Truffle Quiche.
GO: Follow @bafaratcafe on Instagram for more information.
Chapati & Karak
Chapati & Karak might be located on Brompton Road, but it draws its inspiration from Qatar’s Katara Cultural Village. As the name suggests, it’s all about chapatis and karak. The drinks menu includes Black Tea, Cardamom Karak, Ginger Milk, Green Tea, Karak Shake and Mint Tea. The food menu includes Egg Chapati, Sweet Chapati and Soft Cheese Chapati.
GO: Visit https://chapatikarak.com for more information.
Crome
Crome is already a staple on Doha’s dessert scene. In London, it describes itself as the city’s first French toast café. So, if you want to start the day off in style, visit the St. Christopher’s Place venue. The desserts are oh-so sweet and include sky-high croissants with indulgent fillings, from chocolate to strawberry. Highlights include the Pistachio Soft Serve Cone, The Berry Best French Toast, and Lotus Biscoff French Toast.
GO: Follow @crome.london on Instagram for more information.
EL&N London
Cameras at the ready. EL&N London is one of the most Instagrammable cafés in the world. The brand opened in its first coffee shops in London, but is #trending in the Middle East. The cafés can also be found in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah and Riyadh. The instantly recognisable pink walls, floral features and motivational neon signs have made this a hit on social media. The cute coffee spot serves hot and cold drinks. Plus, it’s a superb spot for breakfast and brunch.
GO: Visit https://elnlondon.com for more information.
Grind
When you’re done with the daily grind, head to Grind. After opening in 2011, the café has created a cool community feel. Great for remote working, it includes large wooden tables and chairs. Located in East London, it prides itself on its sustainable approach, from its plastic-free approach to biodegradable pods. The food includes an all-day brunch, sandwiches and snacks. The drinks include coffee, tea, juice and smoothies.
GO: Visit @grind on Instagram for more information.
Ibakwala
Since 2016, Ibakwala Café has been bringing flavours from the Middle East to London. Drawing inspiration from across the region, the dishes include Baklava; the sponge cake, Hareesa; Levantine dessert, Nabulsyah; pistachio-filled pastry, Ma’amoul and more. The drinks include an Americano, Cappuccino, Espresso and Turkish Coffee.
GO: Visit https://ibaklawacafe.com for more information.
Kahve Dünyası
If you’re a fan of Turkish coffee, then put Kahve Dünyası on your radar. Located in St James, visitors can sit down for a cup or three, and buy sweet treats to have in or take home. The café serves freshly ground coffee, iced drinks and milkshakes. The decadent dessert includes handmade artisan chocolates and baked goods. Plus, there are sandwiches and snacks.
GO: Follow @kahvedunyasiuk on Instagram for more information.
L’ETO
If you like your coffee with a side of sophistication, then head to L’ETO. The café has more than 40 restaurants around the world including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah and Muscat. The coffee shops in London can be found from Knightsbridge to Soho. L’ETO has a contemporary chic décor with hanging plants, wicker chairs and trinkets on shelves. Make sure you check out the stunning cake counter and speciality coffee.
GO: Visit https://letocaffe.com for more information.
Prada Caffé
The world-famous department store, Harrods, is filled with luxury brands. Prada is mixing things up, as it not only offers clothes but coffee. The Prada Caffé oozes elegance, and it decked out in the brand’s signature style. The venue includes mint-coloured counters and walls, and a black and white tiled floor. The café serves breakfast, lunch and pastries, and hot and cold drinks that include coffee, tea and fresh juice. Prada Caffé is open until 7 January.
GO: Visit www.harrods.com for more information.
SHOT
The speciality café, SHOT London, is spectacularly sleek. The black and gold décor and embossed cups ooze class. The café can be found in swanky spots including Berkeley Street, Knightsbridge and Wigmore Street. The menu includes house-blend coffee from Brazil, Ethiopia and Sumatra, loose leaf tea, hot chocolate and soft drinks. Visitors to the Mayfair location should expect long lines from morning until nighty - so be prepared to wait!
GO: Follow @shot.london on Instagram for more information.
Tiffany Blue Box
Tiffany Blue Box can be found in the world-famous department store, Harrods. The concept will soon be coming to Dubai, and is bound to be a hit in the Middle East, where fashion cafés never go out of style. The café is an Insta hit – sit around Tiffany jewellery, and sip coffee from Tiffany-blue cups. The dishes range from Cornish Crab muffins to Eggs Florentine, and the drinks range from an afternoon tea to a cocktail menu. The Breakfast at Tiffany dish is essential. Dressing up as Audrey Hepburn is optional.
GO: Visit www.harrods.com for more information.
Wanasa
If you want to know what Wanasa is all about, the clue is in the name. In Arabic, Wanasa means connecting with people in a humble setting. The café has a neighbourhood vibe, and serves Middle Eastern breakfast and brunch dishes. Take your pick from a Kufta Wrap, Palestinian Falafel Wrap, and Toasted Breakfast Wrap. Drinks include coffee, iced coffees and smoothies.
GO: Visit https://wanasacafe.co.uk for more information.