Coffee in Coventry
Coventry is great for lots of reasons – and one of those is our coffee.
We’ve asked people in Cov what their favourite places are in the city centre and have put together a list of some of the best places you can grab a great coffee and maybe something to eat while you’re at it.
Bean & Leaf Coffee House, Hertford Street
Everything a coffee house should be. Family-run, great coffee, loose-leaf teas and fabulous cakes and treats. For the founders of Bean & Leaf, owning a speciality coffee shop in the heart of Coventry is a dream turned reality.
Their coffee is great, it comes served with a friendly welcome and you have to try one of their marshmallows (make sure you get it toasted!)
76 Hertford Street, Coventry, CV1 1LB
Esquires Coffee, Millennium Place
Attached to Coventry Transport Museum, Esquires is a great place for a pit stop. Spacious yet cosy, you can stop for breakfast, lunch or just a fairtrade coffee with a slice of cake. It’s dog-friendly too so you can take your pet pooch along with you.
Esquires also offers catering for breakfast, lunch or afternoon meetings.
Coventry Transport Museum, Millennium Place, Hales St, Coventry, CV1 1JD
Bagel Brunch, Smithford Way
For some Coventry coffee-lovers, Bagel Brunch is where it’s at for your caffeine fix and of course for bagels too.
Alongside great coffee, you can try everything from breakfast to burgers and bagels, brunch bakes, salads and traditional dishes like Shakshuka.
37 Smithford Way, Coventry, CV1 1FY
Rising Cafe, Coventry Cathedral
Built in the historic surroundings of Coventry Cathedral, Rising Cafe is another local favourite. Run by previously homeless and substance-addicted men and women, 100% of proceeds from the cafe goes towards funding their recovery.
In keeping with its post-war theme, the menu is designed to evoke the atmosphere of the 1940s, from burgers to salads named after stars like Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth. The afternoon teas include the American Alliance with its selection of mini burgers and the traditional English-style Winston with mini Yorkshire puddings and dipping gravy. Don’t worry, there’s a classic option too as well as plenty of home baked goods and a selection of vegan options.
Priory St, Coventry, CV1 5FB
Finney’s Coffee Co, Warwick Row
Finney’s is another independent that gets people’s vote when we ask where they go to for a good coffee. Right in the heart of the city centre, they serve hand-roasted, freshly-ground Union coffee in a relaxed cafe on Warwick Row.
Finney’s regularly gets praise for its friendly staff and impressive patisserie display. On top of all that, there’s free wifi, USB charging and plenty of sockets if you want to work there.
25 Warwick Row, Coventry, CV1 1EY
Fratelli, Hertford Street
A newcomer to Coventry, Fratelli only opened in October but is the brainchild of three close friends who have worked in the city for years. Set over two floors, it’s decorated with bespoke artwork and has a counter on each floor to make sure you don’t have to wait too long.
It’s open from breakfast right through to the evening and serves up a range of food as well as great coffee and other hot drinks.
66 Hertford Street, Coventry, CV1 1LB
Kahawa Cafe, New Union Street
Another popular choice is Kahawa Cafe on New Union Street. This coffee house uses an Arabica blend from India, El Salvador and Brazil, freshly ground and turned into your choice of speciality coffee by their baristas.
They do other hot and cold drinks as well as hot and cold snacks, and are lactose-free friendly, as well as wheelchair, pram and breastfeeding friendly.
163 New Union St, Coventry, CV1 2PL
The Undercroft at St Mary’s Guildhall
If you’re looking for somewhere for a bit more of a quirky coffee, how about The Undercroft at St Mary’s Guildhall? Not only do you get to enjoy the historic surroundings, but your food and drinks will be prepared in the same kitchens that have catered for visitors for nearly 700 years.
From a quick coffee to snacks, salads, hot lunches or cakes and pastries, there’s something waiting for you no matter what the time of day. The cafe’s also licensed in case you want a break from tea and coffee. There’s free wifi and a kid’s menu too, as well as gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
St. Mary’s Guildhall, Bayley Lane, Coventry, CV1 5RN
Coffee Tots, City Arcade
Coffee Tots is much more than a cafe. It describes itself as a cafe drop-in for parents and young children and aims to provide a relaxing cafe environment, affordable fair-trade drinks, snacks and lunches and a play area and activities for babies, toddlers and pre-school children.
It was set up and run by parents who understand the challenges of becoming a parent and raising children and aims to offer support and give people the opportunity to share their experiences. They also run plenty of different courses and fun sessions for children as well as signposting to other groups and services.
11 City Arcade, Coventry, CV1 3HX
Article courtesy of Ellen Manning