Independent Coffee Shops Outside London: Hidden Gems for the Coffee Enthusiast
Come and join us in our journey to explore the independent coffee shops outside the capital. From charming, family-run cafes nestled in the historic lanes of Edinburgh, to stylish and sophisticated establishments located in Bath and Bristol, we celebrate the unique diversity and passion that these local businesses bring to the table. For these coffee shops, the art of making coffee is more than just a skill; it is a craft and a story that brings people together.
Brew Lab, Edinburgh
Brew Lab was founded in 2012 with a simple goal: to offer the best possible coffee to the people of Edinburgh. Coffee is the cornerstone of their business, and they are committed to serving single-origin, specialty-grade coffee that is roasted by the talented team at Union Hand-Roasted Coffee, as well as carefully selected guest roasters. Every day, they offer two different espressos and two different filters, each one unique and delicious.
Society Café, Oxford
Society Café are an independent speciality coffee shop in the heart of Oxford city centre. Their focus is on making great coffee sourced directly from the best coffee-producing farms in the world and roasted by the best roasters in the world. They always have two espressos from different farms and roasters, as well as 3 choices of filter on any given day. Society Café also serve incredible loose-leaf teas, bespoke hot chocolates, a range of cold drinks,
Colonna & Small’s, Bath
In 2009, they opened the destination coffee shop Colonna & Small’s in Bath, UK. The shop was dedicated to showcasing the most exceptional coffees in a space built to engage a conversation around coffee. Colonna & Small’s soon became internationally recognised and was awarded the ‘Best Coffee Shop in Europe’ title in 2016.
Pot Kettle Black, Manchester
Pot Kettle Black is a coffee shop that was founded by Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan, who are both professional rugby league players and best friends. Mark was inspired to start the business after spending time playing rugby in Australia and becoming enamoured with Sydney's trendy coffee scene, which he spent more time and money on than he should have. The two friends first met while playing together at St. Helens, where they bonded over their shared love of food and drinks, which were usually served in pint glasses rather than espresso cups.
Laynes Espresso, Leeds
For the past 11 years, they have established themselves in a growing city where an increasing number of people have discovered their fine coffee. They aimed to offer the coffee aficionados of Leeds a place that prioritizes the quality of only two ingredients: coffee and milk. They also provide an informative and welcoming environment to enjoy it in. As time passed, they expanded their offerings to include a kitchen that serves some of the finest breakfast and lunch options you’ll find in any city center.
Spicer and Cole, Bristol
Spicer+Cole is a group of four independent cafes located in the heart of Bristol. Their cafes are situated in lovely locations such as Finzels Reach, leafy Queen Square and vibrant Clifton Village. They offer a great selection of delicious food and excellent coffee, all served in light-filled spaces. At each cafe, they serve the best artisan coffee and loose-leaf tea, along with super-fresh seasonal food. All the food is made from scratch in their kitchens every day.
The Scandinavian Coffee Pod, Cheltenham
The Scandinavian Coffee Pod is a speciality micro-roastery situated in the centre of Cheltenham and also Hamar, Norway. The coffee bar, Unique, is attached to the roastery, distinguished by its bright yellow pod, which is the inspiration for the business name. With the double experience of the owners, derived from the coffee houses of Oslo, and ten years of roasting skill from the forefront of the speciality coffee movement in Australia, this place is a haven for true coffee lovers.
Quarter Horse Coffee, Birmingham
In 2012, they opened their first coffee shop in Oxford. Since then, they have expanded and opened a second shop in Birmingham and have now moved to the Midlands and set up new, larger premises in the Jewellery Quarter. Here, they roast and serve high-quality beans ethically sourced from around the world.
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