Nothing beats a nice hot drink on a cold day in the city centre, especially when we are exhausted from Christmas. Nottingham has a lot of different places to go for a cuppa - but while there are many obvious choices on the high street, there are some truly hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
From neon-lit Instagrammable treats to woodland winter warmers, there is something for everyone on offer provided you are willing to do a little walking. While we can't list all of them, here are just some of our favourites to get you started.
The Hungry Ghost
Cobden Chambers
The Hungry Ghost is a truly hidden gem which is so much more than just a coffee shop. The shop is a treasure trove of independent designers or businesses and vintage finds. Grab a hot coffee before browsing or simply sit and people watch in the comfortable booths.
Cobden Chambers feels like a bit of a calm oasis and a break outside of the world despite being in the city centre. Hidden Ghost offers a chance to take a minute, sit back and relax before you brave the busy streets again.
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Effy
Houndsgate
Effy is one of the prettiest coffee shops in Nottingham and it's tucked around the corner on Houndsgate just by Meta Barbers. The pink conceptually designed business is great if you are looking for an unusual blend as the team sources unique or rare coffees from around the world.
Not to mention it's one of the more colourful coffee shops in town.
White Rabbit tearoom
Bridlesmith Walk
There are two different White Rabbit locations with one in town and another in West Bridgford. The city centre location is in the middle of Bridlesmith Walk and is a great shout for a good lunch and a quirky tea.
If you are a tea drinker rather than a coffee drinker, then you are in luck here as they have a huge variety for you to choose from. Options for a cuppa include orange blossom oolong tea, green tea with black cherry, Chun mee and jasmine flowers. Although, if you prefer a more traditional taste then there is plenty of English breakfast and Earl Grey.
Quayside Cafe
Colwick Road
Stumble on to the industrial park in Colwick and it feels a bit like you may have taken a wrong turn at first but keep going past the businesses to find Quayside Cafe. It's a world away from its industrial setting when you step inside thanks to the wooden tree touches and Christmas tree.
The cafe does a mean breakfast but if you are looking for more of a hot tea break while out walking in the park then you are in for a treat. Although, a word of warning, the cake selection is absolutely sinful and impossible to ignore so don't say we haven't warned you.
Wired on Wheels
Colwick Park
There are plenty of walks to do around Colwick Park and more than one spot to nab a coffee in. Wired used to be based in the city centre but has relocated to their more mobile offering in the middle of the park. They have also built up quite the following of fans who enjoy an early morning stroll and a decadent hot chocolate to finish.
It's not just about the coffee at the van as the team can whip up a really decent hot chocolate complete with all the extras. There are seats to sit in but it's worth taking your tea to the water's edge to really take in your surroundings while you sip.
The Hungry Pumpkin
Lace Market
The Hungry Pumpkin is an absolute find for anyone looking for good Italian food, coffee and sweet treats. In fact, the coffee shop itself is often filled with Italian visitors who welcome a home away from home. While it's tempting to stop off for lunch given their excellent sandwiches, it's also a good shout if you love coffee as they serve nothing but the good stuff.
The cafe has a deli shop attached where you pick up a few Italian items such as pasta, biscuits and drinks.
Punch Coffee
Mansfield Road
Punch Coffee opened earlier this year on Mansfield Road and they offer not only a great coffee but an unreal chocolate brownie too. While the slow trek up the hill is not the easiest at the best of times, it's worth it for the promise of something from Punch at the top.
The cafe was the creation of four friends and the cafe has a laid-back, relaxed vibe where you spend hours watching the weird and the wonderful of the street go past through the large windows.
Beam
Primary, Seely Road, Lenton
Beam combines the very best in coffee, art and books at its location in Primark just outside the city centre. It's worth having a look to see what's on at Primary before you go to make sure you maximise your time there or check out some of the many events or workshops they hold.
It's open towards the weekend so plan your visit accordingly but has some of the best coffee in the city in a lovely cultured surroundings.
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