Bored of having to rely on the terrible office coffee machine to give you that energy boost first thing in the morning, or embarrassed to serve it to your office visitors? Bristol and Bath have some fantastic coffee shops for remote working or meetings, so why not get a trained barista to make it for you while you giddily try to decide which muffin to have before your client arrives.
The region has seen a huge boost in brew spots for caffeine connoisseurs in the last few years, with stylish little coffee houses springing up all over Bath and Bristol, competing for the most complex flavour notes, minimalist décor and tastiest cakes. Bristol is so packed with great coffee houses in fact, that it now has its own Coffee Map!
Here are some of the finest establishments to pay lip service to all things caffeinated (and where you can pilfer the free Wi-Fi, of course)…
Bath coffee shops for remote working
4 & 5 Kingsmead Square, Bath, BA1 2AB
A relaxed spot in busy Kingsmead Square, Society keeps its menu short but perfectly formed. Choose from a variety of options, including aeropress filter coffee, white hot chocolate or a wide selection of teas.
There is also a good selection of cakes, pastries and sandwiches on offer. Sit downstairs in their cosy basement surrounded by arty magazines, or out on Kingsmead Square if it’s a sunny day – both would make a fine location for a meeting.
6 Chapel Row, Bath, UK
A proud purveyor of speciality coffee, there is no better place in the West Country if you consider yourself a connoisseur of the coffee bean.
The coffee shop itself is all very minimalist and modern – very much the place for freelance web designers tapping away on their Macbook Air, but luckily it manages to stay just the right side of cool without being exclusive.
6 Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY
Having nabbed one of the prime spots in town under the arches by the Pump Rooms and Bath Abbey, fortunately Mokoko’s has managed to avoid the frequent curse of tourist locations by still selling great quality food and drink.
Their artisan coffee will please even the snobbiest of coffee fiends, whilst treats, cakes, quiches and more are freshly made in their Bristol-based bakery, drawing in both Bathonians and tourists alike.
2 Cork Place, Upper Bristol Road, Bath, BA1 3BB
A little further out of the city centre on the Upper Bristol Road, Repack is another speciality coffee venue, where you can rely on an excellent beverage whether you have you coffee as a black filter, flat white or an affogato with ice cream on top.
Food options are limited to a selection of cakes, pastries and sandwiches; all the better for taking away to sit and work in the sun in Victoria Park nearby.
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14 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AD
Located in a classic Bath Stone building overlooking the popular Kingsmead Square, this independent Coffee Shop is a cosy place to do some remote working – if the sun is shining, you can also enjoy some outside seating. And if you fancy a little break, there is even a selection of board games to choose from.
Find a wide range of croissants, pastries and cake as well as all the caffeinated drinks you can imagine to satisfy your daytime beverage needs.
9 Saracen St, Bath BA1 5BR
This quirky little establishment has the best of both worlds: charm and practicality. With its spacious environment and surplus of plug sockets, it makes a great place to enjoy some coffee and do some work.
And if you’re feeling peckish, there is a selection of homemade sandwiches that would make for the perfect picnic.
1 Pierrepont St, Bath BA1 1NY
Here’s one for the all the veggies out there. The Green Rocket’s expansive menu hosts a range of vegetarian and vegan goodies, that everyone can enjoy, for breakfast and lunch. Plus, there’s the chance to grab one of their freshly squeezed organic juices.
Its busy location near the station is convenient; however, it means that working outside is not without its distractions. But if you just want to grab a coffee and get your head down, you can hide upstairs and crack on.
18 York Street, Bath, BA1 1NG
If you like some historical artefacts with your coffee, then Café Retro is the place for you. You can get food any time of the day in their spacious indoor seating area, or, there’s always the option to grab a Retro-to-Go takeaway and picnic in the Parade Gardens next door.
Of course, everyone is also invited to pop in and grab an old-fashioned afternoon tea.
