Is This London’s Coolest Street? A Deep Dive into Exmouth Market
London is full of hidden gems—streets that hum with character, creativity, and community. One such gem? Exmouth Market, sandwiched between Clerkenwell and Farringdon. It’s not blaring with tourist crowds, but it’s quietly one of London’s most charming, authentic corners. Let’s dive into what makes this street so special—and why it might just be the coolest street in the city right now.
1. A Street with an Unmistakable Vibe
Exmouth Market started as a quiet, almost-forgotten corner of Clerkenwell. But since the 1990s, it’s quietly transformed—thanks to smart local investment and independent businesses moving in. Now, the street is full of cafés, restaurants, shops, and even design studios, creating a lively yet local feel that’s unique to London.
Critics have called it a “hidden jewel” with an atmosphere that feels both vibrant and familiar—one writer reflected on her many afternoons there: sitting in sunlit cafés, buying plants, sharing a meal with friends... it all feels like home on that street.
2. A History of Thoughtful Growth
The street’s revival has deep roots. In the mid-1990s, the Debenham Property Trust invested in the area, choosing to rent to independent cafés, boutiques, and eateries. That move preserved character and allowed Exmouth Market to grow without losing its soul. It even won “Great Street 2011” in the Academy of Urbanism Urbanism Awards.
Combine that with the street’s 19th-century architecture—and its reputation now for casual alfresco dining, as every restaurant offers sidewalk seating—and you’ve got a street with soul, style, and history.
3. What to Do and Where to Go
Start your tour around midday: the cafés fill with scent of fresh coffee and chatter. Café Kick is a local favourite—warm, quirky, and perfect for lingering conversations.
From there, step into places like Caravan or Morito for dinner. Or grab a pasta from Paesan at just around £5—seriously one of the best under-the-radar deals in town.Finish off the evening at Exmouth Arms or Café Kick, where the lighting gets cozier, and conversations hum as streets start to empty.
4. Why It Stands Out Among London Streets
There are many “cool” London streets, but Exmouth Market thrives on authenticity—fresh food, friendly locals, and no need for celebrity status or flashy storefronts. It’s a place you can drop in weekday mornings, spend a few hours wandering, and always find something unexpected—whether it’s a greeting from the barista, a dog in a shop, or a perfectly framed postcard in an indie card store.
Exmouth Market captures a balancing act: quiet independence meets midday buzz. It feels elevated but not performative—and in London, that’s rare.
5. Local Voices Back It Up
Residents and writers agree: Exmouth Market feels like home. The street’s mix of independent shops, open-air seating, and creative energy gives it a charm that even longtime locals say lives on in their most cherished memories.
6. Can You Call It London’s Coolest Street?
If we define “cool” as a street blending independent creativity, local warmth, and historical context—where locals hang and welcome visitors without pretence—then yes, Exmouth Market is up there.
It’s not West End glitz, Shoreditch vibe, or Notting Hill polish. It’s quietly magnetic, the type of place creative types and Londoners alike visit regularly—and feel connected to—without needing hype. In that sense, it might just be the coolest street many of us already know, but haven’t fully appreciated... until now.
7. TL;DR (Quick Takeaway)
Exmouth Market is a small street with big heart. Award-winning and charming, full of independent cafés, thoughtful design, and local spirit—it’s a place you’d choose over generic mainstream spots any day.
Experience it at your own pace, day or night, and you’ll get what sets this street apart.
Final Thoughts
On your next London day out, skip the tourist traps and head to Exmouth Market. Take the time to grab coffee, chat with a shopkeeper, buy a card that makes you laugh, then stay for dinner under the fairy lights. It’s authentic, alive—and undeniably London.
If this made you want to wander off the usual path, bookmark this blog, plan a visit, and tell me which hidden London street you think deserves the spotlight next. Want more local gems beyond the guidebooks? Follow @Londonyaar—London’s coolest corners, uncovered.