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What is it?
Unassumingly nestled in the heart of Soho, Algerian Coffee Stores has traded from its Old Compton Street site for over 120 years and, remarkably, is still using the original wooden counter, shelving and display case. Unsurprisingly, it is a coffee shop - but it is an institution, too. First opened by a man of Algerian heritage in 1887, now only known by the name of Mr Hassan, it has changed hands in the years since but always kept its identity. The shop window remains packed full of coffee beans, teapots and cafetières, ready to be taken away to a loving home.
What does it sell?
The range of coffees here is improbably large, with a high number of house blends alongside single-origin beans, flavoured beans, rarities and Fairtrade coffees.
It also sells some serious teas and brewing hardware. If you’re just passing by, the take-away option is the best coffee deal in London: less than a £1 for an espresso, and not much more for a cappuccino or latte; both delicious, and both available with an extra shot for no extra charge.
Opening times:
Monday-Wednesday 10am-6pm; Thursday-Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday - closed
Time Out tip:
If you're a coffee lover, you can order Algerian Coffee Store's beans - along with other merch, directly from their website.