I really like this as a cafe! I got there during a lull (around 9 am) and was able to snag a table in the back, perfect to work and to hold a meeting at. Food/drinks: Tea was excellent (I had both mint and sencha). Coffee and cakes seemed to be enjoyed by my colleagues. Didn't see any gluten free options. Service: Efficient, helpful. Ambiance: This is the selling point. It's modern and beautiful, with interesting wood, brick, tiles. There are coat racks and a mix of tables seating 3-4, a communal table, and a little bar seating area too. It did get very dull around 10 am, so I think it's all about timing. Would happily return. read more

Great hand made coffee drinks and very friendly and professional staff. Don't miss this charming little coffee spot in the middle of London's financial district (a stone's throw from the Gherkin building). read more

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Association EC3 represents the pinnacle of the City's coffee shops. Opened in March 2012 down an inconspicuous lane off Leadenhall, the first thing you notice upon entering is just how impressive the space itself is. And yes, I mean that in the aesthetically abstract wafty context: it's just *beautiful*. Light, clean, spacious and thoughtfully decorated and furnished, the architects - Herbert & Mason, upon a little detective work - can give each other a slap on the back and round of applause. It's one of those spaces that has become an ideal hideaway from the sounds and stress of the area for City-folk. Having come here at least a dozen times, it still amazes me to notice new details and flourishes... The subtly vulcanized tables so your coffee doesn't slide or slip, the workwear-chic aprons of the staff, the stylish takeaway cups and thoughtful symmetry of the logo design, the delightfully tiled and cabin-like toilet - all these little touches and details add up to something. More than this, they hint at the obsessive quality of the coffee itself. Association was one of the first places in London I'd seen the idea of a "Coffee Flight" to test specific beans as both an espresso, and with milk (at £3.50 for both a ristretto and a flat white, the price is fair, too). The staff will happily give you an idea of what to look for in the flavour profile; the beans may be citrussy on their own, but when milk is added to the equation other qualities become emphasised, etc. Interesting stuff - one for the connoisseurs of course (or indeed pedants, if you're that way inclined), and always an interesting experience. Together with the colourful, inventive and esoteric Curators Coffee Studio (owned and run by two lovely ex-Kaffeine baristas) around the corner off Lime Street, you have everything you need from a coffee-standpoint within the confines of EC1-to-4. It's worth bearing in mind that as little as 15 months ago the City of London was bereft of anywhere to pick up a good coffee outside of Taylor Street Baristas - now there are a host of pretenders, and whilst not as good as Association or CCS, are worth a visit in their own right (I've listed them below, as I would otherwise have to formally review each one to create a 'proper' list): ___________________ Within City proper: - Alchemy Coffee [St Pauls/Ludgate] - Fleet Street Press [Fleet Street] - Host Cafe [Cheapside/St Pauls] - Liberty of Norton Folgate [Bishopsgate] - Peloton [Spitalfields] - Carter Lane Coffee House [Blackfriars] - Notes Barrows [x 4 - various locations around the City] - Taylor St Baristas [x 3 - various locations around the City ] Around the City-limits: - Nude Espresso [just off Commercial Street] - #guardiancoffee [Shoreditch (Boxpark)] - Exmouth Coffee Co. [Whitechapel] - Love in a Cup [Aldgate] - White Mulberries [St Katherine's Dock] ___________________ I was fortunate enough to attend a cupping there back in April of this year. I was utterly out of my depth, and being one of only a handful of people there out of amateur curiosity rather than professional, it was initially intimidating. However it turned in to something fully worth leaving work early for - the opportunity to sample ten coffees from a single region, presented in a knowledgeable and interesting environment, was not something that you can freely take advantage of every day; this is one of the many reasons I appreciate the place so much. I seem to be writing a fair few five-star reviews lately - I had wondered if my standards were too lax, but then it just dawned on me that it's only ever tempting to review something when the experience blows you away on at least one, if not many levels. In this way, Association EC3 is the exemplar. The only downside to the place is that it brings up the shutters over the weekend. But therein lies part of the charm - its inaccessibility both geographically and temporally means that when you make it there, you appreciate it even more. read more

Association Coffee - THE best takeaway cup detail & design around... - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Superb coffee shop in the City of London. These people are serious about coffee. The cakes are delicious too. The shop itself is cool and spacious, and provides magazines & newspapers to read. read more

Association Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

A beautiful fit out that reminded me of a reading library - a perfect spot to if you worked nearby and wanted to get some reading or writing done in a relatively serene environment that also provided wonderful cups of coffee. Square Mile coffee makes for a tight and juicy espresso, though if you're really in need of a caffeine hit then try the espresso flight. read more

Association Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

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It's no fair that the City gets so many good coffee shops which close promptly at 5pm and don't open at weekends :( I managed to pop into Association recently after it popped up as one of the top-rated places on the London Coffee app - it's nestled away on Creechurch Lane and it's pretty easy to miss. It's a reasonably roomy place (well, compared to a lot of artisan coffee shops) with a hint of mood lighting (and bare brick walls, of course) and would be a nice place to hang out with someone for a couple of hours. As for me, I chilled out with some Katakana practice because that's how I roll (and they sell a number of Japanese coffee equipment items). Association use Square Mile for their espresso-based coffees and they were using Workshop beans for their filters - as such, I'm guessing (although I may be off) that the filters will be fairly light and complex in character. I'm less of a fan of tea-style filters so I went for a long black. I generally enjoy Square Mile's espresso blends, but this was probably the best one I've had in town so far - absolutely spot on in terms of balance. The staff were pretty chilled out too - I was quite surprised that the overall vibe was really relaxed considering its location. Unfortunately I could only stay for one but I'll definitely want to come back again for longer. read more

