Black Cowboy Coffee

The name "Black Cowboy Coffee" isn't just some marketing stuff - it's exactly what you get. The owner (Xavier, I think?) is the real deal, rocking the full cowboy aesthetic and bringing a genuine piece of Wild West culture to Elephant & Castle. I've been coming here since it was just a little cart in front of the old Elephant shopping center, and seeing it grow into a proper café has been pretty cool.

Coffee: 2/5

The coffee isn't exactly to my taste, but there's something about this place that keeps me coming back. The drinks are consistent, but third-wave coffee enthusiasts might not find the coffee to their liking.

Atmosphere: 5/5

They've got plenty of indoor seating now, which is a big step up from the cart days. There's outdoor seating too, though you'll have to put up with the noise from the Elephant roundabout. The whole vibe of the place is unique - you definitely won't find another coffee spot like this in London or pretty much else where in Europe. (Maybe in Dallas or Houston, but I doubt it.)

Bottom line

If you're tired of the same old coffee shops with their identical minimalist design, this place is a breath of fresh air. Sure, the coffee might not be winning any fancy awards, but the authenticity of the whole experience makes up for it.