Guildford‘s coffee scene has exploded in recent years, but knowing which specialty cafes are worth visiting can save you time and disappointing espresso experiences.
This comprehensive guide covers 13+ outstanding coffee shops across Guildford, from Haydon Place’s multi-roaster havens to Tunsgate’s European-style cafes and unique red telephone box coffee bars. You’ll find detailed location information, must-try drinks, roaster partnerships, atmosphere breakdowns, and honest insights – making it easy to choose the perfect spot for your coffee needs.
Short Answer:
The best coffee shops in Guildford are Canopy Coffee, Frida’s Coffee House, Lily London, Krema Coffee, and Cocco Patisserie & Coffee. All these cafes are located in the town centre around Tunsgate and Haydon Place.
10 Best Coffee Shops In Guildford
Canopy Coffee
Address: 62 Haydon Place, Guildford GU1 4NE
Canopy Coffee on 62 Haydon Place stands as one of Guildford’s specialty coffee pioneers, transforming an awkwardly-shaped corner unit opposite Waitrose into a beloved community vibe destination. Originally established over five years ago by Jonathon, this multi-roaster coffee shop now thrives under Jackie, an Australian owner with 15+ years UK cafe experience.
The small coffee shop space features two ordering stations and a takeaway window with outdoor hatch service, creating a sit-in takeaway hybrid model. Coffee comes from premium roasters including Skylark Coffee, Origin, Square Mile, and North Star, with options via Kalita Wave, Chemex pour-over, and Moccamaster batch-brew.
The uber-friendly staff remembers coffee regulars and delivers extra hot temperature precision for drinks like the signature deconstructed mocha with espresso chaser. Toasted sandwiches and pastries complement the coffee, while the cozy haven atmosphere makes it perfect for morning cravings or quick grab-and-go visits in the GU1 4NE area.
Frida’s Coffee House
Address: Fays Passage, Guildford GU1 4SQ
Frida’s Coffee House occupies a lobby counter inside New House Art Space, a three-storey brick building tucked along Fays Passage. Named after the founder’s French bulldog, this independent specialty house doubles as a cozy workspace and social hub with plug sockets, dog-friendly atmosphere, and regularly changing artwork from monthly art exhibitions.
The coffee program features Hundred House Coffee’s unique Nom Nom blend (low caffeine option) and Perky Blenders decaf on the La Spaziale S40 machine, plus monthly single-origin rotation via V60 pour-over bar. The textured flat white and cortado specialty drink earn consistent praise, while the matcha cinnamon buns stand out among pastries.
Food includes toasted panini, savoury croissants, and vegan sausage rolls. This hidden gem replaced Koja Coffee and maintains a relaxed creative vibe perfect for the artist creative crowd and productive workspace seekers.
Open 8am-6pm weekdays and 9am-4pm weekends, the friendly welcoming staff and art gallery integration create an inspiring environment for gourmet coffee enthusiasts.
Flying Coffee Bean, Guildford
Address: Platform 2, Guildford Railway Station, Guildford
Flying Coffee Bean operates on Platform 2 at Guildford railway station, serving as the ultimate commuter coffee spot for London-bound commuters and railway travelers. This station coffee kiosk by FCB Coffee prioritizes grab-and-go efficiency and espresso speed service for the morning rush crowd navigating the Guildford transport hub.
The signature coconut porridge (a vegan breakfast option) arrives fresh morning daily, complementing their specialty station coffee made via barista station setup. Horsham Coffee beans ensure quality matches convenience at this high footfall location.
The platform coffee service caters to pre-commute beverage needs with fast service priority and takeaway cup focus, though limited seating means most customers enjoy their coffee travel companion standing.
Perfect for weekday commuter traffic, this convenient accessibility spot transforms train station coffee from afterthought to highlight, offering quick breakfast solution timing for those catching trains. The departure platform access and station-side location make it ideal for coffee before journey without missing connections.
