Lazy Coffee is the best coffee in the City – this is how they do it
We have launched the Toast the City awards 2026 and throughout the year we’ll be speaking to some of the past winners. Today we caught up with Lazy Coffee founder Matthew Staite, whose Abchurch Yard coffee cart won the Best Coffee award. To nominate your favourite Square Mile spots for the 2026 awards, from bars and restaurants to galleries and green spaces, visit the Toast the City website here.
Introduce yourself
My name is Matt, and I founded Lazy Coffee in 2018. As an experienced barista, I brought the street cart to Abchurch Yard with a simple set up comprising of a 15-year-old coffee machine, a basic wooden table and a loyal handful of customers. In those early days, I served around 20 coffees a day. Being a truly independent business in the Square Mile, the support Lazy Coffee has received has meant a great deal. I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built.
What makes Lazy Coffee stand out?
One thing we hear regularly is “we came for the coffee and stayed for the dogs”. Toby, my Spanish rescue, has been by my side for the last five years and now we also have Zola who is a (rather big) puppy. They’re at work every day, opening the cart with me at 6.30am, and they love the attention from customers. I’m glad they can offer a bit of dog therapy to anyone who needs it. We have worked hard to create a chilled, easy-going and friendly atmosphere at the cart – a place where people can take some time out of their day to step outside (in rain or sunshine!), enjoy great quality coffee, and connect with others.
How would your regulars describe you in three words?
Vibey. Friendly. Soulful.
What’s the one thing Lazy Coffee does better than anyone else?
We don’t try to be anything other than authentic and we never lose sight of the original mission: to bring high-quality coffee to the City. We focus on well-crafted recipes with single-origin coffee and don’t chase social media trends for the sake of it. This might leave us a little rough around the edges, but we are committed to what matters most (and is often easily lost) – quality and people.
What’s been the biggest challenge running a business in the City?
The biggest challenge this past year has really come from growth. We’ve gone from a small street cart to being recognised as one of the best coffee spots in the City, and in many ways, we’ve outgrown our space. That’s a great problem to have, but it brings its own pressures – figuring out how to scale without losing what made us special in the first place.
Like any business in the City, competition is always there. We try to see it as a positive as it pushes us to keep improving, refining what we do, and making better coffee every day.
How has the Square Mile changed since you first opened Lazy Coffee?
Back in 2018, Lazy Coffee was the only speciality coffee option on Cannon Street. Since then, the Square Mile has become much busier, helped by the redevelopment of Bank station. The City definitely feels more dynamic. There’s also been a shift in coffee culture – there are more speciality offerings and customers now know and care a lot more about coffee. With more savvy customers and higher expectations, it keeps us on our toes and pushes us to constantly raise our game.
What’s a small detail you obsess over?
I obsess about everything – from how long a customer has to wait for their coffee, to refining our espresso and filter recipes. I probably drive Ali and Lily (the amazing Lazy Coffee baristas) crazy, but I couldn’t do it without their hard work and dedication.
What’s the most memorable feedback you’ve had?
There was a customer who came to the cart daily for a few years. He was never particularly chatty, so we didn’t know much about him beyond his usual order. One day he mentioned that he was relocating and wouldn’t be around the City anymore. He thanked us, and said that getting a Lazy Coffee had been the highlight of his day for all those years. That stayed with us, and it meant a great deal.
Who is the typical Lazy Coffee customer?
We don’t have a “typical” customer and that is something we are proud of. We serve everyone from chefs, hospitality workers, street cleaners, site workers, through to lawyers, CEO’s and business owners. What’s stayed consistent is the mix: a real cross-section of the City, all sharing the same space over coffee.
What’s one trend in hospitality Lazy Coffee is embracing – and one it’s ignoring?
One trend we are embracing is being more intentional about sustainability and sourcing – working closely with local suppliers with established relationships that prioritise quality over convenience. One trend we are happily ignoring is flavoured matcha – matcha is already a flavour!
Which other City venues do you rate highly?
Zambrero make an amazing burrito. They are new to Cannon Street but the food is amazing and the staff are brilliant.
What does a perfect day in the Square Mile look like ?
A perfect day is when the sun is out, music is playing at the cart, and there’s a real buzzy atmosphere. People are happy, coffee orders are flying, dogs are stealing the show and Abchurch Yard has an amazing energy. It’s seeing regulars roll in alongside new customers. It feels busy but relaxed at the same time, like the City has slowed down just enough to enjoy the moment.
What do you like to have on your morning toast?
Best to keep it simple – butter!