In this day and age grabbing a coffee comes with far more choice – there are coffee shops and cafes far and wide, all offering the likes of their own speciality coffee beans, homemade cakes, food and other drinks, and other novelties, themes and USPs. Bristol is home to an abundance of independent coffee shops, alongside other independent local businesses.
And we here at BristolLive have visited a fair few of them in our time, and each have our favourites. We’ve compiled a list of just some of those we deem our favourites below, as well as what they offer and why we love them.
Of course, we’re yet to try all of the independent coffee shops and cafes in the city and surrounding areas. So, if you know of a coffee shop or cafe you feel should make it onto this list, let us know by emailing [email protected] and we’ll be sure to pay it a visit.
Society Cafe
Address: 12 Baldwin Street, BS1 1SD
While somewhat of an independent coffee shop chain, with more than one location in Bristol and elsewhere, Society is certainly an independent, family-run coffee shop that has previously been named among the UK’s best. One member of the BristolLive team described it by saying: “It not only serves amazing coffee and cakes, but has the best people-watching window seats in central Bristol!”
Society, which has branches on Narrow Quay and Baldwin Street (the latter of which offers particularly great windows for people watching), is a selection of family-owned speciality coffee shops. Its second Bristol location in the city centre opened in September 2022, following the success of the award-winning independent chain’s first branch on the Harbourside.
Cafe Revival
Address: 56 Corn Street, BS1 1JG
We couldn’t have a list of favourite coffee houses in Bristol and not include the oldest in the city. Cafe Revival was built in the 1780s and has been a coffee shop ever since.
Nowadays, it’s described as a “welcoming cafe offering a cosy meeting place for Bristol’s business men and women (with free WiFi) and also a friendly neighbourhood hub for the wider community to meet, relax and refuel”. Wholly independent, Cafe Revival is passionate about serving local, fairtrade and organic produce, and even business lunches delivered directly by foot or local pedal bike courier.
One member of the BristolLive team said: “The sense of history being in the Old City, and from being at 56 Corn Street which has been a coffee house for over 200 years (making it the oldest coffee house in the city), the welcoming staff and amazing food and cakes, plus the interior is so cosy and so relaxing, makes it so unique. It’s maybe one of very few places I’ve been many times in Bristol.”
RoCo Coffee
Address: College Green, BS1 5TR
A good coffee doesn’t necessarily need to be made in a shop, you know. One such example is RoCo, an independent coffee trailer you may have seen parked up on College Green Monday-Friday (7.30am-4pm).
Here you can get your coffee alongside a vegan pastry from The Forest Bakery, and cakes from FED. It’s also available to be hired out for weddings, birthday parties, festivals and corporate events. Some visiting it each day have often referred to their visit as being the ‘best part’ of their morning.
One BristolLive team member said: “The lady who works there is always super nice and friendly and their coffee is superb!”
Mokka
Address: Unit 6 The Willows Shopping Centre, Downend, BS16 5UJ
There are Mokka branches in Downend and Keynsham, open everyday from 9am and serving food, drinks and a selection of cakes. Throughout the week there are a plethora of offers and deals, including cocktails, burger nights, small plates, and even a bottomless brunch. On Mondays, kids eat for £1 from midday, too.
But even with all of the above, it’s also well worth a visit if you’re just after a simple coffee and cake. What’s more, it’s situated in a cosy yet stylish premises – ideal for catching up with family, friends, and loved ones.
One BristolLive team member said: “It’s always super busy, and people I speak to always mention it among their favourite places for food and drink – coffee dates especially. I’d say it’s a bit of a hidden gem, but obviously not! You never know if you’re going to get a seat, even if you visit at the quietest times.”
Ruby Hue
Address: East Tucker Street, BS1 6WQ
If you’re not a huge coffee drinker, or you just really love hot chocolate, then Ruby Hue is a small, cosy space perfect for some peace and quiet, to catch up on work, or simply take some ‘me’ time. This independent chocolate makers and cafe produces its own bean-to-bar chocolate, and hot chocolate concoctions in-house.
You can even sit at the bar and watch the chocolate makers in action. It’s situated just close enough to the hustle and bustle, but away from the noise and near to the water, making for a really lovely stroll around the city before or after you’ve warmed yourself with a hot cup of something.
One BristolLive team member said: “As someone who loves hot chocolate and is not keen on coffee, it’s hard to find a place where you feel sophisticated when you’re ordering a hot chocolate – but Ruby Hue is a go-to. The whole experience of choosing your beans and flavours makes it all the more worthwhile, and staff are so friendly and really knowledgeable that I love going back time and time again. Also the drinks themselves are out of this world.”
Dareshack
Address: Vintry Building, Wine Street, BS1 2BD & 4 Christmas Steps, BS1 5BS
Dareshack describes itself as “a speciality coffee brand powering creativity with caffeine” and adds “for us, caffeine isn’t just a pick-me-up, it’s a way to drive creativity and innovation forward, and we do this through our unique products, spaces, and original content creation”.
In fact, Dareshack is a mixture of a cafe, restaurant and music venue all-in-one. The look and feel of the place is very modern, relaxed and some might describe it as being rather “unassuming” from the outside. But either way you look at it, it’s known for being an ideal location for a catch-up with friends or just catching up on some work.
One BristolLive team member simply said: “It’s a top drawer coffee and cake pitstop in central Bristol. One of Bristol’s coolest coffee venues.”
Small Street Espresso
Address: 23 Small Street, BS1 1DW
Renowned among Bristol coffee lovers, this friendly café is full of knowledgeable baristas (not to mention barristers and judges from the courts opposite) who are happy to talk you through your coffee and find you something as strong as you are looking for. It’s been serving espresso, filter, cakes and sandwiches in Bristol’s Old City since 2012 and offers up a house roast by Clifton Coffee, as well as guest roasters from Bristol, the UK and beyond.
What’s more, it even serves Bristol-made breads, cakes and pastries all within a cosy space. One BristolLive team member called it: “A classic Bristol coffee venue that everyone knows about, and which is well worth making a detour out of your day for.”
New Cut Coffee
Address: Museum Street, BS1 6UD
This independent coffee roaster and cafe is located on the edge of Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour, making for an ideal spot to relax and soak in some of the best views in the city, all while enjoying a proper independent coffee. It’s located in The Art Warehouse and also serves up cakes and sandwiches, making it a hit with both locals and visitors alike.
One BristolLive team member said: “It makes some of the best coffee in Bristol, overlooks the floating harbour for great views, and bans laptops on the weekend to encourage more convivial atmosphere.”