Experiences
The 6 Best Animal Cafes in London
Rescue cats, resident capybaras and puppuccinos: London's cafes where the animals are the point.
In short: our top picks are Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium, Java Whiskers and Capyneko Cafe. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
The animal cafe has gone from novelty to fixture in London, and the good ones put the animals’ welfare first. The cat cafes work with rescue charities and run timed sessions so the residents are never overwhelmed, while the dog cafes welcome your own four-legged friend. There is even a capybara if you know where to look. Book ahead, follow the house rules, and go for the company rather than the coffee.
| Place | Area |
|---|---|
| Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium | Bethnal Green |
| Java Whiskers | Marylebone |
| Capyneko Cafe | London |
| Whiskers & Cream | Upper Holloway |
| Paws for Coffee | Twickenham |
| Verve London | Notting Hill |
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Editor’s choice
Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium
Why we pick itThe UK's original and longest-running cat cafe, ninety-minute sessions with rescue cats, tea and cake in Bethnal Green.
cat cafe
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Java Whiskers
Why we pick itA cat cafe fostering rescue cats from The Scratching Post shelter, with walkways and escape spaces, in Marylebone and White City.
cat cafe
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Capyneko Cafe
Why we pick itMeet Kikurage the resident capybara alongside a clowder of friendly cats in a calm novelty cafe for animal lovers.
capybara and cat cafe
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Whiskers & Cream
Why we pick itAfternoon tea with ten cats in north London, with vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options.
cat cafe
-
Paws for Coffee
Why we pick itA dog-friendly cafe where your own dog can order a puppuccino, a cult spot in south-west London.
dog-friendly cafe
-
Verve London
Why we pick itA puppy cafe, boutique and grooming parlour rolled into one in Notting Hill.
dog cafe and grooming
Before you book
Cat cafes run pre-booked sessions, usually around ninety minutes including a drink, and most have a minimum age. The dog cafes are more relaxed drop-ins, though the popular breed cafes still fill fast at weekends. Do not expect to pick the animals up; the good venues let them come to you.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium is our editor's choice: The UK's original and longest-running cat cafe, ninety-minute sessions with rescue cats, tea and cake in Bethnal Green. Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium, Java Whiskers and Capyneko Cafe lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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