July 04, 2024

Best Coffee Shops in Clifton, Bristol: Our Team’s Picks

Clifton is known for its Georgian crescents and the Suspension Bridge, but it’s the independent cafés that make it a pleasure to wander. We asked the Maze team to share their favourite coffee spots in Clifton Village, from a Regent Street bakery to a shipping-container coffee kiosk in Victoria Square.

Gail’s, Regent Street: Hattie’s pick

We love that Gail's chose Regent Street in Clifton for it's first Bristol location – a short hop, skip and jump from our Maze store on The Mall, their delicious house-blend speciality coffee can be enjoyed alongside an impressive selection of sourdough bread, sweet and savoury bakes, and freshly made sandwiches. The only negative is that it's often too hard to chose just one thing!

Hattie outside Gail’s on Regent Street, Clifton

Hattie is often found sipping one of their iced coffees: "It's a real treat to have Gail's as a new addition to our neighbourhood. What's not to love about picking up a loaf of freshly made sourdough along with your favourite coffee?"

Shop Hattie's Look

Girls of Dust Tulip Skirt

Sunray T-shirt

Shoe Design Sandals

Mercy Mercy Mercy, between Boyce’s Avenue and King’s Road: Jemima’s pick

Tucked away in a quiet corner between Boyce's Avenue and King's Road, you'll find Mercy Mercy Mercy, a colourful and cosy brunch spot offering especially good coffee, as well as a broad drinks menu which includes cocktails, milkshakes, wine, and freshly pressed juices. With a vibrant selection of yellow and blue tables and chairs outside, as well as plenty of indoor seating, this is a popular spot with design-savvy locals.

Interior of Mercy Mercy Mercy café, Clifton, Bristol

Jemima outside Mercy Mercy Mercy, Clifton

Mercy Mercy Mercy is Jemima's go-to spot for a morning coffee. "There is always a great atmosphere, and in my humble opinion, they use the best coffee beans you can get. The interior is joyful, and the staff are always so helpful and friendly!"

Shop Jemima's Look

Indi & Cold Box Shirt

Sessun Jeans

Valencia Shopper

Foliage Café, Clifton: Steph’s pick

Foliage Cafe is a popular Clifton hangout with a well-regarded menu and coffee from local suppliers. Fiercely independent, this lush, green cafe is filled with an array of succulents and hanging plants that adorn the walls and ceiling, creating the perfect backdrop for the vintage furniture and recycled wood fixtures. If seating is limited inside, grab a perch out front and enjoy the sunny side of the street as you watch the world go by.

Steph describes Foliage Cafe as "a tropical discovery." She explains, "When moving to Bristol, I came across this cafe and it felt like a real escape. It's a great place to write music, and enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice and salmon bagel. I always feel at home and inspired."

Shop Steph's Look

Folk Gabe Shirt

YMC Tearaway Jeans

Mr Boho Sunglasses

Can’t Dance Coffee, Victoria Square: Megan’s pick

If you prefer to grab a coffee and go, Can't Dance Coffee on the north side of Victoria Square has just what you need. Starting life as a lockdown project, this cute coffee spot has set up permanent residence in a shipping container in Clifton. An ideal spot from which to take your coffee for a stroll, look out for the striking black box unit and lush green planters.

Megan with an iced latte at Can’t Dance Coffee, Victoria Square

Meg says "Can't Dance Coffee is the ideal summer's day coffee spot. Grab a drink - the iced latte is my go-to – and take a seat under the trees in Victoria's Square. It's Clifton at its best."