Black Sheep Coffee

Black Sheep Coffee is a coffee shop on the Strand, the historic street that runs between Trafalgar Square and the edge of the City along the southern side of Covent Garden. It is part of a UK-wide chain and offers dine-in, takeaway and delivery, sitting close to the theatres and a short walk from the river.

The branch serves coffee and drinks to enjoy in or take away, with free WiFi and a range of payment options making it easy to settle in with a laptop or move on quickly. Beyond the cafe, the brand runs coffee subscriptions, sells gift cards and has a mobile app, and free UK shipping applies to online orders over £20 for those buying beans to brew at home.

An early-opening coffee shop on the Strand

What sets this branch apart is its hours. It opens at 6am from Monday to Saturday and 7am on Sunday, closing at 9pm early in the week and 10pm from Thursday to Saturday. For commuters coming out of Charing Cross, theatre-goers needing a pre-show coffee on the Strand, or anyone up early in central London, it is one of the most reliable openings in the area.

What to expect on a visit

Expect a quick counter service with seating for those who want to stay, and a steady flow of people through the day given the location. Charing Cross and Covent Garden stations are both within easy reach, as is Embankment. For a gallery-side alternative, Audrey Green at the National Portrait Gallery is a few minutes' walk, and our full list of Covent Garden cafes and coffee shops covers the rest of the district.