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Curators Coffee Studio

cafes and bakeries•
London
London

Curators Coffee Studio

9A Cullum St, London EC3M 7JJ

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Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Cullum Street in the heart of London's financial district, Curators Coffee Studio has carved out a reputation for serving what many consider the best flat whites in the City. This compact, teal-accented space offers a surprisingly calm refuge from the surrounding skyscrapers, though you'll need to time your visit right to secure one of just six indoor seats.

Curators Coffee Studio: The City's Compact Coffee Haven

Where SEND roastery meets financial district efficiency

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The moment you step into this studio-sized café, the modern teal accents and plant-filled interior create an unexpectedly zen-like atmosphere amid the financial district's concrete jungle. Tall windows and high ceilings prevent the compact space from feeling cramped, whilst the abundance of greenery adds a welcome organic touch to the modern aesthetic. The Instagram-worthy design strikes that perfect balance between sophisticated and approachable - refined enough for a client meeting, relaxed enough for a proper coffee break. The covered outdoor seating area extends into a passageway, offering extensive additional tables for those who prefer al fresco dining. Despite being takeaway-focused, they've managed to create a space that genuinely welcomes lingering, even if the City workers' pace around you suggests otherwise. The overall vibe sits comfortably in the mid-range specialty category - polished without being pretentious, modern without being sterile.

Food & Drink

The coffee program here is genuinely impressive, anchored by SEND roastery's carefully curated beans. Their specialty coffee selection includes single origins, guest espressos, and batch brew filter options - a proper range that goes well beyond the standard City café offerings. The flat whites, which have earned them their reputation, are consistently executed with the kind of precision you'd expect from expert baristas who clearly know their craft. Beyond the coffee, the food offering is thoughtfully sourced rather than made in-house: fresh pastries come from Yeast Bakery, cakes from Bittersweet Bakers, and they offer toasted sandwiches to satisfy the City crowd's need for something more substantial. Whilst the food selection isn't extensive, the quality partnerships suggest they've prioritised doing fewer things well rather than offering a mediocre everything-menu.

Service & Experience

The barista service here demonstrates genuine coffee knowledge - these aren't just button-pushers but people who understand their craft and can guide you through the single origin options or recommend a guest espresso. The service style perfectly matches the clientele: quick and efficient for the morning rush of City workers, yet friendly enough to create that relaxed atmosphere for those who choose to linger. Staff consistently receive praise for being approachable and knowledgeable, which isn't always a given in this part of London where speed often trumps personality.

Value for Money

At price level 1 out of 4, this sits firmly in the everyday affordable category, which is refreshing for specialty coffee in the financial district. The value-for-quality ratio appears strong - you're getting expert barista service and premium SEND roastery beans without paying the premium prices you might expect in this postcode. The free coffee Wednesdays are a particularly nice touch that adds genuine value for regulars. When you factor in the quality of the coffee program and the thoughtfully sourced food partnerships, the pricing feels fair rather than exploitative of the captive City audience.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Arrive by 7:30am to secure indoor seating before the 8am rush hits - with only 6 indoor seats, this place fills fast during peak City hours. The café operates Monday to Friday, 7am to 4pm, so weekend coffee lovers will need to look elsewhere. The covered outdoor seating offers more flexibility throughout the day.

What to Focus On

The flat whites are their claim to fame and consistently deliver. For something special, ask about their guest espresso options - the Ethiopian Sidamo gets particular mention. Pair your coffee with pastries from Yeast Bakery for the full experience.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Take advantage of free coffee Wednesdays - a genuine perk that's worth planning your week aroundThe outdoor seating is pet-friendly, making this one of the few dog-welcoming spots in the areaThey offer coffee beans, equipment, and even subscriptions if you want to recreate the experience at home

The Final Verdict

Curators Coffee Studio succeeds by focusing on what matters: exceptional coffee, knowledgeable service, and creating a genuinely welcoming space in an area not known for its warmth. The 4.7/5 star rating reflects consistent execution rather than flashy innovation. Yes, the limited seating and weekday-only operation present constraints, but the quality of the coffee program and the fair pricing make this a standout option in the City. It's the kind of place that earns its reputation through daily excellence rather than marketing hype.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

City workers seeking quality coffee over chain mediocrityCoffee enthusiasts interested in SEND roastery's single originsAnyone wanting an Instagram-worthy coffee break near Leadenhall Market

Quick Details

1

Curators Coffee Studio

🍺 Expert baristas
⭐️ City escape
⭐️ Community focused
⭐️ Plant filled
⭐️ Comprehensive

Expert baristas craft SEND roastery single origins in this compact studio-sized haven amid the financial district's skyscrapers, where the modern teal-accented interior creates a calm, plant-filled escape from City chaos. The free coffee Wednesdays and pet-friendly outdoor seating with blankets show attention to community building that goes beyond typical coffee service. Their perfect flat whites and guest espresso rotations attract City workers who understand the difference between convenience coffee and craft coffee. The retail space offers everything from beans to brewing equipment, making this a complete coffee destination. The consistently high ratings reflect both the quality coffee and the welcoming atmosphere.

What's Great

✓ Expert SEND roastery single origins with perfect flat whites

✓ Free coffee Wednesdays and pet-friendly outdoor seating

Keep in Mind

× Weekday-only operation with just 6 indoor seats fills fast at 8am rush

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Hit them at 7:30am for optimal seating and snag their guest Ethiopian Sidamo espresso before the 8am rush!

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
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Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Fri: 7am-4pm"
📍9A Cullum St, London EC3M 7JJ
💷££
📞+44 20 7626 0000
🌐Website

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Curators Coffee Studio has been featured in 2 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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