Chop the Chains: A guide to Bristol’s best independent coffee shops

There’s simply no excuse to find yourself sitting in a café chain when Bristol is so brimming with endless independent coffee shops. As two uni students with coffee addictions and an insatiable appetite to chat, we’ve found ourselves exploring what the city has to offer.

With cafés on every corner, we have narrowed it down to our top 10 favourite spots – hopefully there’s one to fit everyone’s fancy.

1. FED

Let’s start this off with a banger – FED is a must when exploring Bristol’s café culture! With three spots across the city, there’s no excuse not to try out this health(ier) café. Their menu spans from a curried lentil and cauliflower dahl to fresh pastries and sweet treats. If that hasn’t grabbed you, we don’t know what will.

2. Odd Shop

Just two minutes away from the Arts Complex are the best hash browns you’ll ever have. Although a little on the pricier side, their hot drink selection and creative dishes make up for every penny spent. On a sunny day, the outside area is super social and a great location on Whiteladies Road.

3. East Village Café

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This family-owned café in Clifton is all plant based and definitely is a healthier option within our rankings. For anyone looking for gifts or eco-friendly bits and bobs, East Village Café has the perfect shop inside for you. There’s a range of seasonal drinks, iced coffees, smoothies and lots of food (from pastries and pancakes to sourdough and soup). Unfortunately, it is not a laptop friendly zone but bring your book or a friend and sit in the sun, enjoying the bustle of Clifton Village.

4. Mocha Mocha 

Just around the corner from uni, Mocha Mocha is the perfect spot for a quick coffee or spot to do some last minute reading before your lectures. The Italian style café serves its very own branded coffee and is infamous for its selection of focaccias. The prices are low, and the staff are the friendliest in Bristol. Where else does coffee and a cake for £5?!

5. Bakesmiths 

Bakesmiths is also a perfect location to work and socialise. Contrary to the buzz of downstairs, the upstairs in Bakesmiths provides a quieter space for you and your friends to work. If you make your way here, you have to try the toasties (they’re simply the best in Bristol) and their wide selection of cakes.

6. Rubicon 

Just around the corner, is Rubicon. A sweet and simple café that offers a great brunch menu, inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. The seats outside always seem to be sat in the sun and are right next to the local veg stand. The food is to die for, but our favourite is their shakshuka – it’s top-tier.

7. Mercy Mercy Mercy 

Another Clifton hotspot offering great matcha, service and outside seating! There is also space to work inside whilst looking out at the street (a perfect distraction when you’re bored with your essay).

8. Burra 

Just a short walk from the Downs is an independent, Australian coffee spot. They promote ethical living and their produce is organic and locally sourced (all within 25 miles of the city). Burra’s brunch never disappoints, particularly their halloumi and avocado on sourdough toast.

9. Saffron 

Saffron is a Mediterranean restaurant and café in, surprise surprise, the heart of Clifton. Their meze is nearly as good as their Brunch after a hungover walk through the downs – there’s nothing a fab latte and full English can’t fix.

10. Ahh Toots

Reaching a little lower into Bristol than our previously listed favourite spots in Clifton and Redland, we found Ahh Toots hidden at the bottom of the Christmas steps. Their cake selection is second to none, but if you want to sit in over the weekend, make sure to book for afternoon tea!