Brentford Coffee Shop Oscars
Updated: 6 days ago
The red carpet, supplied by Goddards, has been rolled out in front of the Brentford Angkor Wat (Watermans). Salivating ‘paps’, well, one photographer from the Hounslow Herald is lined up in front of McDonald's. While the giant clown who blows bubbles at every Brentford market square event is booked for the afterparty in the Musical Museum's Wurlitzer Room.
Yes, it’s time for… the Brentford Coffee Shop Oscars™!
Now, some readers (hello mother) have suggested this is just a poorly disguised listicle, with no defined criteria, on an extremely subjective topic. What I say to these people is… you're completely right. Also, have you tried describing seven coffee shops and trying to keep it vaguely interesting?
But seriously, these days, TW8 has a fine selection of cafes and coffee shops. Whether you’re a laptop jockey like myself, a coffee-sseur paying actual attention to the beans, or simply searching for a high-quality brunch, there is something for you.
So read on to discover who has been named B-Town’s best option for families, the most scenically located coffee shop, best overall coffee shop and the winners of other completely made-up awards.
Disclaimer: we’re ignoring the chains for this list. However, for the record, Gail’s, Greggs and Costa are in the near vicinity. And the Everyman Cinema bar isn’t a bad spot either.
RIP Sam’s Larder
Friendliest Coffee Shop: Cafe S&N
What better place to take in TW8's ongoing tsunami of regeneration than from this family-run cafe in the heart of the action.
Adjacent to the majestic high street, S&N is sandwiched between Jenny's Kebabs and HK Haircuts (surely the world's narrowest barbershop), and sits opposite 'modern' Brentford's patchwork of new brick apartment blocks, flourishing dockside, and a surprising amount of Pilates studios.
Inside, it's a cosy affair with tables perfect for a gossip with pals, plus great-value coffee and welcoming service. There is also an extensive Persian-influenced food menu.
Top Tip: Don’t miss the Mediterranean Breakfast.
Best Brunch Spot: Feather and Heart
Feather and Heart may sound like a detective duo from a weak ITV drama your Mum watches, but… they've solved the case of the best brunch in Brentford!
Situated next to the Lock, it’s got a funky, industrial-chic vibe. Comfy seats, pipes and bricks, real houseplants and fake vines, big windows and excellent coffee.
Furthermore, the food and non-caffeinated beverages are mouth-watering. As such, it’s one of the hottest ticket sin B-town and worth booking ahead if you’re planning to eat.
Top Tip: If there's a World Record for most service staff in a small area (and surely there should be), F&H would hold it - I’ve seen 8 people simultaneously beavering away behind the counter.
Most Picturesque Setting: The Clocktower Cafe
Head to Syon Park. Next to Syon House itself (the Duke of Northumberland’s pad), enter the garden centre, cut through the excellent deli, pass the disturbing array of statues and ascend an avenue of often colourful flowers. You’ll find the cafe tucked away on your left. Alternatively, aim for the clock tower.
Situated in what was once a stable block, this Grade II-listed 19th-century Gothic building is now home to a lovely, cobbled-floor cafe, serving an array of drinks plus tempting pastries and cakes.
Top Tip: Grab a seat in the outdoor area if the weather allows. It’s a great spot, looking out across rows of kaleidoscopic flora and garden paraphernalia with the grand Syon House as a photogenic backdrop.
Most Underrated Coffee Shop: Rada Coffee & Eatery
Occupying a corner of the Great Western Quarter, it's easy to miss this small cafe. In fact, you could say it goes under the rada(r).
Cracker jokes aside, Rada is worth a look. From its L-shaped, boutique hotel style interior festooned with hanging lights, plants and a cool wall clock (that's seven hours out), they offer one of the best and cheapest Americanos in town.
As well as a range of intriguing signature drinks - pistachio latte, tiramisu latte, Spanish matcha, etc. - and a mouth-watering 'Brekkie, Brunch & All the Good Stuff' menu, which is freshly made and 100% halal.
Top tip: Rada's sister property is Milk and Egg in Ealing, which raises the question. What came first? The Rada or the Milk & Egg?
Coolest Coffee Shop: The Brentford Riviera Coffee Shop
What do you mean you’ve never sipped a Chai Latte next to a Ferrari while overlooking a working boatyard, as herons and kingfishers fly past and some funky 70s cuts ring out?
As well as being something of a Brentford institution, Dukes is a (surely) unique combination of fine car dealer/storer, bar (the superbly named Plonkers) and cafe.
The cafe element, The Brentford Riviera Coffee Shop and open from Wednesday to Sunday, serves Grind coffee and operates out of the ground-floor car showroom.
If there’s a cooler spot for your morning caffeine intake, then I’d like to see it.
Top tip: Don’t spill your coffee on a Lamborghini.
Best Coffee Shop for Families: The Potting Shed Cafe
The Parent of the Year votes will be in the bag when you let your kids play for hours on end in Boston Manor Park's excellent play area. Even better, you can keep an eye on them/look at your phone in the comfort of the nearby Potting Shed cafe.
As well as offering a row of seats plus a large open playground-adjacent front for this task, it's a great spot for a cuppa or catch up.
And like most of the other cafes, they supplement the array of hot drinks with a popular breakfast, brunch and lunch menu using locally sourced ingredients as well as selling an array of organic goods.
Top tip: Have you ever seen a live moss wall? You have now.
And finally... Best Overall Coffee Shop: Arista
Named after the Greek word for 'excellent' (thanks, Google), you could say Arista is both accurately titled and worth making an 'odyssey' to Kew Bridge for. I'm here all day, folks.
Tucked away next to Brentford Leisure Centre among some new-builds, it's a lovely spot, serving it's own signature coffee and an array of cakes and pastries you'd walk over broken croissant flakes for.
What's more, among its array of outdoor and indoor seating is a pair of stools. I can't be the only one who likes to perch on high and watch the world go by, while tinkering infinitely with my never-to-be-finished award-winning sitcom?
Top Tip: There's a merch section where you can buy the house coffee and even the staff's football-style work shirts!
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