If you don’t feel full of beans without a caffeine hit in the morning, read on. From artisan coffee shops to cute market stalls, we’ve brewed up a list of the best places in the UK for you to grab a perfect cup of coffee.

Climpson & Sons, London

If you’ve taken an early morning stroll down Broadway Market (and you really don’t want to miss the excellent stalls on Saturdays), then you’ll probably need a pick-me-up from Climpson & Sons. You can head to their cart at the heart of the action or sit down at the market-side cafe. And your drink tastes even better when you find out that they roast their own beans just down the road in London Fields.

Kaffeine, London

Calling all coffee geeks! Kaffeine grind your coffee for three seconds in a machine with an integrated cooling fan. They are also the proud owners of a mythical Synesso Cyncra espresso machine and use it to perfection. They even run coffee-making courses, so if you’ve ever fancied forming a fern on the top of your latte, then this is one for you.

Prufrock Coffee, London

For cutting-edge coffee, try Prufrock. Here, Japanese pour-over filters and halogen beam heaters add a splash of a science experiment to your espresso. The result is proof – if you needed it – of how delicious coffee is when it’s made properly. No wonder their flat white has often been described as one of the best in London.

The Elephant House, Edinburgh

It’s just possible that the Harry Potter series wouldn’t exist without The Elephant House; after all, this is where J.K. Rowling wrote lots of her early works. Ian Rankin of Rebus fame and Alexander McCall-Smith, author of The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency books, are also regulars. Whether you’re drafting your own masterpiece or not, the super-fresh arabica coffee will soon inspire your plans for the day ahead.

Nude Espresso, London

‘Respect the bean’ is the mantra here. As a multi-award-winning cafe, Nude certainly take their coffee seriously and you can taste it in every sip. The staff will answer your queries on slow-brew techniques or recommend a new single origin espresso. Real addicts will be thrilled to know that you capture the same sensation at home if you pick up some of their beans while you’re there.

CARAVAN, London

With coffee sourced from single farms and estates, and roasted at their King’s Cross premises, CARAVAN really emphasises provenance. Why not book a table in the roastery itself and try some of the delicious brunch dishes with your shot of cortado; the grilled coconut bread with strawberries and lemon curd cream cheese is excellent.

Bar Italia, London

Perking up Soho’s residents – and resident partygoers – since 1949, Bar Italia’s top-secret coffee blend may just be the finest north of the Alps. They’re open from 7am to 5am every day, so whenever you’re in the area do drop by to have a sip and to spot local hipsters (and maybe even some movie stars and cool musicians too).

Colonna & Small’s, Bath

Seasonality is the name of the game here. The line-up changes on a weekly basis depending what’s best at that moment. They will prove to you that filter coffee has been unfairly maligned and is, in fact, aromatic and complex. Alternatively, you could try one of Colonna & Small’s three espressos, which all cleverly balance acidity with sweetness and are a million miles away from anything mass-produced.

Department of Coffee and Social Affairs, London

Even when you’re taking a coffee break, there’s no need to leave your social conscience behind. The ‘Department of Coffee and Social Affairs’ name refers in part to the convivial and lively atmosphere of the shops, but also their good works. These include feeding rough sleepers and offering training and job opportunities to South Africans living in poverty. So you can now almost think of your morning cappuccino as a charitable donation.

Taylor St Baristas, London

From the enticing aroma as you enter to the luxurious taste of the soy-milk latte as you exit, everything about Taylor St Baristas screams quality. Union Hand beans are the regular blend, but they frequently feature guest espressos if you fancy ringing the changes. You could even treat yourself to a home brewing kit for the same terrific flavour every time.

The Tea Hive, Manchester

If you’re looking for the perfect cup of coffee (or tea, for that matter) then make a beeline for the Tea Hive in Chorlton near Manchester. This coffee shop and tea emporium has over 20 different loose teas to try and their expert baristas use a variety of different brewing methods to get your roast beans just right. Need a sweet treat? Their homemade cakes are the perfect accompaniment to your cup of something hot.

Fig and Sparrow, Manchester

The Fig and Sparrow in Manchester’s bustling Northern Quarter is a cool little coffee shop with a relaxed vibe. Not only can you pop in for a brew and a delicious light lunch, you can also browse the shop selling gorgeous items made by local designers and artists. The rustic decor and friendly atmosphere make this surprising coffee shop a welcome retreat from the buzz of the city.

Coffee Cranks Co-operative, various locations

If you like coffee and bicycles, then you’re going to love this. Coffee Cranks Coop is a coffee shop on two wheels where ethically-sourced hot beverages and raw-vegan snacks are sold straight off the bike. Their aim is to promote low-carbon lifestyles and they hope to educate people about the benefits of cooperation and sustainable modes of transport.

The New England Coffee House, Stow on the Wold

Nestled in the beautiful town of Stow on the Wold, The New England Coffee House is a comfortable, cosy and laid-back home from home. Sit back, sip a fresh velvety coffee and sink into a sumptuous leather chair while you flick through the pile of newspapers and magazines. If you’re feeling hungry, there’s a tempting array of flapjacks, cakes and biscuits on offer for a little extra indulgence.

The Vaults and Garden Cafe, Oxford

If you’re enjoying a busy day of sightseeing in Oxford and are in need of a little refreshment, this is one of the most beautiful and historic cafes you’re likely to find. Situated in the Old Congregation house of Oxford University, just across the way from the Radcliffe Camera, The Vaults and Garden Cafe oozes atmosphere. Its dedication to locally sourced and ethically produced goods is to be admired and, of course, enjoyed.

Picnic Cornwall, Cornwall

“Eat. Drink. Explore” is Picnic Cornwall’s philosophy and that’s exactly what makes it so delectable. Pop in for a cup of coffee, grab a pasty from the deli or stay for a while and savour a glass of local sparkling wine. If you’re heading out to explore the area, take away a bespoke picnic hamper before getting a few tips from the cafe team on the most scenic spots to enjoy your lunch.

Small Batch Coffee Company, Brighton

The coffee is firmly at the heart of this ethical roastery. Small Batch Coffee Company’s mission is to source and brew only the finest quality coffee and educate their consumers about where their daily roast has come from. Their coffee cart at Brighton station is a must for flagging commuters and sightseers looking for a delicious cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Jaffe & Neale, Chipping Norton

What could be better than thumbing through the pages of a book while enjoying a smooth cup of coffee and a freshly-baked cake? Well, that’s exactly what you can do at Jaffe & Neale in the centre of Chipping Norton. Chat with like-minded bookworms, watch passers by in the market square or browse the selection of cards and gifts at this brilliantly bookish cafe.

Combibos Coffee, Oxford

This family owned and run coffee shop in the centre of Oxford is well known by the local community for its friendly welcome and delicious food. Combibos Coffee is the perfect meeting place for students, families, couples…well, anyone really! Voted one of the top 50 indie coffee shops in the UK by The Independent, this little gem in the city of dreaming spires is not to be missed.

Popup Bikes, Manchester

Under a railway arch in Angle Meadows – right in the heart of Manchester’s buzzing arts and music scene – you’ll find the profoundly innovative Popup Bikes. Not only does it provide parking for 100 bikes (six days a week) and an in-house repair shop, they also serve up locally sourced coffee. So the next time you’re riding around Piccadilly Gardens and get a flat tire, remember there’s an ethical cycle shop around the corner where you can grab an expresso to go or unwind with a latte.

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