OUR STORY

The first Department of Coffee and Social Affairs opened on London’s iconic Leather Lane Market in late 2010. It was the culmination of 18 months work spent searching for the perfect shop and perfecting our craft. Over the last 15 years, Department of Coffee and Social Affairs has been recognised on more that one occasion as the leading coffee company in the United Kingdom at the Allegra Awards, most recently in 2019. We’ve never deviated from the belief that our love and enthusiasm for quality coffee would provide new coffee experiences for our customers. We will continue to make “proper” cups of coffee rather than, well, that other stuff.

We also focus on workplace partnerships, specialising in internal coffee bars, bringing the authentic coffee shop to your place of work. Please contact us today to talk about how we can level up your in-house cafe.

ORIGINAL

Our story starts with a simple belief: exceptional coffee brings people together. From day one, we set out to roast thoughtfully, serve generously, and create spaces where craft and conversation thrive.

COFFEE

From syrupy espresso to expressive filter brews, every cup is dialled in by baristas who care deeply about the details—grind, temperature, extraction, and texture—so the coffee in your hands tastes perfect.

EXPERIENCE

Walk in for the aroma; linger for the atmosphere. Whether you’re grabbing a morning flat white, settling in with a notebook, or meeting a friend, our team keeps service warm, pacey, and precise.

Craft first. We celebrate the ritual—from green selection to roast profile to every pour—because small steps add up to big flavour.
People, always. Great coffee is hospitality. Expect genuine hellos, thoughtful recommendations, and the kind of care that makes regulars of first-timers.

Our roasting focuses on sweetness and balance. We keep development measured to preserve origin character, think stone-fruit brightness in one cup, cocoa-rich depth in the next, so each coffee stands on its own, black or with milk.

Espresso, perfectly tempered. Meticulous puck prep, tidy shots, and milk textured for gloss and definition.
Filter that sings. Brewed to highlight clarity and mouthfeel, clean finishes, no fuss.
Food, simply done well. Fresh bakes and light bites that complement, not compete, with the cup.

We believe great coffee should feel effortless in the moment, even when it’s anything but behind the bar. That’s why we obsess over the variables, so you can focus on the meeting, the mate across the table, or that first sip that makes everything slow down.