With searches for “autumn” currently trending, it’s safe to say that cosy season is officially upon us. And what better way to celebrate than with a pumpkin-spiced coffee at a cosy coffee shop? Inspired by this, the coffee enthusiasts at Reviva Coffee sought to investigate which UK city is the best for independent coffee shops, by analysing independents as a proportion of total coffee shops – and Manchester has placed in the top 10.
Reviva established which coffee shops are ‘independent’ by creating a list of known major coffee chains to differentiate between chain and independent coffee shops. This list was based on widely recognised brands and included names such as Costa Coffee, Starbucks, and Caffè Nero.
Reviva Coffee has revealed that the best UK city to find independent coffee shops is Leeds. Leeds is a hidden gem for the UK’s thriving coffee culture, as 86.3% (584) of coffee shops here are independent, and just under 14% are chains.
Taking following places were Edinburgh, Bristol and Brighton and Hove, with Manchester coming in eighth. You may think eighth isn’t that great, but looking at the competition, to come in the top ten UK cities for independent coffee shops is pretty impressive.
Manchester is a wonderful city, especially in the autumn, with cosy bookshops and an affinity for Halloween, but we are particularly proud of our independent coffee shops. The study found that there are 208 independent coffee shops in Manchester, with 72.7% of all our coffee shops being independent, putting us firmly amongst the best in the the top 10.
Whether you’re after specialty coffee from a reliable source, an array of gorgeous baked goods to accompany your caffeine, or a great atmosphere to catch up with mates, Manchester has an independent coffee shop for you. The likes of Bold Street Coffee, 92 Degrees and Federal boast several locations around Manchester, meaning you can get your independent caffeine fix wherever you are.
Coffee shops including Ezra & Gil, Foundation and Just Between Friends are fixed spots in Manchester, too, and of course, everyone has their favourites. We’ve got those in small trailers catering to awkward locations, quirky coffee shops that offer something a little different, and top quality outlets that we’re always buzzing to visit. Which is your favourite?
