Shuq Cafe

55 East St, London SE17 2DJ

Visited On: 2025-01-12

Coffee: 3/5

The coffee was served too hot, but after letting it cool down, it turned out strong, dark, and quite nice. I’d guess it has a decent amount of robusta in the blend, though I’m not entirely sure. Rather than getting into the nitty-gritty of flavor profiles, I'll just say it was satisfying and enjoyable.

Atmosphere: 3/5

I definitely stood out, and judging by how many times I had to repeat my order, I might have been the first person to ever ask for a flat white! The vibe is simple, not fancy, but incredibly warm and welcoming, with lively conversations in Arabic and Ethiopian. It’s a great spot for people-watching on East Street, a charming little corner of London.

Bottom line

This cozy spot is perfect if you’re bored of traditional or third-wave coffee shops. You can stick to a classic coffee and cake or embrace the local vibe by ordering some traditional cuisine. The prices are excellent — I paid just £2.50 for my coffee, which is a steal in London.