Lodestar Coffee

This place is fantastic and well worth the trip no matter where you are in greater London. Starting with the non-coffee aspects. The music in here is fantastic. A perfect vibe for a coffee shop and the aesthetic of the shop is great too. Lots of natural light, cozy seating, and great drinkware. You can tell a lot of consideration went into designing this space. Now to the coffee. Probably the best coffee I’ve had in England. The equipment he is using like the top of the line La Marzocco and the grinders and scales all assist with the great quality coffee but the owner’s knowledge and passion for coffee really shines through too. Lots of options for batch brew, hand brew, and even a guest espresso option which I don’t see as often. They have some really interesting coffees and offerings and I just absolutely cannot say enough good things about this shop. I traveled about 45 minutes to get here but if it was 2 hours away I would still make it a part of my regular routine it’s that good. As a coffee person, I can tell you that this spot is rare and unique and should be cherished.

I was craving a croissant and a coffee after an early morning where I hadn’t had time for breakfast. I looked online, found this café with plenty of positive reviews, and decided to give it a try since it wasn’t too far from me. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it. The coffee was nice, but when I arrived around 10, they had almost no pastries left — no croissants, no pain au chocolat, not even a muffin. What was left didn’t look appealing. I agree with Billy’s comment: the place is very small, yet customers are asked to come back to the counter to pick up their coffee. The sugar is kept hidden away in a cabinet behind the bar, which feels inconvenient. There was also a half-empty bottle of water on my table when I sat down, and no one came to remove it or clean the table. Even after other customers left, they usually clear their cups but I didn’t see anyone from the staff wiping down tables. When I left, there were two dogs (with their owners) inside the café, which I found quite off-putting — especially since they were blocking the exit. Overall, I didn’t feel welcome. The place seems to cater to its regulars and if you’re not part of that group, you feel out of place. The atmosphere wasn’t pleasant, and I just wanted to leave as soon as possible.

Hands down best cafe in London. Owner and tall waiter are the most delightfully warm and welcoming individuals. The space itself is beautiful and cosy. Vibes are impeccable and the music is always on point. The coffee is always outstanding and changes on a regular basis so every time you come back you can discover something new and exciting! They have a thriving community of regulars who are equally as welcoming and passionate as they are. Couldn’t recommend Lodestar enough, they are simply the best and I couldn’t be more grateful for everything they do 🙏🏼💛

Top notch coffee (and I’m picky) - best in the area. Whether you want a flat white, hand pour or a batch brew, there are lots of great choices. Independently run by lovely people. My disappointment was in the pastries - I had an almond croissant - which I know is usually a day old - but it was rock solid. They kindly then replaced this with a pain au chocolate but it unfortunately was not much better. Really stale. Perhaps switch pastry supplier? It’s such a shame as the coffee is brilliant.

This is the best coffee shop in London, no question. It's my favourite place to bring people, lovely atmosphere, and brilliant staff. They're the soundest and best craic baristas in Hackney! Didn't know anything about coffee until I started going here but they're so generous and knowledgeable, they've changed how I even think about coffee. Honestly have never had anything like their cold brews and hand brews. Big shoutout to Giz and Bugra, they run the most welcoming coffee shop in all of London!

I have experienced Lodestar twice now and both visits have been 10/10!! I love my speciality coffee so when I saw what was on offer, I was like a child at Hamleys! The staff are so friendly, accommodating and I felt very welcomed. I have now had 4 different coffees there and all were excellent! All 4 were different but equally as interesting and juicy. Also, if you want to purchase beans for home use, their selection is crazy (in a good way) I didn't have any food however I was so tempted, as what was on offer looked delicious. Easily one of my favourite places for coffee and great vibes. I'm looking forward to my next visit. Blessings, Christoforos ❤️

Always the best coffee, no matter which one they have. Great service, lovely atmosphere to sit in and work during the week or chat. My favourite coffee shop!

I love this coffee spot, such nice vibes - great interiors and most of all lovely people serving the coffee! I always feel super welcome even though I don’t go all the time. They are clearly really into good coffee but don’t make it intimidating or exclusionary - can definitely recommend!