We are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to independent cafés, coffee shops and bakeries in Bristol. Whether you’re looking to catch up with a friend, pass the time with a good book, type away on a laptop, or simply watch the world go by, you’ll be sure to find a place that suits you. Here are my current 10 favourite Bristol cafés:

• Roam Wild, Cotham – you can find Lucy and her cute van weekdays in Cotham Park and at other events around the city. I particularly love Lucy’s chai latte. She also sells sweet treats from 404 Bakes, and on Fridays you’ll find fresh flower bouquets available to buy.
• Fed, Cotham Hill, Gloucester Road, Fishponds – an enticing display of baked goods awaits you at this ever-popular café. They serve a delicious Earl Grey iced tea in the summer.

Roam Wild

• East Village Café, Clifton – here you’ll find loads of tasty vegan treats along with a lovely shop full of pretty homewares and accessories that make great gifts. Choose from the outdoor and indoor seating, or takeaway to nearby Victoria Square.
• The Cloakroom Café, Woodland Road – a lovely quirky place, this converted Edwardian public loo has been lovingly curated with homely mismatched furniture.

East Village Café

• Mercy, Clifton – offers particularly delicious French toast and brunch options along with pastries and drinks too.
• Bristol Folkhouse, Park Street – this lesser known café is neatly tucked away, and serves some great lunch options plus lovely courtyard seating. The Folkhouse runs numerous courses and events from painting to languages to ceilidhs.
• New Cut Coffee, harbourside – it’s rude not to get the toasted banana bread if you visit this friendly spot!

Mercy

• Gather, Park Street – stunning Scandinavian vibes along with crockery you’ll wish you could take home with you.
• Farro, St Paul’s – incredible pastries alongside soft-serve ice cream in the summer months. Definitely more of a grab-and-go type place, you can also find them at markets such as the Whiteladies Road Saturday Farmers Market.
• Ahh Toots, Christmas Steps – located in a beautiful Tudor fronted building with one of the most magical cake displays you’ll find, this lovely cake shop also offers wonderfully creative afternoon teas.

Gather

There are so many more wonderful places too, such as Foliage Café, Mrs Potts Chocolate House, Albatross (impressed by their cake that uses up their leftover pastries!), Society Café, Elemental Collective, Bird & Blend (lots of tea options), Burra and Spicer and Cole. I could easily continue!

I stopped drinking coffee in 2020 so will usually opt for an oat chai latte or a tea, however my boyfriend can safely vouch for good coffee at all the cafés I’ve recommended!

Alexa

P.S. If you enjoyed reading this, why not take a look at my 2024 Bristol Food Highlights, My 5 Favourite Baking Recipes and Top Bristol Restaurants for a Celebratory Meal.

Header photo: Fed, Cotham