Jaunted

Among the ever-expanding crop of high-end coffee purveyors dotting the city's landscape, Monmouth is London's reigning king. At their three outposts—Covent Garden, Bermondsey, and our favorite favourite, Borough Market—they provide the beans themselves, sourced from ethical farms and cooperatives with whom they have close relationships. Many of London's artisanal cafes and the occasional coffee cart carry their goods as well, proudly proclaiming "Monmouth used here!" as a selling point.

"But what does it taste like?" you ask? Tried and tested by one of Jaunted's resident coffee snobs (er, we mean epicures), we can say that the hype isn't a load of malarky. The straight-up filtered variety is individually brewed a la Blue Bottle, each unique flavor exudes a smoky richness, and even their decaffeinated versions are palate pleasing.

You'll find it difficult to score a table at the Borough location, especially on Thursdays and Fridays, so we suggest getting a cup to-go and squatting on one of the sidewalks outside. Don't leave without picking up a cocoa truffle and berry scone on your way out.

[Photo: Iain Farrell, via Flickr]