A London Coffee Shop Built Around the World's Finest Espresso Machine
A coffee-first cafe in Angel serving manually pulled Slayer espresso, mineral-balanced brews, and unsweetened, imported organic hand-picked Japanese ceremonial matcha.
The Machine That Changes What Espresso Can Be
From manual espresso extraction to mineral-balanced water and zero-plastic hot water lines, every detail of the Slayer system is designed to improve flavour in the cup.
Manual Espresso Pulling, Not Automated, Not Programmable
The Slayer enables fully manual espresso pulling, which means the barista controls pressure, flow rate, and extraction timing by hand throughout the entire shot. Standard commercial machines automate these variables, which limits flavour complexity.
Mineral-Balanced Water for Optimal Extraction
Water used in extraction is treated to achieve the right mineral balance for flavour. Too hard or too soft, and the coffee tastes flat or over-extracted.
Zero Plastic on Hot Water Lines
No plastic touches any part of the hot water path in the Slayer system. This limits microplastic exposure in a way almost no other cafe can claim.
The Only Slayer in Islington
Ritual Cafe has the only Slayer espresso machine in Islington. The machine is visible from the seating area, and the pull is audibly and visually different from a standard commercial extraction.
40s
Extraction
Single
Origin Coffee
0%
Plastic
Specialty
Roasted Coffee
Only Slayer
In Islington
Two Bean Options, Both Chosen for Flavour
Two distinct espresso experiences, both calibrated for maximum flavour, clarity, and consistency on the Slayer.
Square Mile House Blend, Year-Round Reliability
The house blend is sourced from Square Mile, one of London’s most respected specialty coffee roasters. It is available at every visit, dialled to perform consistently on the Slayer.
Square Mile sources ethically and roasts with precision. The partnership is deliberate, not a convenience arrangement.
Rotating Single-Origin Selection
The second option is a rotating single-origin selection of primarily beans, considered among the most premium and flavourful in the world. The selection changes regularly based on seasonality and quality.
Organic Japanese Matcha, Hand Picked, Imported Monthly, No Sugar Added
Premium Japanese matcha imported fresh every month, served without added sugar to preserve the natural flavour, aroma, and smooth energy matcha is meant to deliver.
Sourced Directly from One of Japan's Highest-Quality Producers
Matcha is sourced directly from one of Japan's highest-quality producers, not through a UK distributor selling generic powder.
Imported Fresh Every Month
Matcha oxidizes and loses flavour over time. Ritual imports fresh stock every month to ensure peak quality in every drink.
No Sugar Added to Any Matcha Drink
No sugar is added to any matcha drink at Ritual. The flavour comes from the quality of the leaf, not the sweetness added to mask inferior sourcing.
The Only London Matcha Worth the Trip
Most matcha offerings in London are sweetened, low-grade, and sold as a dessert drink. Ritual does the opposite: high-grade Japanese matcha, no sugar, imported fresh.
Our Menu
Every ingredient, every drink and every milk option chosen with the same level of care as the coffee itself, from Japanese matcha imported fresh monthly to fully gluten-free ingredients and compostable plant-fibre packaging.
Milk Alternatives Included at No Extra Charge
Oat, almond, coconut and soy milk are included as standard with every drink. No surcharge, no upcharge, just better options by default. Rare in London, normal at Ritual.
100% Gluten-Free Ingredients
Every ingredient used at Ritual is 100% gluten-free, including cocoa, milk alternatives and drink ingredients. Carefully sourced to reduce cross-contamination concerns and make ordering simple.
Zero-Plastic Cups & Straws
All cups, lids and straws are fully compostable and made without conventional plastics. Part of Ritual’s broader commitment to reducing unnecessary plastic exposure across the entire café experience.
Opening Hours
Designed around calm mornings, focused coffee and slower weekends.
Mon–Fri: 6:30am – 1:00pm
Sat–Sun: 8:30am – 3:00pm
Fourth Floor, Angel, Views to The Shard
9 White Lion Street, Islington, London N1 9PD
Ritual Cafe is on the fourth floor of 9 White Lion Street in Angel, Islington. Floor-to-ceiling windows open the space to natural light and unobstructed views across the London skyline.
It is not street-facing, which is intentional. The space is designed to feel calm, not transactional.
Part of the BST Lagree Studio
Ritual Cafe is part of BST Lagree, London’s premier Lagree fitness studio. The cafe serves studio members and walk-in visitors equally.
If you are visiting for coffee, you do not need to be a member or book a class. The cafe is open to everyone during operating hours.
A Local Secret, Not a High Street Staple
Ritual is something of a local secret. The fourth-floor location and morning-focused hours mean it operates outside the rhythm of typical high street cafes.
Ritual is something of a local secret. The fourth-floor location and morning-focused hours mean it operates outside the rhythm of typical high street cafes.
What You Need to Know Before You Visit
What Is a Slayer Espresso Machine and Why Does It Matter?
The Slayer is widely regarded as the finest espresso machine in the world. Unlike standard commercial machines, it enables fully manual espresso pulling, producing what is known as the Slayer shot. Each pull takes approximately 40 seconds, allowing complete extraction of the oils and flavours from the specialty coffee beans.
Where Do Your Coffee Beans Come From?
Two options are available at every visit. The year-round house blend is sourced from Square Mile, one of London’s most respected specialty roasters. The second option is a rotating single-origin selection of primarily beans, considered among the most premium and flavourful in the world.
Is Your Matcha Actually from Japan?
Yes. The team tasted dozens of matcha options before selecting a direct source from one of Japan’s highest-quality producers. It is imported fresh every month because it takes nearly 2 weeks to receive, on occasion, we do sell out!
No. Oat, coconut, almond, and all other milk alternatives are included at no extra charge. Every time.
Is Everything Gluten-Free?
Yes. Every ingredient, including cocoa and all milk options, is 100% gluten-free. Sourcing is done carefully to avoid cross-contamination.
Is There Plastic in the Cups or Straws?
No. All cups and straws are 100% compostable and made from plant fibres. There is no PLA plastic lining.
Do I Need to Be a BST Lagree Member to Visit the Cafe?
No. Ritual Cafe is part of BST Lagree, but the cafe is open to walk-in visitors during operating hours. No membership or class booking required.
What Are Your Opening Hours?
Ritual is open Monday to Friday from 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Morning-focused hours designed for pre-work coffee and weekend calm.