Krema Coffee
Address: 4 Tunsgate, Guildford GU1 3QT
Krema Coffee occupies a low-ceilinged space at the castle end of Tunsgate, perfectly positioned between Tunsgate car parks and Castle car park with Guildford Castle peeking through trees backdrop from window seats. This established coffee house has earned local favorite reputation and coffee snob approval, particularly from New Zealand expats who compare it favorably to Kiwi coffee standards.
Horsham Coffee Roaster supplies the Workhorse seasonal blend alongside single-origin guest coffee, with V60 pour-over options offering smooth percolated filter alternatives. The basement-like back area extends seating capacity, while outdoor table spots provide Guildford Castle views.
The light breakfast menu features freshly baked pastries, filled croissants, and brioche bacon rolls, while lunch brings incredible wraps, salads menu items, and toasties. The copious cake quantities and delicious sweet treats satisfy afternoon cravings.
Both children-friendly and maintaining a friendly dog policy, Krema serves as an ideal shopping stop convenience before hiking Pewley Down. Friendly staff service and authentic coffee experience in the heart of town make this casual dining atmosphere a must-visit.
Cocco Patisserie & Coffee
Address: 40 Haydon Place, Guildford GU1 4NE
Cocco Patisserie at 40 Haydon Place combines exceptional pastries with specialty coffee in a long thin, light-filled interior featuring Guildford’s first Victoria Arduino Eagle One espresso machine. Opening in November during Guildford coffee growth, this patisserie coffee combination immediately impresses with display cases packed with made-to-order celebration cakes, a pastries range, and savoury sandwiches.
The blueberry muffin achieves perfect sweetness balance, while seasonal specials and in-house baking ensure freshness. The smooth rich coffee with perfectly balanced flavors comes from the impressive coffee setup and top-of-the-line equipment.
Light fluffy paninis emerge from a special oven, avoiding the solid chewy texture common elsewhere. Smoothies and gluten-free options expand the menu, while air conditioning provides heat relief on warm days.
Located down the road from Canopy and near Waitrose, the friendly service and great coffee reputation have built a loyal regular customer base. Both sweet tooth satisfaction and savory cravings find solutions in this pandemic opening success story that represents specialty coffee scene evolution in Guildford.
Lily London, Guildford
Address: Tunsgate Arch, High Street, Guildford
Lily London operates from a red phone box behind Tunsgate Arch, transforming a disused telephone box into speciality coffee innovation. Owner Lily Deluca, a Brazil coffee exporter from Sao Paulo, partnered with Greek barista Achilleas Papakitsos to launch this lockdown business in December 2020 with Guildford Borough Council support.
The phone box coffee concept houses a two-group Fracino espresso machine, Sanremo grinder, and bottled water supply, while service happens from a takeaway table outside. Plot Roasting prepares Lily’s naturally-processed single-origin Brazilian coffee beans, creating surprisingly bright espresso with pleasing sweetness.
The perfectly steamed milk holds latte art to the bottom, earning best takeaway coffee recognition. Four two-person tables with red-topped stool seating on the pavement seating area accommodate those who linger, while retail coffee bags tempt home brewers.
Operating 9am-4pm daily, this small-scale operation at the high street end position delivers quick easy service in HuskeeCup-compatible format. The clever telephone conversion and iconic red color make it Guildford’s most photographed coffee stop.
Tattam’s
Address: 6 Tunsgate, Guildford GU1 3QT
Tattam’s occupies the Kalm Kitchen premises on Tunsgate, opening in October 2020 before fire damage forced closure and November refurbishment reopening. This European-style café offers coffee by day and cocktails evening service, creating day-to-night transition appeal.
The pressed on determination through a tumultuous year demonstrates resilient business spirit. Chimney Fire Coffee, a local roasters partner, supplies the seasonal Brazilian espresso for the standard espresso menu, while creative touches include the Sticky Coffee Latte made with homemade syrups.
Decaf availability ensures sleep-friendly late visits, as evening coffee service runs alongside the wine selection and cocktail coffee combination. The bar snacks menu, sharing platters, and cakes pastries selection provide substance for socializing.
Outdoor seating survived initial COVID takeaway operation restrictions, now complementing the interior. The central Tunsgate location positions it perfectly as a European café concept for daytime cafe vibe that transitions into casual evening atmosphere.
