CA mbridGe Coffee shop Guide

Our coffee connoisseur, Fedor Misyura, shares his opinions on the Cambridge coffee bean scene

As a Fresher, you need to learn quickly where to get your daily source of caffeine. Coffee is the ultimate elixir that will surely make your day in Cambridge both longer and more enjoyable! Of course, there is the sensible option of buying and making your own coffee from Sainsbury’s; however, if you are looking for a nice place to work, or meet someone, Sainsbury’s probably won’t deliver. So here is a quick guide to help you know where to go and where not to go.

College Bar

The “I have so much work right now it’s, like, not even funny” coffee shop

Should be called ‘College Café’. Serves the cheapest cappuccino in Cambridge (and you can pay with your Camcard). Beware of friends who will inevitably start talking to you (it might actually be quite fun). As nice as it is, only go here if you are prepared to spend two hours procrastinating.

Location: …

Coffee: 3/5

Seating: 3/5 (usually full so you’ll probably have to share)

Style: 2/5 (not exactly the crème de la crème)

Noise: Equivalent of pres early on (background music and chatter).

Bould Brothers

The “Oh, you come here too? Cool!” coffee shop

If you own a pair of fashionable trainers, or do HSPS, this is a place for you. Not only have they got suitably overpriced muffins, but they also serve the best flat white in town. It’s very popular, so you’ll probably bump into someone you know.

Location: 4/5 (-1 for having to walk past John’s)

Coffee: 5/5

Seating: 3/5 (small tables, but, there is an upstairs)

Style: 5/5 (respect if you buy one of their caps)

Noise: Strong coffee making sounds.

Waterstones Café

The niche coffee book shop

Certainly has its regulars and seems to be the place to go to get a Crushbridge. Just wear something bright (preferably red), sit conspicuously, and pretend to work. But don’t take my word for it—I don’t want to disappoint you. It’s a cruel world out there.

Location: 4/5 (as far as Life, so… not very far)

Coffee: 4/5

Seating: 4/5 (you can usually find a spot)

Style: 3/5 (are you a writer?)

Noise: Practically a library.

Caffè Nero (King’s Parade)

The “Please can I have an extra shot of espresso” coffee shop

Will likely be on your way to lectures in the morning. Beware of slow tourists ‘choosing their drinks’ in a language not known to the staff. If you haven’t already, try the Dutch Caramel Wafer: life changing.

Location: 5/5 (very convenient)

Coffee: 3/5

Seating: 2/5 (functional but main area has no windows)

Style: 2/5 (standard, nothing special, better than Pret)

Noise: Tourists outside, quiet inside.

Hot Numbers (Trumpington Street)

The faraway coffee shop

Rather dubiously dubbed as the best coffee shop in town, in reality it is on par with Bould Brothers at best. Cappuccinos are nice and creamy, and you can even have one with almond or oat milk (vegan heaven). Beware of Engineers and Architects.

Location: 1/5 (other end of town, very good for Engineers and Architects)

Coffee: 5/5

Seating: 4/5 (has a nice outside area)

Style: 4/5 (not quite Coco Chanel; classy enough for an Arts student, too classy for an Engineer)

Noise: Too much chat all round.