The joy of Cambridge coffee: independent gems worth discovering

One of the pleasures of living in Cambridge is its community of independent shops, those who offer something a little different—and often something better—than the familiar high street chains. Nowhere is this more evident than in the city’s coffee scene. Among our community, there’s no shortage of coffee lovers, and here we share a few standout spots—from new discoveries to long-standing favourites.

COFEiN – a little find on Chesterton Road

by Lorna Williamson

Picking up delicacies at La Dispensa? Buying excellent butcher meat at Wallers? Then treat yourself at COFEiN, a delightful spot for a coffee or brunch.

I’ve been three times, and there’s always a steady run of customers, from local workers to ‘laptops’, either sitting in or picking up a coffee to go. There are now tables outside—with essential blankets.

As well as delicious coffee, including decaf, there is a good range of teas and infusions. On our brunch visit, we both had avocado 🥑 on toast, really delicious. There is also a tempting range of pastries and cakes—have you come across pistachio croissants before?

COFEiN opened in December 2024, and the manager Alex always seems to be running things, and available for a quick chat with the regulars. As he cheerfully says, “I used to work five days a week and dreamt of becoming a boss. Now I am the boss, I work seven days a week!” Indeed he does—COFEiN is open 7.30–5.00 Monday–Friday, and 8.30–6.00 on Saturday and Sunday at 38 Chesterton Road.

One thing—the portions are very generous, so take a friend and share!

Mediterranean Coffee Spot, 32 Mill Road

by Mark Jolly

Are you hankering after a little bit of Greece in the grey of a Cambridge day? Mill Road Mediterranean Coffee Spot has precisely what you need.

As well as the usual offerings of espresso, cappuccino and latte, you can drink Greek coffee with various amounts of sweetness depending on your taste—from sketos (no sugar) to media (1 tsp) to glykos (2 tsp) or even vari glykos!!! Even the very popular Espresso Freddo.

Each coffee is served with a glass of water and a biscuit, usually cinnamon or carob, but at special times of the year—Christmas and Easter—with wonderful home-baked “kourabides”.

If you’re a little hungrier, then their homemade spanakopita (filo pastry with feta, or feta and spinach, or leek and feta) should do the trick. If your taste is for sweeter things then the bougatsa, baklava and kadaifi are delicious.

In the warmer weather there is a large patio garden at the back with a pergola to sit under if the sun gets too strong.

The Mediterranean Coffee Spot is owned by Filippos and his family, and is open from 7am to 6pm, seven days a week. And if you fancy Greek souvlaki, the family also own Hungril just a little further down Mill Road, with a reputation for having the best gyros in Cambridge.

A few other places to consider…

by Lyndsay Wright

Small but perfectly formed, Pages sits in the end house of a terrace of medieval buildings opposite Peterhouse. The counter is tucked at the back, with a handful of tables inside and a few more outside in the alleyway for warmer days. The décor is simple, allowing the character of the building to shine through—and the same could be said of the coffee. As the only place in Cambridge (to my knowledge) serving Monmouth coffee, it offers something special. There’s just one blend on offer, but it’s worth trying—though be prepared, it’s on the stronger side.

5 Blends Coffee House is another Mill Road favourite, located on the corner of Covent Garden, opposite the Co-op. Window stools and outdoor tables make it ideal for people-watching in this lively and diverse part of the city. As the name suggests, they offer five different coffee bean blends, allowing you to choose exactly what suits your taste. There’s also a tempting selection of freshly made cakes, generously portioned. Two tips: there’s a spacious downstairs seating area that’s often overlooked, and if you arrive before 10am, you can pick up a standard coffee for just £1.

Savinos may not boast the most glamorous location—opposite the bus stops on Emmanuel Street—but its popularity speaks for itself. Even on colder days, the outdoor seats are nearly always full. This family-run Italian coffee shop offers a warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere. Inside, there’s plenty of seating, including stainless-steel counters with swivel stools that encourage conversation and lingering. The coffee is Illy—a reliable classic—but Savinos is as much about the atmosphere as the drink. And the homemade amaretti are a must!

They say the best things come in small packages, and that certainly applies to Bould Brothers on Round Church Street. Easy to miss if not for the queue often stretching out the door, this compact café has built a loyal following. Founded by brothers Max and Alex, it serves its own house coffee—a smooth, fresh blend with just the right amount of bitterness. The original shop, opened in 2016, is tiny, with a few stools inside, benches outside (with essential blankets), and a small upstairs area. If you prefer a better chance of finding a seat, their Regent Street location offers the same quality with a bit more space. Bould Brothers offers a different kind of coffee experience. The staff greet you warmly, the coffee menu is simple, and the focus is firmly on quality over quantity. Don’t expect a venti latte here. The best coffee in Cambridge? For me, yes.

Do you have a favourite we’ve missed? Share it in the comments—we’re always on the lookout for the next great cup.

Coming soon… our favourite places for brunch.