Nestled in a sultry side street in Covent Garden resides Qima Cafe, a cozy caffeinated haven offering a rare blend of ethical luxury, sensory refinement, and the kind of culinary artistry that will shut any Instagram timeline down…

Known for its extravagant hot and cold beverages, Qima Café is more than a coffee shop—it’s a sanctuary of provenance, purpose, and quiet sophistication. I visited with my friend Hannah and toddler Xavier on a crisp autumn morning, drawn by whispers of its new brunch menu and the promise of rare single-origin brews. There is also a branch in Bloomsbury which draws many a parched Londoner in seek of refreshment and respite. At the delightful Covent Garden cafe, what we found was a space that felt both intimate and expansive, where the scent of fresh pastries and coffee mingled with the warmth of Yemeni hospitality and the elegance of London’s luxury café culture.

From the moment we stepped inside, Qima’s ethos was palpable. Founded by British-Yemeni entrepreneur Faris Sheibani, the café is a living extension of his grandfather’s philosophy: “making lives, not trade.” It’s also proudly the UK’s first bean to cup cafe. Every cup sold contributes to the “Coffee Tree Per Cup” initiative, gifting a young coffee tree to a farmer in Yemen, Colombia, or Ecuador. It’s a quiet but powerful gesture—one that turns your morning ritual into a ripple of global impact.

The Covent Garden branch, opened in 2025, is a showcase of this mission. The interiors are understated yet refined: warm wood, soft lighting, and subtle nods to coffee-growing cultures. Xavier was immediately drawn to the pastry counter, where za’atar-spiced viennoiserie and citrus-glazed tarts glistened like jewels. The staff, gracious and unhurried, welcomed us with a warmth that felt genuine—not performative.

We began with drinks: Hannah chose the Matcha Latte, a fragrant, antioxidant rich beverage made from infusing almond milk with kiwi and apple. I opted for the iced ruby latte -a creamy, decedent celebration of coffee, and life. Both were revelations. These weren’t just beverages—they were expressions of passion and technique.

The new brunch menu is a triumph of balance and boldness. Hannah’s Huevos Rancheros arrived layered with creamy eggs, spiced beans, and a whisper of smoked paprika. My confit salmon was lifted with citrus and a touch of coffee oil—an unexpected pairing that worked beautifully. Even Xavier, usually skeptical of anything green, devoured the asparagus spears tucked beside my dish with quiet enthusiasm.

But it was dessert that truly stole the show. Qima’s collaboration with World 50 Best pastry chef Jesús Escalera has birthed a collection of plated desserts that rival those in Michelin-starred dining rooms. We shared the Banana Toffee Crackle—an intricate composition of textures and temperatures, paired with a jammy Yemeni natural pour-over. Each bite was a study in contrast: crisp and creamy, sweet and smoky, familiar and exotic.

What sets Qima apart is its ability to marry luxury with integrity. In a city saturated with concept cafés and performative sustainability, Qima feels refreshingly sincere. The coffee is roasted in-house, the sourcing is transparent, and over 10% of profits are pledged to the QimaFoundation, which funds long-term projects in coffee-growing communities. This isn’t greenwashing—it’s a blueprint for ethical indulgence.

For families, Qima is surprisingly accommodating. There’s space for buggies, high chairs available on request, and a menu that offers enough variety to satisfy both adventurous and cautious palates. Xavier was content with a warm croissant and a side of gloriously runny poached eggs, while Hannah and I lingered over our second round of drinks, grateful for a space that welcomed both conversation and quiet.

In a world where luxury often feels detached from reality, Qima Café offers a different kind of opulence—one rooted in connection, craft, and care. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado, a brunch devotee, or simply seeking a moment of sanctuary in the heart of London, Qima invites you to slow down, sip deeply, and savour the story behind every bean.