The Best Cafes in Cambridge
There’s no denying the incredible history, heritage and culture of Cambridge.
But how is the coffee culture in this prestigious city?
Well let me tell you - it’s pretty buzzing.
With a constant flow of students and tourists there are a fantastic array of wonderful cafes in Cambridge for you to enjoy a quick espresso or while away an afternoon reading a book sipping on a flat white (or three).
So if you’ll spare a couple of minutes I’ll guide you through some of my favourite coffee shops in Cambridge, UK.
Why trust me. Here at Batch coffee we pride ourselves on showcasing some the some of the best independent coffee roasters and their seasonal single origin coffees from around the world in our coffee club subscription.
Our team of industry professionals review coffee brands throughout the UK and in turn have visited many coffee shops and cafes.
We only recommend brands that we love and the guides we produce serve as an informational source for ourselves as well as our readers.
The Best Cafes in Cambridge
Here are our top 6 cafes in Cambridge followed by the remainder. If you feel that your favourite cafe is missing please leave a comment below.
Bould Brothers
Max and Alex, two coffee aficionados with a decade of experience in the speciality coffee world, joined forces to create one of the best cafes in Cambridge.
Their unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail laid the foundation for Bould Brothers—a coffee brand that stands out in a crowded market.
Max and Alex's passion for specialty coffee runs deep. With their expertise and dedication, they have mastered the art of crafting exceptional coffee.
Bould Brothers is just the beginning of their mission to bring top-notch food and drink to the vibrant city of Cambridge.
They are determined to set new standards, sourcing the finest ingredients and infusing their creations with a touch of perfection.
If you're curious about how they're making their mark and thriving in a competitive industry, look no further than the inspiring journey of Bould Brothers.
Checkout Bould Brothers.
2. Hot Numbers
Hot Numbers is a funky music-loving coffee roasters in Cambridge, UK.
The name is a reference to an old record store that was on a nearby street.
This is a testament to the nature of Hot numbers, paying tribute to the traditions and heritage of the local neighbourhood while showcasing some of the finest coffee in the UK and unifying two passions in their niche of coffee with music (or music with coffee).
The coffees that these guys roast are some of the best around.
They recognise that there has been an incredible amount of work at source for the green coffee to reach them and that is celebrated with each single-origin coffee that they showcase.
Read our Hot Numbers Review.
Checkout Hot Numbers.
3. Espresso Library
The idea behind Espresso Library was born from the diverse interests of its founders.
They brought together their love for various activities and their shared passion for coffee, art history, and wholesome food.
The founders encompassed a range of hobbies, including road cycling, time trial racing, mathematics, chess, and a deep appreciation for the art world.
Espresso Library stands out as a one-of-a-kind gathering place that aims to foster a vibrant and inclusive community of individuals eager to connect and share their passions.
It serves as an open and welcoming space where people from all walks of life can come together to indulge in what truly ignites their spirit.
Combining the elements of a cycling café, an art gallery, a specialty coffee shop, a restaurant, and a bar, this unique establishment provides a multifaceted experience that caters to diverse interests and desires.
Checkout Espresso Library.
4. Stir
Stir is an independent and locally-owned coffee shop in the CB4 neighbourhood of Cambridge.
It is the social hub of the community – a place for people to meet, connect, re-charge but also a place where you can escape and unwind.
They serve Assembly coffee, bread and cakes from our Bakery and a fresh, delicious and wholesome brunch in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Stir understand that great coffee needs a lot of passion and thought given to the preparation to ensure the fantastic flavour of the beans is properly nurtured and released.
This is why they employ Baristas as passionate about coffee as they are, enthusiastic and constantly furthering their training to understand and enjoy coffee to a higher level.
Checkout Stir.
5. Harveys
Harvey's Coffee House, is a charming and cosy haven located close to the University of Cambridge.
This inviting coffee house offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, serving as a gathering place for both coffee enthusiasts and community members alike.
