Vanilla Black Coffee & Books

Incredible drinks and food and efficient service. Every bite is to be savoured and I’m not exaggerating. I love that they put yogurt on the banana bread and the pistachio crumbs is a genius addition. The full house breakfast is simply unbeatable. Best English breakfast I’ve had. Would be nice if they have high chairs available.

Lovely independent café in Kennington with a calm, Scandi feel and friendly service. We shared the Veg House breakfast, which came with poached eggs, avocado, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and beans — fresh, colourful and really satisfying. The toasted banana bread with Biscoff, ricotta and jam was soft, spiced and sweet in all the right ways. Coffee from Assembly was excellent as always. Spacious inside with blonde wood furniture, shelves of books and cards, and a large outdoor terrace at the back. Dog friendly and perfect for a relaxed morning. We returned and tried avocado on toast and a vegetarian bowl, both yummy.

Nice coffee shop to stop by on a Sunday stroll into town. A vegan dessert option was available today in the gooey chocolate brownie. The coffee was ok, a little acidic. The tables were controlled with reservations, one was released for me, when they saw I was having to share one with another customer.

Cozy atmosphere with a nice back garden area. The staff are very kind and accommodating. Perfect brunch or morning coffee place!

Love this place! The food is really tasty, with great brunch options and it’s a great place to sit and read and even work during weekdays. They have a beautiful back courtyard that is very pleasant when the weather is nice. I recommend the toasted banana bread it’s delicious

The food that they offer is very small for the price, despite nice vibes. Seems that it’s more worth it to come in here to have a coffee with a dessert (and a book). I ordered the Protein Bowl (was tiny) £14, and Burrata summer special also around £14. The dessert was delicious though.

Vanilla Black Coffee & Books — Where Espresso Meets Escape Tucked along Kennington Road, Vanilla Black Coffee & Books is a quiet triumph — part café, part bookish sanctuary, and wholly delightful. It’s the kind of place where almond milk lattes come with a side of poetry, and avocado toast feels like a thoughtful gesture rather than a trend. The coffee? Smooth, rich, and consistently excellent — whether you’re sipping a classic cappuccino or diving into one of their signature breakfast smoothies (espresso, banana, oats, almond milk — yes, it works). The food is fresh and vibrant: poached eggs, chorizo, pan con tomate, and muesli with berries all make regular appearances, each plated with care. The outdoor garden is a hidden gem — leafy, peaceful, and perfect for solo brunches or quiet catch-ups. Inside, the vibe is minimalist but warm, with shelves of books and just enough quirk to feel personal. Service can vary — some days warm and chatty, other days a bit distant — but the overall experience remains inviting. It’s a place that rewards repeat visits and slow mornings.

Vanilla Black is a local coffee shop that is also a small book store. They offer a variety of breakfast options and beverages. The atmosphere is cosy, as it looks like a bookstore, with stationary items like books, cards and notepads. This place also seems popular among students and remote workers. It’s is laptop friendly. There are also big windows, which gives the place a light and warm feeling. The danish and latte I had were both good, and I enjoyed it during the quiet morning hours. Overall a cosy place to work from and have nice breakfast/ brunch.