Cambridge is packed full of wonderful coffee shops and there’s no way I could fit them all in today’s post. So, I’ve narrowed down my list to 6 really good places to grab a cup of coffee in Cambridge. We’re talking about the kind of coffee that is so good that it almost takes you by surprise each time you try it.
We may have only just relocated to Cambridge but we’ve been visiting the city regularly for well over 7 years and always, without fail, grab a coffee while we’re browsing the shops or taking our little boy to the park. Oh and we know a damn fine coffee when we taste it. It doesn’t feel like long ago that I was sharing some of my favourite coffee shops in Sheffield with you, but I’ve just checked and that was nearly 5 years ago.
Despite the turbulent times we are currently living in, most of our favourite coffee spots are still standing strong. I think that is not only a testament to how good they are but also to the loyal and supportive network of customers around the independent business scene here in Cambridge.
All of these places do an excellent flat white. They all offer milk alternatives and delicious cakes. Some offer much more than this but today we’re talking about damn fine coffee.
6 Excellent Spots To Grab Coffee In Cambridge
Bould Brothers
I’ve been a loyal fan of Bould Brothers ever since they opened their first shop on Round Church Street in 2017. We even ordered several bags of their coffee up to Sheffield to get us through those early lockdown days.
The coffee cups are a little smaller than you’d find at usual large high-street chains but very much in-line with other artisanal coffee shops. Once you’ve started to drink the coffee you’ll instantly see why. There’s a lot more coffee in that little cup than anywhere else. If you’ve opted for milk you’ll notice that its the perfect ratio. I always go for oat and I find it works really well with their flavourful coffee.
My go-to order from Bould Brothers is a Flat White.
Address: 16 Round Church St and 88 Regent St, Cambridge
Aromi
Aromi is much more than a place to grab a coffee. It’s a Sicilian bakery with a wide range of authentic sourdough pizza and focaccia slices, traditional cakes and artisan gelato. This place feels like a slice of Italy right here in Cambridge. It’s the place to go if you want to grab a good Italian coffee with the added bonus of Mediterranean vibes.
The coffee here is always good. Always. There’s no questions about it. It’s strong, bold and balanced.
My go-to order is a flat white or a macchiato.
Address: 1 Bene’t Street and 30 Fitzroy Street, Cambridge
The Coffee Bug
Right in the centre of Cambridge is All Saints Garden, just opposite Trinity College. There you will find Ann and Julian with The Coffee Bug. They’re there throughout the week with wonderfully rich coffee, outdoor seating and a fab choice of cakes.
My go-to here is a Flat White or Cappuccino and they do the best banana bread in town.
Address: All Saints Garden, Trinity St, Cambridge CB2 1TQ
The Java Coffee Club
I know I shouldn’t pick favourites because I LOVE all of the shops in this list but The Java Coffee Club is a real winner for me. They park up just outside The Cambridge Distillery in a cute little van and serve the most indulgent homemade cakes to go alongside mind-blowing coffee.
I think they launched back in September of 2020 but I didn’t discover them ’til around December, perfect timing for our relocation to Cambridge. We drive across the city to grab coffee and go for a walk through Grantchester at least once a week.
My order is always a Cappuccino or Flat White with oat milk.
Address: High St, Grantchester, Cambridge CB3 9NF
The Locker
This is my sister’s favourite spot for coffee along with The Java Coffee Club and The Coffee Bug. The Locker is on King Street and is a family run cafe with lovely coffee, delicious cakes (lots of good vegan options), locally sourced food and art/pottery made by one of the co-founders.
I always order an iced coffee from The Locker in summer and throughout autumn you’ll find me with an Americano or Flat White.
Address: 54 King St, Cambridge CB1 1LN
Maison Clement
Maison Clement is a wonderful little French bakery on Hills Road. They bake beautiful bread and the sweet treats look divine. I try to go as regularly as possible to buy bread but It was only recently that I tried their coffee and was truly blown away.
I’ve only ever ordered an espresso here.
Address: 28 Hills Rd, Cambridge CB2 1LA