Cosy Coffee Shops

2009 was a successful one for British coffee and coffee shops. Gwilym Davies brought home the title of World Barista Champion and great independent coffee shops seem to be arriving thick and fast (particularly in London). If this blog’s readership is anything to go by, it seems more and more people are enjoying independent coffee shops.

For me, I feel 2009 was the year when I might have started to understand what constitutes great coffee.

But, as always, Cosy Coffee Shops is not just about coffee, it’s also about comfy, charming, friendly coffee shops. So with that in mind, I’ve nailed my colours to the mast with my first Top 10, for 2010. A difficult thing to do.

1. Tina, We Salute You, London
   
   Combining faultless coffee with style, friendliness, character, charm, a comfy sofa and decor which changes every 8 weeks is Tina, We Salute You. I fell in love on my first visit.
2. Coffee Aroma, Lincoln
   
   A smashing coffee shop with a cult following. Run by Richard, who is just as pernickety about comfort, charm, character and friendly service as he is about coffee.
3. Monmouth Coffee Company, London
   
   A small but perfectly formed coffee shop in Covent Garden. Squeeze in to an ancient pew and enjoy some renowned coffee.
4. Opposite Café, Leeds
   
   Lou Henry’s café serves the best coffee in the region. It’s also a stylish, friendly, comfy place.
5. Coffee Culture, York
   

   The coffee isn’t amazing, but in all other ways this is all I want in a coffee shop. The comfy seats, the rickity building and the friendy staff make this one of my favourites.

6. Kilimanjaro Coffee, Edinburgh
   

   Great coffee and all-round a super coffee shop.

7. LJ Coffee House, London
   

   A smashingly friendly and charming place in Soho.

8. Nude Espresso, London
   

   The owner is passionate about coffee and the place is welcoming, comfy and popular.

9. Combibos, Oxford
   

   A spacious and comfortable place in central Oxford, serving excellent coffee.

10. Leoni, Malton, North Yorkshire
    

    The epitome of a down-to-earth coffee shop out in the sticks. Cosy, friendly and popular. And the coffee is good.

There are many more great coffee shops, including some I have yet to visit. Hopefully this list is a good starting-point, if nothing more.

Happy hunting.

Tom.

January 2010.

Thanks to everyone who commented on this page… I’m really sorry but your comments were lost in the big site revamp in Feb 2011. Sorry!