Top 5 Specialty Cafés and Coffee Shops in Oxford (England)
Coffee is a big part of what kept me awake enough to get my work done while studying at Exeter College in Oxford. As such, I have visited (and drank) at many, many cafés in the city. Here are my favourite for the coffees themselves!
If you want more recommendations based in the U.K., check out my lists about Cafés in London, or press one of the links below:
broche
Named after the French word for ‘brooch’, as a nod to the importance of the small details, Broche is tiny-but-mighty café in Jericho.
This coffee shop specializes in coffee and pastries. Both are done to perfection, every time. While there is no formal indoor sitting space, there are a few patio tables that make it possible to grab a quick drink, while having a quick chat.
It’s more of a takeout spot due to the seating arrangement, but this is the best takeout you’re ever going to try. In fact, it’s dine-in worthy.
Location:
165 Kingston Road, Oxford
CafÉ Society
Café Society is the first coffee shop that I visited in Oxford, and goodness me, what a high standard it set! It set the bar so high, in fact, that I’ve been back many, many times.
Speciality coffee is brewed by expert baristas, who take pride in their beverage creation. They offer pour-overs and cold brew, which, while not a requirement of a good coffee shop, is a promising sign. There is also proper matcha available, which I admire.
The grey interior is a bit more minimalist than my own preference, but it’s undeniably cool, and slick. There is an upstairs, and a downstairs area, plus a sunny patio.
As for the food - there are loads of offerings for multiple dietary restrictions. Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan diners can rejoice! I want to note that I have had excellent service every time I’ve visited. One barista in particular has been spectacular at managing my gluten intolerance, and minimizing cross contact. I feel safe, and satisfied, every time I visit!
Give it a go!
Location:
12-16 St Michael's Street, Oxford
new ground
New Ground is, in my opinion, the best speciality coffee roasters in Oxford. It’s one of the few places in which you can get a consistently good pour over. The baristas are helpful, and are knowledgable in regards to the beans they use, and the methods in which to extract them properly.
Th interior harkens to the thirdwave antipodean aesthetic, with clean lines, colour-blocking, and lot’s of minimalist pieces. There is both an upstairs, and a downstairs, seating area.
If you are a coffee aficionado, this is where you need to check out!
Location:
6, St Michael's Mansion, Ship Street, Oxford
101 Coffee
101 Coffee specializes in just that: coffee.
The brews here are excellent, and the quality of the beans chosen is highlighted by the baristas. The service has always been very friendly, and I appreciate the welcoming interior. There are plants throughout, which make it very appealing. While not ideal for studying, it’s ideal for a contemplative journal session, or catching up with some intriguing.
Bonus: The cups are very satisfying!
Locations:
101a Walton Street, Oxford
The Paper Boat Cafe
Paper Boat is a creatively inspiring café, set upon the Thames. True to it’s name, this is an excellent café to allow your imagination to float away while you write.
The café offers speciality coffee, that are brewed to perfection. There are also teas, and light lunches available. There was a gluten free cookie the day I visited, but it was not dairy free, so I didn’t give it a try.
From wherever you sit in the café, you feel connected to the outdoors, and especially the Thames. The downstairs seating area, with a wide open door, is my particular favourite. I have access to outlets, and river views.
If you like your coffee with a view, head on over!
Location:
Folly Bridge - The Old Toll House
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