Cafe Labouche

You're driving down towards Turnchapel, past the Barbican, when you spot the signs for Fort Stamford. It feels like you're heading somewhere you probably shouldn't be—which is precisely the appeal. Cafe Labouche sits tucked inside this 19th-century ramparts fort, and it's the kind of spot locals actually keep to themselves. The setting alone is worth the journey: exposed stone walls, a genuine sense of history, and views across the water that change with the seasons. But it's not just about the location. The coffee actually matters here, and the food goes beyond the standard café fare you'd expect in a converted fort.