IT’S UK Coffee Week, a dedicated time for coffee lovers to unite in their love for that warm mug of comfort which starts, and sometimes ends, every day.
However, this special week was not created with the sole purpose of guzzling lots of great tasting coffee (although this can be done).
UK Coffee Week is charity Project Waterfall’s flagship fundraising campaign to bring clean drinking water to coffee-growing communities.
During the week, which runs from Monday, October 18 to Sunday 24, the coffee industry and its customers celebrate all things coffee while raising funds for the people who make our cups of coffee possible.
You can find out more about UK Coffee Week by visiting https://www.ukcoffeeweek.com/
With that in mind, we take a look at the 10 best coffee shops in Southampton, as named by TripAdvisor.
10. The Lovely Little Bakery & Buffets (formerly The Lovely Little Café)
Merriemeade Parade, Beaulieu Road, Southampton
We’re hopping across the water to The Lovely Little Bakery in Dibden Purlieu.
The small bakery and catering company was formerly known as The Little Lovely Café, but the business was changed earlier this year.
The majority of reviews left on TripAdvisor, which resulted in the café ranking at number 10, are for the café before it changed.
Despite this, we are still keen to include The Lovely Little Bakery in the round-up!
One review from earlier this year said: “We accidentally came across this shop as I was putting some fuel in my car and my sister spotted it. I went inside and it all looked very appetising. I wanted to buy everything that my eyes could see.”
The Lovely Little Bakery offers a selection of hot and cold treats, alongside tasty drinks.
9. The Big Blue Café
New Forest Enterprise Centre, Totton, Southampton
This popular café sources its coffee locally from SO Roast Coffee, making a brew many customers love.
The café is a fan favourite thanks to its wide offering of cakes and hot meals, as well as brunches.
The Big Blue café also serves vegan and vegetarian options.
8. Bebe’s Café
Unit 1-2 Ferryboat House, Pylewell Road, Hythe
Located just a few steps away from Hythe waterfront, Bebe’s Café is renowned for its breakfast offering.
Customers can enjoy a nice, hot cup of coffee and tasty breakfast, before strolling along the beautiful waterfront.
One reviewer said: “BeBe's is delightful, always buzzing. It represents the heart of Hythe.”
7. Uptons of Bassett
351 Winchester Road, Southampton
Uptons of Bassett is first and foremost a butcher shop, but also caters to coffee and breakfast lovers alike.
The coffee has been described as “excellent” and many customers have complimented the shop’s meat offering.
6. The Art House
178 Above Bar Street, Southampton
The not-for-profit venue in Above Bar street is primarily a performance venue but offers delicious vegan food and drink.
The Art House is a popular place in the city centre for creatives to visit and enjoy.
A review made on TripAdvisor last year said: “Service was really gentle and friendly. Snacks great. Coffee really splendid - a different taste to the high street chains.”
5. Josie’s
6-8 High Street, Bishops Waltham
Further afield, visit Josie’s at the original site in Bishops Waltham for an “excellent” cup of coffee.
Each Josie’s site is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, cakes and delicious coffee.
There are numerous rave reviews on TripAdvisor, with one saying that the café offers a “really high quality breakfast and the coffee was also really good.”
4. Halladay’s Tearooms
6 Bedford Place, Southampton
Tucked away in Bedford Place, this café is full of personality with fun décor.
Beyond the aesthetic of this café however, lies “large portions” and “great coffee.”
Halladay’s has a wide selection of hot and is well known for its breakfasts, which are bound to fill you up.
3. Café Thrive
18 Hanover Buildings, Southampton
Cafe Thrive is a popular vegan cafe in the city centre that serves nutritious and affordable plant-based food, along with organic coffee.
Pop in to try something new and delicious, similarly to one TripAdvisor user who said: “I went for a latte and was obviously stumped when they didn't do whole milk. I went on the recommendation of an oats= milk latte and wow was it good.”
2. Docks Coffee
Online shop, formerly in Oxford Street, Southampton
Although the beloved Oxford Street location has now closed, Docks Coffee is still serving delectable coffee and sweet treats.
The popular coffee house offers its own blend of coffee, the Docks Coffee House Blend, alongside the Docks Sparkling Decaf coffee.
It is also well known for its jam-packed brownies, and Docks is currently serving autumn and Halloween flavours, including autumn Oreo and pumpkin spice.
1. Miss Ellie’s Café
31A Manor Farm Road, Southampton
This well-loved café near the River Itchen has ranked as number one.
Miss Ellie’s Café serves coffee, cake and a range of hot food, but is renowned for its breakfast offering.
One reviewer said: “We were exploring the local area and had two breakfasts and coffee. Unbelievable value and good quality.”
Where is your favourite place to go for a coffee in Southampton?
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