I don’t know about you, but in college sweat pants and coffee ruled the world – even before wearing ethically-sourced-over-priced track pants and posting overhead shots of lattes and succulents for no apparent reason was a thing. I still cringe remembering students march up to the library like zombies – eyes blood-shot, habitually throwing back a shot of espresso as if they were downing a shot of tequila at a frat party.
But remember how I said University of Cambridge was a whole other college experience? Here in Cambridge, it stays classy. Sip on your espresso or long black like a proper university student about to ACTUALLY write a 200 page thesis and NOT get distracted by videos of Chinese teens lip syncing to Backstreet Boys in their dorm room (if you know this YouTube video, you’re probably too old to be in college…just sayin’).
So here are the coziest cafes in Cambridge serving up a classy cup of coffee and sweet sticky treats to get those creative juices flowing.
And despite how comfy they may be, do yourself a favor and ditch the trackies. Feel like a human being again. Besides, these cafes are so cozy it’ll make up for you actually having to put some real pants on.
Fitzbillies
A beautiful art nouveau shop front has been a part of Cambridge since 1921, when Ernest and Arthur Mason set up a cake shop off of their ‘demob’ money from the First World War. The original shop still bakes their famous Chelsea Buns and other cakes with original recipes which pair perfectly with Climpson & Sons coffee. Concurrently, the shop has kept with the times developing a menu of simple and sincere bistro style food served in the newer cafe/restaurant next to the original bakery.
Cozy Level:
The nostalgic “I really hope this place is around forever” cozy. Fitzbillies is a time honored and loved tradition who continues to perpetuate the best of the good old days in all the right ways.
Fitzbillies | Trumpington St. | Cambridge, England
Afternoon Tease
Original owner, Jo Kruczynska was bit by the coffee culture bug in Australia and upon returning to her hometown she decided to open a cafe. Jo made it big time when Cambridge discovered her homemade cakes. Afternoon Tease has come along way and is actually closing in a few weeks (so get your Afternoon Tease Fix now!) but still offers a fun range of desserts that will keep you on your toes! A few regular signature cakes stick around while other recipes make an appearance. But one thing that is certain at Afternoon Tease is Bacon Bap Fridays – because who doesn’t love bacon? or Fridays?
Cozy Level:
Like “taking tea in your favorite auntie’s kitchen on a sunny Sunday afternoon” cozy. *Sip* ahhhhh…
Espresso Library
Established a mere two years ago by a cycling mathematician slash chess player with a passion for coffee, and an art historian yogi keen on simple, nutritious food. John Gull and Malgo Dzierugo opened espresso library in 2015 set with the intention to create a space which reflected their interests.
Without a doubt your creative juices will flow here as Espresso Library “is a unique multi-use hangout space focused on creating a broad and organic community of people keen to share their passions” – Espresso Library. What better place to relax and learn about all the other fascinating humans on this earth. Surely it won’t be long before a start up claims its origins in Espresso Library; or pages of a best-selling novel were written here; or a talented artist is soon discovered.
Cozy Level:
The “post yoga flow and cycling ride hangout with espresso” cozy. Good food, great coffee…even better company.
Bould Brothers
“Coffee. Conversation. Passion” Brothers Max and Alex Bould settle for nothing but the best at Bould Brothers Coffee – from the quality of the beans, the skills of their baristas, the texturizing of their milk, and even really, really good water. Their focus for passion and a quality customer experience is clearly present in each and every cup of coffee poured behind the counter.
Cozy Level:
The “I know the owners” kind of cozy. A cafe whose canny service will make you feel like a regular.
Urban Larder
The friendly bunch of folks over at Urban Larder are more than eager to welcome you with a warm smile and please you with their distinctive goodies neatly sitting on the counter tops. Including freshly brewed coffee and teas accompanied by lovely savories, toasties and cakes – all locally sourced by their fellow independents around the Mill Road area. This also includes the eclectic goods they sport on the walls thought fully stocked with all sorts of quirky items – from oils and chutneys to loose leaf tea and works from local artists.
Cozy Level:
“Industrial Scandinavian haven, where great coffee meets gourmet food and warm hearts” cozy – The Cambridge Scholar. I just couldn’t have said it any better!
