If you know, you know. And if you don’t — let me put you onto one of Soho’s best-kept secrets: Algerian Coffee Stores on Old Compton Street. It’s been there since 1887, but somehow, it still manages to surprise even seasoned Londoners like me.
I popped in yesterday and nearly dropped my (reusable) cup. £1.50 for a double takeaway espresso or £2 for a cappuccino. Yes, two pounds. In central Soho. That’s not just rare — it’s practically a public service.
A Bit of Algerian Coffee Stores History: Why ‘Algerian’?
Algerian Coffee Stores was founded in 1887 by an Algerian gentleman named Mr. Hassan, making it one of London’s oldest coffee institutions. At the time, coffee culture was just taking root in the capital, and this little shop brought the exotic aroma of North African beans to Victorian Soho. The name is a nod to its founder’s heritage and the shop’s original focus on imported North African and Mediterranean coffees and spices. Over the years, it’s become a beloved fixture, with shelves stacked floor to ceiling in vintage tins and packets. Best sellers include their rich House Blend, the Veluto Rosso (smooth and full-bodied), and the Cuban Turquino — a rare, punchy favourite among purists. Whether you’re into bold espresso or a mellow breakfast roast, there’s something here for every kind of coffee drinker.
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A Proper Coffee for Less Than a Bus Fare
Every other café in the area is confidently charging £4+ for something half as good. At Algerian Coffee Stores, you get a perfectly made cappuccino, strong enough to power your entire day — or, if you’re like me, a smooth, flavourful decaf blend that doesn’t taste like cardboard. It’s rich, aromatic, and doesn’t leave you wondering why you bothered.
There’s no seating — this isn’t your hang-around-with-a-laptop spot. But if you’re looking for a high-quality, old-school cup of coffee made by people who actually know what they’re doing, this is it.
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What’s the Catch? There Isn’t One.
The Algerian Coffee Stores stock over 80 coffees and 120 teas, so you can browse a world-class collection while you wait. The smell inside is divine — a full-on sensory hug of warm roasted beans, vanilla pods, and spices. The kind of place you could get lost in for twenty minutes and come out with a kilo of ground Cuban coffee you never knew you needed.
Even the packaging is charming — that old-world apothecary style that makes everything feel like a treat.
Luxe for Less at the Algerian Coffee Stores in the Heart of Soho
What I love is that Algerian Coffee Stores is quietly brilliant. No gimmicks. No influencer nonsense. Just superb coffee, sold with pride and expertise, at a price that leaves you room for a second cup. Or a pastry from somewhere nearby (although they sell Artisan chocolate bars and Italian biscotti too if you’re in a rush).
If you’re on a budget but still want your daily cup to feel like a ritual — not a rip-off — the Algerian Coffee Stores is the place.
Address:
Algerian Coffee Stores
52 Old Compton Street
London W1D 4PB
Website:
https://www.algcoffeestores.com
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Sunday: Closed