This social gathering space offers rare entertainment venue alternative in Guildford’s town centre, blending specialty seasonal drinks with relaxed dining throughout extended hours.
The Cottage by Tattam’s
The Cottage by Tattam’s serves as a sister location to the main Tattam’s venue, extending the Tattam’s brand with a cottage-style atmosphere that complements the original European-style approach. This Tattam’s expansion venue maintains the family business ethos while offering a cottage aesthetic design distinct from the Tunsgate flagship.
The cozy cottage vibe and intimate cottage space create a cottage warmth ambiance perfect for those seeking a rustic cottage style environment. As a related establishment and companion venue, it shares the coffee by day philosophy while emphasizing cottage charm character through cottage-themed decor and cottage hospitality approach.
The separate property allows Tattam’s dual operation to serve different neighborhoods while maintaining quality standards from their local roasters partnership. This secondary spot in the extended network offers the same commitment to specialty coffee and homemade touches that define the Tattam’s experience.
The cottage-inspired interior and cottage environment provide a relaxed dining alternative, making this affiliated cafe an ideal cottage dining experience for those preferring quieter, more intimate settings while enjoying Guildford’s specialty coffee scene.
The Hideaway
Address: Allen House Pavilion, Eastgate Gardens
The Hideaway occupies Allen House Pavilion within the walled gardens of Allen House Grounds, opening in April as a hidden gem that lives up to its name. Owned by Matrix Trust, this non-profit social enterprise focuses on providing youth employment opportunities and young people training, creating social impact through specialty coffee.
The pavilion cafe features a large terrace overlooking the bowling green and a spacious interior (slightly smaller than Open Grounds for comparison). The tucked away positioning in the park setting creates a garden cafe atmosphere perfect for post-vaccination coffee or leisurely breakfast visits.
The charitable enterprise operation doesn’t compromise quality—the coffee program and food offerings match commercial competitors while advancing the community benefit focus through employment skills development and training program initiatives.
The large outdoor space and generous interior capacity accommodate both community social gatherings and quiet individual visits. This youth-focused mission venue represents the social enterprise coffee movement, proving that charitable mission cafes can deliver exceptional experiences.
The hidden location within Allen House park makes discovery feel like finding a true community-minded treasure in Guildford’s specialty coffee landscape.
The Hideout
The Hideout embraces its hideout concept name and hidden location theme, creating a secluded cafe setting that rewards those who discover this tucked-away gem. The hideout-style venue emphasizes discrete location appeal and secretive atmosphere, differentiating itself through hideout ambiance that feels like a quiet retreat from Guildford’s busier spots.
The intimate space and private atmosphere foster quiet contemplation and hideout tranquility, making it ideal for focused work or peaceful conversations. The hideout aesthetic design and hideout-themed decor reinforce the sanctuary feeling, while the understated entrance adds to the hideout discovery experience.
This refuge cafe concept prioritizes hideout serenity and calm ambiance over high visibility, attracting those seeking escape atmosphere and hideout seclusion. The cozy environment and hideout comfort factor create a sheltered space where specialty coffee enthusiasts can enjoy their beverages without crowds or noise.
Whether used as a retreat-style workspace or a withdrawn location for reading, The Hideout offers hideout privacy that’s increasingly rare in busy town centres. The hidden sanctuary character makes each visit feel like accessing an exclusive hideout discovery within Guildford’s coffee scene.
Sicool Food
Address: 1 The Shambles, Guildford GU1 3EX
Sicool Food brings Sicilian-inspired charm to Guildford’s shopping district, creating a Mediterranean cafe experience that transports visitors to Sicily. During sunny weather, this sun trap location becomes a coveted warm weather destination for coffee breaks and sweet treats.
The Sicily theme infuses everything from authentic Sicilian pastries to Italian gelato and traditional Italian coffee preparations. The Mediterranean ambiance and Italian hospitality approach distinguish it from standard cafes, offering Italy-inspired authenticity through Sicilian cuisine elements and Italian specialty foods.
