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Stand aside Starbucks

Whether you're a stressed Londoner or a foot-weary visitor, there's no better pick-me-up than a comforting cup of coffee. Rather than piling into the normal chains that dominate every high street, try some of these quintessential London cafes

Cafe in the Crypt, St Martin-in-the-Fields
Subterranean sipping to be had here - the crypt of this magnificent church has been turned into one of London's most atmospheric cafes. Tables are arranged around sweeping brickwork arches allowing you to enjoy the 18th-century stonework, brought to life by ultra-modern lighting. Tourists and locals alike enjoy coffee and tea, both £1.10, with cappuccino, latte and mocha at £1.35, as well as excellently simple food (e.g. beef and vegetable casserole at £6.75). Don't worry if you've forgotten your paper - you can read the memorial inscriptions that make up the floor.

Address: St-Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC2N (tel: 020 7766 1100)
Open: Mon - Weds 10am - 8pm, Thurs - Sat 10am - 11pm, Sun 12pm - 8pm
Nearest tube: Charing Cross

2. Court Cafe, Great Court, British Museum
The British Museum offers a blinding cup of coffee - literally. The Great Court is a hundred million pounds' worth of the most incredible white marble you'll ever see. On a summer's day you'll need sunglasses. The centrepiece to the museum, it was renovated in the late 1990s by architect Sir Norman Foster. Sit and marvel at the enormous interior, which contains the legendary round Reading Room. Gaze up at the sky through the stunning glass roof, made from over 3000 pieces of glass. They may all look the same triangular shape, but they're not: each one was individually crafted. Once you've recovered the power of speech, order a tea (£1.30), filter coffee (£1.65), or cappuccino (£1.85).

Address: British Museum, Great Russell St. WC1B (tel: 020 7323 8000)
Open: Sun - Weds 9am - 5.30pm, Thurs - Sat 9am - 9pm
Nearest tubes: Tottenham Court Road, Russell Square

3. Somerset House
You're spoilt for choice with this two-hundred-year-old building, which used to be the headquarters of the Navy (and is now occupied by the Inland Revenue - boo, hiss). Take your mocha (£1.45) or caramel latte (£1.50) from the Admiralty Deli and enjoy it out on the River Terrace, where you can watch the Millennium Wheel on the other side of the Thames. Or you could sip it in the Seaman's Hall, where sailors used to collect their pay. In summer you can relax in the Fountain Court where jets of water splash refreshingly. In winter this area turns into an ice rink - so you may have to forego your relaxing coffee for more invigorating fun.

Address: Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (tel: 020 7845 4600)
Open: 10am - 6pm
Nearest tube: Temple

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