Bristol coffee shops for remote working
1 Princess Victoria Street, Bristol, BS8 4HR
A local institution and deservedly so – there are now six Boston Tea Parties in Bristol, as well as two Bath branches. Choose from an extensive menu of loose leaf teas, house & guest coffees, smoothies and juices; or if you’re feeling a bit maverick you could go for one of the local beers on offer. They do a wide array of cakes and pastries, but there are also breakfasts and more substantial meals if you’re planning on sticking around for a while.
All of the cafes tend to be very busy so not the best place for a meeting, but if you want a lively place to sit with your laptop you can’t go wrong.
45 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2LS
Located on the trendy Whiteladies Road, this café has a bright and airy feel, mainly due to the large decked front terrace – a perfect location for some al fresco meetings.
Since opening in 2013 it’s attracted a lot of positive attention for its high quality food, including sandwiches, salads and quiches. They also do a fine line in cakes – who else sells bourbon caramel custard croissant bakes? The summery menu is complimented with some excellent coffee, fresh juices and iced teas.
108 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RU
A co-operative café on Stokes Croft, the food at Kino is vegan and all made on the premises, from the hefty sandwiches to their curries, stews and salads. You can ask for dairy or soy milk in your coffee, otherwise there are plenty of loose leaf teas and cold drinks to choose from.
This is another nice and quiet hub in the middle of a bustling area, plus if the café gets too busy you can always sit downstairs, where it is usually deserted.
The Eye, Glass Wharf, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS2 0DW
Bristol’s up and coming fresh food chain; these guys have their eyes on UK-wide domination, and it’s easy to see why they’re so popular. Their mission is to fill you full of ‘Feel Good Food’, whether it be flatbreads, salads or their ‘hot boxes’, along with some seriously good coffees and teas.
With five branches across Bristol – including in the thriving Temple Quarter zone and another just minutes from Temple Meads Station, it’s like this favourite coffee joint was made for those busy meeting-filled days.
59 Broad Street, Bristol, BS1 2EJ
If you consider yourself a coffee connoisseur, Full Court Press is the ultimate in high end hot beverages. Choose from hot or cold brew, with or without milk, or if you can’t decide, go for a tasting set.
The shop itself is nice and quiet, and their downstairs area is a good spot for you to hide away and get some work done in the centre of town.
Mockingbird, 58 Alma Vale Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2HS
Also known as Budapest Café, you can find this family-owned gem in the heart of Clifton. With an extensive American/ Hungarian themed menu, you will be spoilt for choice at this little independent. And with Bristol-based Extract Coffee, what more could you ask for?
The light and airy atmosphere, alongside the generous bench space, makes this an ideal place to whip out your laptop whilst enjoying delicious food with a uniquely Bristolian twist.
85 Park St, Bristol BS1 5PJ
Want to do some work in Britain’s best bakery? You have to look no further than Park Street. According to the National Sandwich Awards, Pinkmans is the nations greatest.
Renowned for their delicious sourdough bread, you can enjoy breakfast food, sandwiches or savouries at Pinkmans, whilst taking a seat at the back of their bakery.
But be aware that this is a no longer Bristol’s best-kept secret, so don’t expect a quiet vibe!
45 St Nicolas Street, Bristol, BS1 1TP
If you find most cafes a bit too dull or self-conscious, then how about one with piles of board games and swings for seats?
Based over three floors and packed with colourful décor, drawing boards and a vast selection of games, Playground is just as serious about entertaining your inner child as it is serving you fantastic coffee and snacks – what better way to close a deal than over a game of Bristol Monopoly?
234 North St, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1J
Tincan encourages its customers to come work, meet or relax in their urban-themed café. You can enjoy their locally roasted, seasonal espresso blend, or treat yourself to an award-winning cake.
With friendly staff, a welcoming environment and a simple brunch menu to keep you going, Tincan is a lovely space to get on with some work in.
Unit 34-36, The Arcade, Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3JD
The Crazy Fox is hidden away in the sanctuary of the Arcade. It prides itself in seasonal menus and sourcing produce from as close to home as possible, without compromising on quality. With its health-orientated ethos, it is a great place to get those nutrients and fuel your brain power.
And if the weather permits it, there’s a lovely outdoor seating area at the front.
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