When drier weather allows, the outdoor seating in this sun-drenched spot provides the perfect shopping scene respite, making guests feel they’ve taken a brief Mediterranean escape. The Italian coffee culture emphasis ensures properly executed espresso drinks, while gelato ice cream and Sicilian experience menu items satisfy those seeking Italian treats.
The warm atmosphere and Sicily charm recreation make it an ideal shopping break location where the sunny disposition of staff matches the Mediterranean design aesthetic.
This Italian cafe concept proves that Guildford’s specialty coffee scene extends beyond traditional British cafe formats into authentic Sicilian authenticity territory.
Coffee Culture
Coffee Culture lives up to its name by centering everything around coffee-centric philosophy and culture-focused customer experience. This coffee appreciation venue goes beyond serving drinks to foster genuine cultural coffee community where coffee knowledge sharing and coffee education happen naturally.
The coffee connoisseur destination attracts coffee enthusiasts seeking coffee quality culture and coffee craft emphasis through coffee artistry demonstrations and coffee mastery pursuit. The cultural atmosphere encourages coffee conversation and coffee ritual celebration, making it a true community hub for those who view coffee as cultural experience rather than mere beverage.
The culture-inspired environment reflects coffee tradition respect while embracing modern specialty coffee innovations. Staff demonstrate coffee passion through detailed preparation and willingness to discuss coffee excellence standards.
This culture-building venue serves as both coffee ceremony space and cultural identity statement, attracting those who appreciate the cultural significance of properly prepared coffee. The coffee lifestyle celebration extends to retail offerings and coffee culture immersion opportunities.
Whether you’re a coffee-first regular or exploring the cultural coffee movement, this culture-conscious establishment delivers coffee excellence while honoring the cultural coffee scene that makes Guildford’s specialty landscape distinctive.
Surrey Hills Coffee
Surrey Hills Coffee represents local roasting tradition and Surrey provenance, connecting Guildford’s specialty coffee scene to the Hills countryside surrounding the town. This Surrey-based operation and regional roaster brings local beans and Surrey-roasted products directly to consumers, emphasizing regional coffee pride and Surrey authenticity.
The Surrey Hills brand carries countryside coffee values and local sourcing commitment that resonate with customers seeking regional coffee culture and Surrey community connections. Their Surrey roasting facility produces beans reflecting Surrey quality standards and local roasting expertise developed over years as a Surrey coffee pioneer.
The Surrey Hills specialty approach combines regional bean selection with Surrey roasting craft that honors both coffee excellence and Hills location identity. The Surrey Hills partnership model supplies multiple Guildford cafes, strengthening the local coffee ecosystem through regional coffee supply relationships.
The Surrey Hills origins story and countryside aesthetic appeal to those valuing terroir connection and regional specialty focus. Whether purchasing retail bags or enjoying Surrey-origin coffee in partner cafes, customers experience the Surrey Hills establishment’s commitment to local roaster reputation and Surrey coffee heritage that makes this regional coffee distinctive within broader specialty coffee movements.
Chimney Fire Coffee
Chimney Fire Coffee operates as a local Guildford roasting facility supplying several town cafes including their Tattam’s partnership. This small-batch roasting operation and artisan roaster emphasizes craft roasting dedication through seasonal roast offerings and fresh roasted supply to roaster cafe partnerships.
The fire element in their chimney fire identity reflects the roasting craft and fire roasting technique central to their process. As a Guildford-based roastery, they’ve built strong local roaster reputation through consistent small-batch quality and roasting expertise.
The chimney aesthetic branding and fire-roasted character distinguish their beans in Guildford’s competitive local roasting scene. Their roastery supplier role strengthens the local supply chain, allowing cafes to offer genuinely local coffee while supporting small operation independence.
The seasonal bean rotation and fresh roast delivery ensure cafe partners always have peak-freshness products. This artisan coffee roaster contributes significantly to local roasting innovation and specialty coffee quality across Guildford.
The Chimney Fire specialty beans carry distinct fire roast character that reflects both their roasting facility capabilities and commitment to artisan roast quality, making them a cornerstone of Guildford’s local coffee roasting ecosystem and seasonal roast selection excellence.
