Bath is well-known to be one of the best cities in the UK to grab a cup of coffee, treat yourself to a delicious brunch or even indulge in an afternoon tea in the most gorgeous of surroundings. Boasting a wide selection of independent cafes that are dog-friendly, kid-friendly and even vegan and gluten-free friendly, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you look for the best cafe in Bath.
Here at Cobb Farr, we know that moving to Bath is about much more than just finding the perfect property. That’s why we’ve gathered together our list of the best independent cafes in Bath including stylish artisan cafes, friendly and down-to-earth cosy cafes and everything in between.
Boston Tea Party, Kingsmead Square
Voted the most ethical cafe in the UK, Boston Tea Party in Bath is one of our favourite coffee shops in the entire city.
With an award-winning menu of breakfast, lunch and homemade cakes alongside the most delicious specialist coffees, loose-leaf teas and a selection of cold drinks, it’s the perfect stop-off point. Best of all, everything is prepared and cooked with love in their kitchens, using real raw ingredients to create delicious meals.
Situated on the edge of Kingsmead Square, it’s also the perfect place to soak up the gorgeous Georgian architecture and watch the world go by. If the weather is good, they even have a secret roof garden and are perfectly dog-friendly and breastfeeding friendly too.
Where: Boston Tea Party
Good Day Cafe, Upper Borough Walls
If you’re looking for the perfect place in Bath to brunch and you’re a big fan of sweet treats, pop along to the Good Day Cafe in Bath.
This independent coffee shop boasts a friendly team of enthusiastic bakers who know how to make the best cakes, cookies, brownies and milkshakes in the entire city.
Whether the weather is typically English outside or the sun is shining brightly, you’ll find the perfect spot to indulge in their simple yet delicious menu including mouth-watering sourdough toast, loaded hash browns, famous moreish brownies and creative fresh toast. If you come with a pet, you’ll also be warmly welcomed by the friendly staff.
Where:
Cascara, Upper Borough Walls
If a cosy, independent coffee shop serving healthy, vegan-friendly juices, soups, cakes, and speciality coffee is more your thing, you’ll love Cascara in Bath.
Nestled just around the corner from the Central Library, this hidden gem is tiny but boasts streetside outdoor seating where you can enjoy the local buzz whilst refuelling your body and mind. You can also take along your furry friend for company (but expect them to get totally spoilt too!)
Our favourite treats in this cute, boho-style Bath cafe include their raw vegan hot chocolate, gluten-free mocha brownie and, of course, their incredible kimchi toasties. Delicious!
Where: Cascara
The Society Cafe, Kingsmead Square
This beautiful cafe has become one of Bath’s most-loved coffee shops thanks to its stylish and bright interiors, modern artwork, artisan coffee, loose-leaf teas and lively yet chic vibe. Situated on the vibrant Kingsmead Square in the heart of the city, it’s also a perfect spot to take your laptop for a spot of remote working with yummy coffee and pastries.
Although the food menu is limited to a tempting selection of sandwiches and cakes, the beautiful surroundings, kid-friendly and dog-friendly attitude, healthy snacks and delicious coffees have placed it right at the heart of the Bath cafe scene.
Where: The Society Cafe
Colonna & Small’s, Chapel Row
Colonna & Small’s is undoubtedly the best coffee shop in Bath (if not the whole country!) for coffee aficionados who want to indulge in freshly roasted coffee from independent farmers that tastes simply out of this world.
Their team of baristas are genuinely passionate about producing seriously good coffee which does mean that the food selection is somewhat limited for snacks. Having said that, the interior is breathtakingly cool and with such a wide range of coffee blends and coffee expertise, this is a cafe you don’t want to miss.
We also love the fact that this award-winning cafe is independent and ethical and offers something unique to the Bath cafe scene.
Where: Colonna & Small’s
Sweet Little Things, Lower Borough Walls
Let’s be honest. There are times when all we want is an opulent afternoon tea set in the cutest of surroundings. That’s exactly what Sweet Little Things in Bath offers.
With two locations right in the middle of the city (at the bottom of Milsom Street and in Lower Borough Walls), it boasts delicious fresh ciabattas, mouth-watering brunches, scones with jam and clotted cream, breakfast tea and even a light tipple. Open for just a few hours between 12 and 4.30 pm, it’s the perfect spot to take the weight off your feet and indulge.
Pink and floral, Sweet Little Things is popular for sweet little meetups, the interior is about as pink as it gets, with stunning floral displays and pink-focused decor. We also love the fact that vegans and those following a gluten-free diet aren’t excluded from the party and can find a range of brunches, afternoon teas and ciabattas to satisfy their appetites.
Where: Sweet Little Things
Cafe au Lait, Dorchester Street
While Cafe Au Lait is one of the best places to spoil yourself with a bottomless brunch in Bath, it’s also a beautiful place to relax with a coffee and something tasty from its large selection of freshly made breakfasts and lunches before you explore more of the city or jump onto the train.
Located just opposite the train station, it’s a brilliant place to soak up the action and do a spot of people-watching while giving your tastebuds a real treat. We also love the fact that this family-run, independent business uses as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible for tastier foods that reduces our impact on the planet. It also offers luggage storage to make life easier for travellers and visitors.
Whether you want to eat until you burst, indulge in a morning tipple with friends or fuel yourself on the run, Cafe Au Lait is ideal.
Where: Cafe au Lait
Summary
Bath offers some of the most outstanding independent cafes in the whole of the UK. But don’t just take our word for it. Why not look through our list of the best cafes in Bath, choose your favourite and then give it a try? After all, what better excuse is there to enjoy delicious coffee and cake?
