What are the most innovative coffee shops in the UK in 2024?
The theme coming out strongly from the UK is that an 'artisanal approach' is the winning formula.
The 2024 list of the Top 10 most innovative coffee shops in the United Kingdom, called Grounds of Innovation. has been announced by BRITA Professional.
Leading the pack this year is Mother Espresso in Liverpool who were bequeathed the title because of their 'outstanding creativity in design and innovative approach to coffee'.
#2 Redemption Roasters in London who have a unique model whereby they aim to hire individuals just out of the prison system as a pathway towards getting them back on their feet on the outside. Their purpose as a business is to reduce the reoffending rate in the UK by providing barista training and work opportunities in their stores. Great concept.
#3 Hart's Bakery in Bristol which is an artisanal bakery specialising in sourdough, handmade pastries, seasonal cakes and savouries.
#4 Batch Baby in De Beauvoir which is a coffee shop celebrating global roasteries with events to match. Their thing is collaboration and exploration.
#5 Carnival Coffee Roasters, South East London - a family-owned coffee outlet that is fanatical about quality coffee and flavour.
#6 Steep Street in Folkstone. Coffee and cake with a side order of Hemingway.
#7 Viv's Coffee, London is another purpose-driven outfit that aims to support roasteries owned by women.
#8 Cabinet Rooms in Winchester that looks like its a good mix between a coffee shop and a bar clarifies that they are a 'safe, inclusive space for discerning grown-ups'.
#9 Kin Coffee in Kent a family run business founded post-Covid.
#10 Ola Coffee Co, Reading - 'Great coffee with no single use-products '.
Solving a growing problem
All of these winning coffee shop collectively have been recognised because they are attempting to solve a very real and growing problem in retail...boredom.
Fearing to do something unique - too many retailers are offering shoppers boring, sterile experiences that effectively turn malls and the shopping experience into drudgery rather than delight.
Ben Lewis, one of the judges of this years awards was quoted as saying: "I think it’s fantastic to highlight cafés that are differentiating themselves on high streets all across the country, a lot of city centres are extremely populated with cafés and there is so often a homogenous feel to a lot of them. It is such an honour to give recognition to those who are pushing boundaries and developing concepts for people to enjoy.”
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Jon Cherry
Jon Cherry