The wood. The bricks. Yes the wood is quite beautiful here. The large communal table with geometric shapes, along with the lighter wooden chairs and wooden high tables makes for a wonderfully earthy and zen-mosphere. The pastries and savouries come with a little "clothing tag" that identifies what exactly it is as well as the steep price. The teas arrive in a beautiful glass pot to show off the fresh greens that go inside while the coffee rests in lovely blue mugs. As for the food, it comes on boards of you-guessed-it: wood. Drinks -Flat White: the coffee is not exceptionally strong--more of a creamier and milder flat white. -Fresh Mint Leaves: deliciously refreshing! The mint leaves are strong--truly. Sweets -Shortbread: simply perfect with wonderful sugar crystals atop. Hearty. -Brownie: mmm perfect. It's certainly a fudge-textured brownie with a wonderfully gooey interior. The chocolate is rich, decadent and dark. Wonderful. -Almond Croissant: I like it because it's a bit different. Browned and crisped on the outside, it has a flaky and soft interior along with a sweetened almond paste that doesn't overwhelm in flavour or in sugar. The powered sugar atop leaves you with a nice finish. FINAL VERDICT: it's a nice hidden gem that brings true beauty to the neighborhood. Fresh mint leaves in hot water and the brownie are top recommendations. read more

Now I have reviewed a lot of coffee shops as I have yelped and London, Leeds and beyond. Notwithstanding this, Association Coffee stands out from the crowd. Located round the corner from the Gherkin, AC is a den of tranquility amidst the hubbub of the City. Soft lighting and high quality fittings lend a relaxed vibe which, together with the free wifi, make it a place to linger. None of this would matter (much) if the coffee was not up to standard. However, serving a wide range of espresso and brew options, the coffee certainly hits the required standard. I opted for a brew made from beans from Workshop and the promised caramel and spicy flavours were duly delivered. Wonderful. The City is better served for coffee now than it was 24 months ago. However, notwithstanding this AC stands out from the rest. Get down here quick for a moment of peacefulness before work comes calling again. read more

This place is nestled in a small side street near my work. Close to aldgate station. Does not look like much from outside. A small A sign hangs by the door. As you walk in you it feels cool and trendy with a raw feel. Plain brick walls with piping on show. Wood floors and chic furniture. Low lighting and low music this truly is a place to chill. BUT best of all is the coffee they serve up, WOW is it good! I will be back again and again, beats anything nearby and there are lots of nearbys. read more

Association Coffee - Flat white - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Great food and coffee. Service is really good and the place has a certain charm to it. Would visit this place next time I'm in London! read more

Association Coffee - Great food and coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Sister took my family here for a coffee fix. It's in a small alley way and is tiny. Popular place though. Got two coffees and a babycino (warm milk) for the toddler. So cute! We had to get ours to go since my sister had to go back to the office and there was very little seating available. read more

http://www.londonthrucafes.com/2012/06/association-coffee-for-some-of-the-best-coffee-in-london/ It's quite difficult to find a nice independent coffee place in London, unless there is one that I am not aware of. Couple of weeks ago, I was on may way to Japensse Canteen (behind the Gherkin Building) to get some lunch, when I notice this new coffee place right beside Japanese Canteen. I like the ambience, high tables and stools. Good place to wind down over a cuppa and a book. Perfect quick meetings as well. The latte was good. Not too much milk, not bitter, it was strong and creamy just the way I like it. If you are around the city and fancy a good cuppa. Drop By! You won't be disappointed. Could probably be one the best latte I've had for a long time! TheHungryBea.com read more

Lovely environment, friendly staffs, amazing coffee and delicious ham&cheese toastie, very fulfilling for a girl. I'm so glad I found this nice place to sit down and enjoy the coffee and foods after work! read more

Association Coffee - The tools look very professional for making good coffee or tea? - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

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Big seating area, definitely bigger than the average coffee shop, seems like patrons are mainly business men working in the area. Solid choice for a business meeting. Soy latte and service weren't particularly memorable. No outdoor seating. Just an ok experience for me. read more

Good flat white & a nice place to stop (as long as you don't mind suits...it's in the heart of the insurance district). I've had a few coffees here and today's was by far the best. If you want to have your coffee on the go I would go to Curators just around the corner as I think the coffee is consistently very good. But this place is nicer to stop at and don't get me wrong the coffee is good. read more

Nice place - although too small in my opinion -, good staff but definitely disgusting espressos and cappuccinos. The coffee was sour like you would expect from over toasted coffee beans which is simply unbelievable given the price tag they impose. I don't recommend it, there are so many good cafes in London. read more

Very cool atmosphere but the latte was a tad bitter. The chocolate croissant on the other hand was delicious as was a small lemon bar.

Exception quality, focused menu, no fussy and excellent value for money based on the quality.