Hello there, fellow Wimbledon Wombles! I'm Andrew, a local photographer based right here in the heart of Wimbledon, and if you haven’t guessed by the title of this post, let me blow your mind. I Love Coffee! And when i’m not in the studio or taking shots around Raynes Park , Colliers Wood or beyond, I’m partaking in a different type of shot… an espresso shot (terrible pun I know). Yep, I’m that guy so much so that I make it a point to offer every client who visits my studio a barista-quality coffee, bean to cup.

Though, because of my love of coffee, I've become something of a coffee explorer around these parts and I thought it was high time I share my findings with everyone. Whether you're a local looking for your new daily brew, a tennis fan visiting during Wimbledon season, or just someone who appreciates a damn good coffee, this guide is for you.

Why is a photographer writing about coffee?

Well, coffee shops aren't just about the caffeine fix, they're the beating heart of any creative community. Whether you're networking with fellow creatives, brainstorming your next big project, editing photos or needing a quiet reset before an important shoot, the right coffee shop can easily become your second office.

Some of my best headshot ideas have started over a flat white. I've watched actors run lines over lattes, entrepreneurs pitch ideas over americanos, and writers solve plot problems over cortados.

For actors, entrepreneurs, and business owners in the southwest London area, having a reliable coffee spot makes all the difference as it doubles as a third place for collaboration to begin and creative breakthroughs to happen.

My Top 5 Favourite Coffee Spots in Wimbledon, Colliers Wood & Raynes Park

After countless caffeine-fueled adventures across the area, here are the places that have genuinely won my heart.

Served - Wimbledon

The newcomer that stole my heart!

Served opened in late 2024 and has quickly become my absolute favourite. It's perfectly sized and located right in the heart of Wimbledon, serving specialty coffee that actually lives up to the hype. Their cakes are dangerously good, but here's what really gets me: the latte art is consistently stunning.

The earthy, neutral colour palette gives off the perfect cozy-meets-trendy vibe, and those handmade pottery mugs make every visit feel intimate, like popping round to a stylish aunt's house for coffee and a proper chat.

Cuppa Chaii - Wimbledon

Where chai dreams come true

While I'm usually an espresso devotee, I have two other caffeine loves: matcha and chai. I've never had better chai than at Cuppa Chaii. The flavours are clear, warming, and complex in all the right ways.

The interior is pure creative heaven with plenty of space to spread out. But let's talk about those iconic rope swings. Yes, you can actually sit on swings while sipping your chai. I always make a beeline for them because when else do you get to swing gently while working on photo edits?

They've got board games scattered around, but somehow it never gets too noisy. The magic trick here is the opening hours, they're open until midnight, perfect for those late-night editing marathons.

Forty Coffee Roastery - Colliers Wood

Saturday market vibes done right

When I take my Saturday stroll through Abbey Mills market, there's one essential stop: Forty Coffee. This little roastery serves what might just be the best tasting coffee in Colliers Wood.

The staff are genuinely lovely, and it's become my ritual: grab a coffee from Forty, then spend the morning wandering the market stalls. There's something about starting a Saturday morning here that sets the right tone for the whole weekend.

Three Apes Coffee - Raynes Park

The accidental discovery

I stumbled upon this cute little spot while wandering towards Raynes Park, and I'm so glad I did. The service here is absolutely amazing. The kind of service where staff remember your order and genuinely seem happy to see you.

The coffee hits just right, and I'm slightly obsessed with the adorable Three Apes merch. But on top of the amazing coffee the community around this shop is pronominal. The people who pop in here are so friendly, and whenever i have my camera around my neck or on the table people always ask what i do and strike up a conversation, which is the icing on the cake.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tZbA9XvKH1xz6g9dA

Third Coffee – South Wimbledon

Industrial chic meets comfort

This place ticks all my boxes with its contemporary urban atmosphere, exposed concrete, clean lines, that whole industrial-chic thing but it still feels comfortable and relaxed. The coffee here is excellent, and on bright days, I love grabbing a seat outside and watching the world go by while editing photos.

Making the Most of Coffee Breaks

After years of combining coffee breaks with my photography work, I've picked up a few tricks that go beyond just ordering the perfect flat white.

Use Coffee Shops as Your Networking HQ Coffee shops are networking goldmines, especially in areas like Wimbledon where creative professionals naturally gravitate. Some of my best client referrals have come from conversations that began over shared table space and a mutual love of good coffee.

Here's another secret (though it's really just part of being a decent human): actually talk to the baristas. Nine times out of ten, they're creatives themselves; writers, actors, models, or pursuing something fascinating on the side. I've discovered some incredible talent behind the coffee machine, and those genuine conversations have blossomed into amazing business opportunities and collaborations.

Reset Your Headspace Before big shoots or important presentations, I always build in a 20-minute coffee stop. There's something about that ritual that completely resets my mindset like a mini meditation that happens to involve caffeine.

Photographer's Pro Tip: Master the Window Seat Always sit by the window. Natural light beats harsh ceiling lamps every single time. That soft, diffused light streaming through café windows is pure gold for photographers. Even if you're just taking a quick personal brand headshot, positioning yourself near natural light will make everyone look infinitely better.

Community Connection

Supporting independent cafés like Three Apes Coffee, Cuppa Chaii, or Forty Coffee goes way beyond coffee quality, you're helping keep Wimbledon, Colliers Wood, and Raynes Park vibrant and full of character. These spots become the heartbeat of their neighbourhoods.

As a photographer, I see direct parallels. Just as every café has its own distinct flavour, every portrait I take captures something completely unique. Even though I still can't nail my latte art after years of trying, I'm genuinely mesmerised watching skilled baristas work. These baristas are artists in their own right, crafting experiences one cup at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these coffee shops good for working remotely?
Absolutely! Served, Cuppa Chaii, and Third Coffee are my go-to trio. All three have reliable WiFi, comfortable seating, and that perfect balance of energy without being distracting.
Which café is best for a quick coffee before a meeting or shoot?
They all work brilliantly, but I'd choose Forty Coffee, just remember they're closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The service is super quick and their Saturday market energy puts me in the right headspace.
Any good coffee spots near Wimbledon station?
Hands down, Served is your best bet. It's perfectly positioned in the heart of Wimbledon with consistently excellent coffee.
What makes a coffee shop 'photographer approved'?
For me, it's the décor and atmosphere. I'm drawn to places with character, whether that's Served's handmade pottery or Third Coffee's industrial chic concrete. Good lighting helps too!
Do clients get coffee at your studio?
Yes, straight from my the Oracle itself (the sage oracle that is)! Every client gets barista-quality coffee, even if my latte art still looks like abstract accidents.

The Perfect Blend: Coffee, Community, and Connection

Coffee is so much more than caffeine. It's about connection, with your local community, with other creatives, with that perfect moment of calm before a big presentation. These independent cafés aren't just serving drinks, they're the beating heart of our neighbourhoods – a third space if you will, where ideas are born and collaborations begin.

One day, I'd love to spend time as a barista myself. Until then, you'll find me behind the camera and behind my espresso machine, serving up questionable latte art to anyone brave enough to visit my studio.

Best Places To Grab A Coffee In And Around The Wimbledon Area

Why is a photographer writing about coffee?