Nottingham’s independent coffee scene exploded over the past decade. Problem is, half these cafes are overpriced Instagram traps. I spent months visiting spots across Hockley, Lace Market, and the city center. These 12 places actually deliver on espresso quality, barista expertise, and atmosphere.
Short Answer
The best coffee shops in Nottingham are 200 Degrees Coffee, Yolk, The Specialty, Outpost Coffee Roasters, and Cartwheel. Most are in the city center, Hockley, and Beeston with specialty coffee roasters and proper flat white preparation.
12 Best Cafes in Nottingham
200 Degrees Coffee
Address: 16 Flying Horse Walk, Nottingham NG1 2HN England
They roast their own beans in Nottingham. The Flying Horse Walk location has big windows and always smells like fresh coffee. Their flat white comes out consistent every time with proper microfoam.
Breakfast sandwiches and pastries are fresh daily. Weekday mornings get packed with laptops but afternoons are quieter. WiFi works. Their chemistry themed branding makes sense when you taste the espresso blend-they actually know roasting temperatures matter.
Yolk
Address: 29 Goose Gate, Nottingham NG1 1FE England
Breakfast all day spot. Their eggs benedict variations are actually good-hollandaise sauce isn’t from a packet. Shakshuka comes out hot with sourdough bread for dipping.
Weekend brunch queues get long. Weekdays around 2pm? You’ll probably get a table. Limited seating means people don’t camp forever. Their avocado toast uses proper sourdough and fresh ingredients. Oat milk for coffee doesn’t taste watery.
The Specialty
Address: 50 Friar Lane, Nottingham NG1 6DQ England
Third wave coffee done right. They rotate single origin beans-Ethiopian, Colombian, Kenya options change every few weeks. Staff gives you actual tasting notes instead of guessing.
V60 pour over takes longer but worth it. Espresso extraction is precise. Minimalist interior with exposed brick walls and concrete floors feels industrial without trying too hard. They sell brewing equipment and grinders if you’re into that.
Food menu is minimal. Come for the coffee.
Delilah Fine Foods
Address: 12 Victoria Street, Nottingham NG1 2EX England
More deli than cafe but coffee holds up. They have a cheese counter, charcuterie, fresh bread, and an espresso machine that works. Coffee bar section makes proper cappuccinos.
Lunch menu includes made to order sandwiches with actual good ingredients. Expensive? Yes. But you’re getting quality artisan food products. Browse their olive oil selection and specialty condiments while waiting. Works if you want coffee but might want food shopping too.
Effy
Address: 20A Heathcoat Street, Nottingham NG1 3AA England
Proper neighborhood cafe. Staff remembers regulars. Homemade cakes are baked fresh daily-seasonal recipes that change. Coffee and cake pairing actually works here.
Mismatched vintage furniture makes it feel homely without trying. No laptop culture means people actually talk. Quiet weekday afternoons are perfect for conversation. Their slice portions are generous. Traditional baking, nothing pretentious.
Blend
Address: Unit 30 Avenue C, Nottingham NG1 1DW England
Barista team has actual coffee competition experience. Latte art isn’t just for photos-milk texturing is spot on. They dial espresso precisely and beans come from direct trade relationships.
Reusable cup discounts and compostable packaging show they care about sustainability. Rotating art displays from local artists on walls. Coffee education workshops happen sometimes. Their house roast options and seasonal drink specials change regularly. Alternative milk knowledge is solid-plant based doesn’t mean compromised quality here.
Cartwheel
Address: 1 Stoney Street, Nottingham NG1 1LG England
Cafe during day, live music venue at night. Hockley’s creative quarter location means artists, freelancers, and musicians show up. Open mic nights and acoustic performances happen regularly.
Exposed brick walls and vintage furniture give it bohemian atmosphere. Coffee during daytime, craft beer selection evenings. Works as workspace or cultural events spot. Poetry readings and art exhibitions rotate. If you want straight coffee without the arts scene, go elsewhere.
Malt Cross
Address: 16 St James’s St, Nottingham NG1 6FG
Victorian music hall with balcony seating and ornate ceilings. Original period features stayed intact. Nottingham sandstone caves exist beneath-tours happen sometimes.
Cafe during day, bar at night. Coffee is decent but you come for the Victorian atmosphere and architectural heritage. Live acoustic sessions and folk music nights happen. Craft beer selection includes local brewery partnerships. Historic building makes it feel different from modern cafes.
Bear
Address: 36a Carlton Street BEAR Hockley, Nottingham NG1 1NN England
Neighborhood spot with come as you are attitude. LGBTQ+ friendly, students welcome, alternative scene accepted. Board games available and book exchange shelf in corner.
Homemade soup daily, toasties, sandwiches with generous portions. Vegan options don’t taste like afterthoughts. Pricing won’t kill you. Worn in furniture and mismatched decor feel like a neighborhood living room. Community notice board has local event information. People actually hang out here instead of rushing through.
Beeston Social
Address: 2 Station Road, Beeston, Nottingham, Beeston NG9 2WJ England
Social enterprise cafe that reinvests in the community. Training opportunities for local employment. Family friendly with high chairs, changing facilities, and buggy space.
Home cooked food with daily specials board. Local supplier partnerships mean fresh ingredients. Comfort food portions are generous. After school parents and lunch crowd locals fill it. Weekend family brunches get busy. Meeting room available for bookings. Coffee is solid but you come for the community atmosphere and proper meals.
Café Coco Tang
Address: 8 Byard Lane, Nottingham NG1 2GJ England
Chinese inspired cafe with bubble tea, matcha lattes, and black sesame drinks. Asian pastries include mochi desserts and red bean buns. Steamed bao and dumplings for lunch.
East meets West fusion works here. Chinese tea selection has oolong and jasmine varieties. Contemporary Asian decor with clean lines and cultural artwork. Different from typical Nottingham cafes. If you want standard flat whites, go elsewhere. This brings authentic Asian flavors and ingredients.
Bottom Line
These 12 stay consistently good across Nottingham neighborhoods. City center gives workspace cafes. Beeston brings community spots. Hockley offers creative venues.
Try a few based on what you need-specialty coffee, traditional tea rooms, or neighborhood hangouts. Each neighborhood creates different coffee scenes. Parking mostly street or paid lots nearby. Weekday afternoons beat morning crowds.