Harvey's Coffee House is committed to providing exceptional coffee and delightful treats, ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit.
To complement their exceptional coffee, Harvey's Coffee House offers a delightful selection of pastries, baked goods, and light bites.
Checkout Harvey’s.
6. Fitzbillies
Cambridges most iconic and famous cafe.
Founded in 1920 by Ernest and Arthur Mason, Fitzbillies has a rich history rooted in the aftermath of the First World War.
Using their demobilisation money, earned from their service during the war, the Mason brothers established the bakery.
Today, traces of their legacy can still be seen in the faded gold letters of their initials adorning the shop front.
The Mason brothers were the sons of the renowned local baker known as "Ticker" Mason, whose own bakery stood further up Trumpington Street, now occupied by a newsagents.
Building on their father's bread-making expertise, Ernest and Arthur honed their skills in crafting elaborate cakes and, most notably, the iconic Chelsea buns.
Facing the challenges of a changing business landscape, Fitzbillies, like many high street bakeries across the UK, succumbed to difficult trading conditions and closed for the second time in 2011, resulting in bankruptcy. However, the lament for their famous Chelsea buns by none other than Stephen Fry on Twitter caught the attention of Alison Wright and Tim Hayward, the current owners.
Driven by cherished childhood memories of Fitzbillies and armed with a determination to revive the business, Alison, a Cambridge local, left her career in London to embark on the task of rescuing and relaunching the ailing bakery.
Today, after nine successful years, Fitzbillies thrives with a new café located behind the cake shop on Trumpington Street, a coffee shop on the corner, a second branch on Bridge Street, and an expanded bakery producing artisan bread alongside their renowned cakes and Chelsea buns.
Checkout Fitzbillies.
Dog friendly cafes in Cambridge
There are many dog friendly cafes in Cambridge. Out of our top 6 coffee shops in Cambridge above, Hot Numbers and Stir are dog friendly.
Cafes in Cambridge for breakfast
Depending on the type of breakfast you are looking for, Cambridge offers a number of options.
If you are looking for a Brunch style breakfast (Avocado, poached eggs, etc) then Stir is your cafe.
If you are looking for something quick like in the city centre then maybe call into Bould brothers and pick up a pastry with your flat white.
Cafes near Cambridge station
Check out our Cambridge coffee map above for the best coffee shops next to Cambridge station
Cafes in Cambridge with outdoor seating
Cambridge offers several cafes with outdoor seating, allowing visitors to enjoy the pleasant ambiance while savouring their food and drinks. Here are a few notable options:
1. Fitzbillies: This iconic bakery and café on Trumpington Street features outdoor seating where customers can indulge in their renowned Chelsea buns and other delicious treats while soaking up the atmosphere of the bustling street.
2. Espresso Library: Located on East Road, Espresso Library is a unique multi-use space that combines a cycling café, art gallery, specialty coffee shop, and restaurant. They have outdoor seating where guests can relax and enjoy their meticulously crafted coffee and wholesome brunch offerings.
3. Aromi: Situated on Bene't Street, Aromi is an Italian café and bakery known for its authentic pastries, sandwiches, and gelato. They have outdoor seating available, providing a delightful spot to savour their freshly made delights while enjoying the charming surroundings.
4. Hot Numbers Coffee: With two locations in Cambridge, one on Gwydir Street and the other on Trumpington Street, Hot Numbers Coffee is a popular choice for coffee enthusiasts. Both branches offer outdoor seating, where patrons can appreciate their expertly brewed coffee and a range of delectable pastries.
5. Novi: Situated on Regent Street, Novi is a trendy café and bar with a vibrant atmosphere. They offer outdoor seating, allowing guests to relish their extensive coffee menu, innovative cocktails, and globally-inspired cuisine while basking in the lively street scene.
These are just a few examples of the many cafes in Cambridge that provide outdoor seating, ensuring visitors can make the most of the city's charm and pleasant weather while enjoying their culinary delights.
