If anyone knows good coffee when they see it (smell it, taste it and overindulge it), it’s us. Below are our top picks for coffee shops and cafes in Bristol — the greenest city in the UK.
Whether you’re passing through the city for a few days or looking for a new Sunday brunch spot, we’ve got something for everyone. Seriously, stay tuned for authentic Italian espressos, a Mocha with vintage Monopoly and a latte with a lunch fit for an Instagram photoshoot.
Playground Coffee House, Saint Nicholas Street
Nestled between Queen Square and Castle Park, Playground Coffee House is located in the “Old City” of Bristol.
Don’t let us sway your decision, but this coffee house even has a swing set. Image from Playground Coffee House’s official website.
If you’re working or studying in Bristol, this is the coffee shop for you. As the name suggests, this cafe is a playground for creatives and collaborators with some good fun, coffee and cocktails thrown in the mix. This is the place where after spending an hour hard at work, you can kick back and play a classic board game. Playground Coffee House has no qualms about mixing work with pleasure, as you’ll be sat on a swing during your business meeting.
It’s also a great place for coffee connoisseurs, as the world’s finest coffee beans are used to brew speciality coffee (or so its website’s copy claims). Yeah, these guys take their love of coffee seriously. If you still need convincing, you can even browse through its online brew guides, complete with tutorial-style videos.
Lavender Coffee Shop & Deli, Coldharbour Road
This authentic Italian deli is just a five-minute drive from Bristol’s Botanical Gardens for a fabulously floral day out.
Pistachio Cannelloni, anyone? Image from Lavender Coffee’s official Facebook page.
If you’re a fan of a strong, black coffee with plenty of flavour, Lavender Coffee Shop is the place for you. Owned by Naples-born barista Ciro, this coffee house takes plenty of inspiration from Italian staple sites, including Sorrento, Venice and Sicily. Everything from the decor, dining and, of course, the drinks is unapologetically continental.
It’s safe to say that you’ll be spoilt for choice when visiting, as there are over 30 types of coffee on the menu, and that’s not to mention the wide array of classic paninis and pastries on offer. If you enjoy Lavendar Coffee Shop as much as we do, you’ll be pleased to know that you can also take a taste of Italy home with you, as its in-store (and online) shop sells everything from olive oil to espresso biscuits.
Tincan Coffee Co., Various Locations
This coffee brand is dominating Bristol right now, boasting two independent locations. Visit either the North Street location just south of Spike Island or head north of The Arches to arrive at Gloucester Road.
Discover Tincan Coffee Co.’s eclectic interior at the Gloucester Road branch. Image from the official Tincan Coffee Co. website.
If you’re taking a fleeting trip to Bristol, you’ll want to try some locally roasted coffee. Needless to say, Tincan Coffee Co. is the place to do it. And it won’t be difficult. either, as Tincan Coffee Co. is popping up everywhere, including at festivals and sporting events.
Tincan Coffee Co. has its coffee supplied from Clifton Coffee — a local artisan roaster in Central Bristol. For this reason, you’ll always be invited to try Clifton’s seasonal blend for a fresh, unique brewing experience. This coffee house is clearly confident about its coffee supply — it frequently serves TV and film production crews with snacks and drinks on request. It’s settled. If you want to hire a coffee truck for a specific event, these are the guys to contact.
Mocha Mocha Coffee House, St Michael’s Hill
For tourists visiting Bristol, this is perhaps the most central coffee house on our list. St Michael’s Hill is situated a few moments away from the University of Bristol in an altogether vibrant district.
Looking in on Mocha Mocha Coffee House. Image from Mocha Mocha House’s official Facebook page.
Looking for an independent experience in one of Bristol’s most commercial districts? Visit Mocha Mocha Coffee House, awarded the title of one of the top five independent coffee houses by Bristol City Council.
As with our last pick, this beverage provider gets its caffeine base from a local supplier for a truly authentic experience. The focus really is on the coffee here, with the brand offering free pastries with certain drink orders. Plus, if you’re truly impressed with what Mocha Mocha Coffee House has to offer, you can hire them for office catering so that you can enjoy drinks delivered straight to your desk.
Spicer+Cole, Various Locations
You can choose from four locations to visit Spicer+Cole, so wherever you find yourself in need of a caffeine fix, there’s a spot nearby. As well as having a site on Gloucester Road and two locations in the Old City, Spicer+Cole has one branch West of the city centre.
The perfect spot for an Insta-worthy breakfast. Image from Spicer+Cole’s official Facebook page.
Join Spicer+Cole as it cracks down on ethical coffee bean sourcing and, while you’re at it, test out its South American house espresso blend. After you’ve tasted local coffee in some of our other top coffee spots, you can enjoy a truly global experience here, with picks from Berlin and London along with blends from further afield.
If you need a picturesque avocado toast or granola bowl to pair with your beverage, this is the perfect place to brunch. Although we’re making coffee recommendations, it’s worth mentioning that Spicer+Cole has a specific focus on its food, confidently stating that “the first thing you’ll notice is the food counter”. Hey, we’re not complaining.
There you have it, our must-visit coffee shops in Bristol. If you’re a true lover of coffee, we urge you to check out our environmental coffee cups on our online shop. After all, the only way to enjoy your takeout brew is to make it biodegradable.
Like this blog? Chec out our top Juice & Smoothie bars in London here.
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