Bond's Best Coffee Bars and Art Cafés

Whether you're looking for a stylish café in which to catch up with friends or a luxurious home-from-home to work in, Bond Street's auction houses, hotels and designer coffee bars have something for everyone. Our roundup of the best places to enjoy coffee and light bites features the cream of the crop.

If you prefer to relax with a flat white and clock the latest street-style looks, then Ralph Lauren's aptly named Ralph's Coffee at its flagship on New Bond Street is the perfect spot at any time of the day. Ralph's custom blend coffee, teas and a delicious array of pastries including croissants and cookies are definitely worth taking your time over. So, sit back, soak up the sunshine and watch as the world goes by at this glamorous coffee hotspot.

With its own dedicated entrance on Brook's Mews, just minutes away from Bond Street, Claridge’s ArtSpace Café is designed for those on the move. Serving delicious artisan coffee and healthy juices to go, it may also prove difficult to resist a cake from the patisserie counter. The signature Crest Cake for instance, was made for those gift-to-self moments. And, if you happen to be in the mood for art, there's an entry down to Claridge's ArtSpace, a vast gallery which rotates exhibitions, free for all to view.

For a tasty pick-me-up between shopping, the Pasticceria Marchesi 1824 located on Mount Street serves breakfast pastries and the most delicious vanilla custard-based 'torta aurora' this side of Milan. Owned by the Prada Group, this exquisite café combines heritage interior details such as cherry wood furnishings and has remained true to its rich culinary traditions. In addition to great coffee and hot chocolate, pralines, bonbons and other Italian treats including candied chestnuts can also be enjoyed here.

Those who take their Columbian blends seriously will love Nkora on Old Burlington Street. With its cool, Shoreditch-coffee-shop vibe and sparse interior details, think exposed brickwork and well-worn floorboards, Nkora also boasts an enviable location, sitting between the ateliers of Savile Row and the luxury boutiques of Bond Street, and of course, the beautiful Burlington Arcade. As for other menu highlights, the cheese toasties will have you running back for more!

As Savile Row's first and only coffee shop, those stopping by for a caffeine boost are encouraged to immerse themselves in the world of tailoring as they enjoy their daily espresso. Part of a new lifestyle concept, this pioneering café and collaborative space on one of London's most historic streets, also hosts regular design shows and pop-up events. But the real star of the show is the hand-picked selection of premium blends and single-origin coffees from Italian roasters, Bristot.

For masterpieces of the culinary kind, there's José Pizarro's vibrant Poster Bar café housed within the Royal Academy of Arts. Located on the ground floor and serving delicious tapas and drinks, it has the look and feel of a relaxed Spanish café. If all that art has left you craving something a little more substantial such as pickled aubergine with Manchego Cheese and a crisp glass of Rosado, then head to José's eponymous restaurant, located in the gallery's bright and airy first-floor Senate Room.

Next time you are wandering down Conduit Street en route to Bond Street, be sure to stop by The Story Café at Sotheby's - only accessible via St George Street. Home to an arty crowd, this sun-filled space with its sofas and magazine racks is given regular thematic makeovers by many of the artists involved in Sotheby's sales and exhibitions. With the Freddie Mercury take-over of its galleries happening through August and into September, expect plenty of associated rockstar touches to the walls and menu.

At women-only private members' club AllBright on Maddox Street, business connections are best made over convivial coffee meetings held in a beautiful Mayfair townhouse setting. Elsewhere, The Arts Club on Dover Street is home to an eclectic crowd including art world glitterati and celebrated fashion designers. But to work remotely in its beautiful lounge or enjoy either of these clubs' many social events and launches, be sure to apply for the yearly membership.

Fancy a latte on the rocks or the pick of delicious Italian patisserie? Why not make tracks to Bond Street and enjoy your coffee fix in style.