Finding an independent café in Canary Wharf already feels like a small win. Finding one that serves genuinely unique drinks, and actually does them well, feels even better. That is exactly what Aether Coffee Lab is, a cosy café tucked into a busy area filled with chains, offering amazing coffee’s and creative matcha-based drinks that are worth trying.
This visit was also the first episode of my “Run with me to explore new café’s or restaurant” series, where I combine my fitness journey with my café journey across London. I ran a 5K from home straight into Canary Wharf, and reaching Aether Coffee Lab honestly felt like a mini victory. It is the kind of place that makes your run feel even more rewarding.
First Impressions and Atmosphere
Aether Coffee Lab is small, but it feels warm, calm, and welcoming. Even when it is busy, it still has a relaxed vibe, like the kind of café where you could sit for hours with a book. They also have outdoor seating, which will be perfect once the weather gets warmer.
What I Tried: Matcha Orange Juice
The menu is full of interesting options like Iced Apple Pie Matcha, Black Sesame Latte, and Matcha Orange Juice. I decided to try the Matcha Orange Juice, which is matcha mixed with orange juice. It sounds unusual, and I had low expectations, but it completely surprised me.
It tasted fresh, balanced, and genuinely refreshing, exactly what I wanted after a 5K run. The sweetness level was perfect, and the flavour felt light without being boring. The café also shared that this drink originally came from Ukraine, was passed on through Poland, and eventually made its way to the UK, which made it feel even more special to try.
Pricing and Overall Experience
For Canary Wharf, the prices felt very reasonable. I would happily pay £6 for this drink because it is unique, refreshing, and not something you see everywhere. Independent cafés in this area are rare, so finding one with creative recipes like this is a win.
Final Thoughts
If you are in Canary Wharf and want to try something different from the usual chain cafés, Aether Coffee Lab is worth visiting. It is cosy, creative, and perfect for a post-run stop, especially if you love matcha and want something refreshing.
This is your sign to try something different, because the most refreshing surprises often come from the most unexpected choices, just like the Matcha Orange Juice
Overall Rating:
Price – ★★★★ (Higher stars mean better value for money)
Aesthetics – ★★★★
Service – ★★★★
Taste – ★★★★
Experience – ★★★★
