Five top spots for coffee in Canterbury...
We're incredibly lucky to have so many independent coffee shops in Canterbury! I've lived in the city since 2022, and felt it my duty to explore all of the cafés in the city, to both support my fellow indie businesses and to enjoy a delicious beverage on my rare days away from the shop.
Whether you are a deeply serious espresso drinker, or a sweet and frothy type, there are plenty of fabulous spots to choose from, without setting foot in a chain shop. Here are some of my favourites and what I love about them...
Stag Coffee & Kitchen
I love Stag for the sheer variety of the visits that I have enjoyed there! From a daytime business meeting to an evening playing board games and drinking cocktails, and everything in between, it's a fabulous space.
Stag has a really good selection of vegan and vegetarian choices, and their brunches are legendary. They also host regular events, such as live music and comedy. I love how they are always trying new ways to entice people in!
One of my favourites, I met Freddie and Serena from Stag Coffee when I first opened my shop in 2016. Both Stag and Happy & Glorious started life in Ashford, and together we formed part of a team of independent business owners, determined to work together to promote the town. A few years later, I'm so happy that we have crossed paths again in Canterbury!
Fringe & Ginge
This small but perfectly formed coffee shop is tucked away at the end of Northgate in Canterbury. Follow the King's Mile all the way down to find critically acclaimed brews, delicious hearty toasties and yummy bakes.
I love it here for the friendly welcome from Liv, Alf and their team, the beautiful neutral decor (I'm a sucker for their dried flowers) and the delicious tea. Fringe & Ginge opened in summer 2020, and have formed a great following through a challenging few years on the high street.
There’s something magical about this place - more than once, I’ve seen conversations spark that include everyone in the café, even total strangers. It’s a space that encourages connection, and I also think it’s brilliant that it’s a laptop-free zone, because switching off and just being a human is important!
Burgate Coffee
Burgate Coffee House is just a few doors down from H&G, making it all too tempting! I love sitting in the window seat in the café, or better yet, climbing the winding staircase to the cutest, wonkiest room upstairs, where a great view of the street below can be enjoyed.
Their coffee is great, their baked treats are delicious, and they have a raspberry & orange tea that is just dreamy! Luisa and Antonio fill their café with charm and warmth, offering a great space for friends, yummy vegan and gluten free options and the added bonus of offering a no-questions-asked pitstop to feeding mamas.
They extend their hospitality with a van next to Canterbury West train station, which is perfect when you first arrive in the city.
Garage Coffee
Garage Coffee is another award-winning coffee company, roasting their own beans, which they source carefully with plenty of single origin options. This 16th Century space on Sun Street has real charm, with lots of original features and warmth.
The little room upstairs is relaxed and comfortable, and a great space for a meet-up. The room can be rented for a small guaranteed spend (you only pay for the drinks and snacks rather than the room), and the cosy space is ideal for birthdays, work meetings, workshops, art clubs, book clubs and so much more.
Garage Coffee is - the fabulous team are always so welcoming. I have nipped in here on many an occasion, to catch up on work with a cup of tea when I need a change of scenery.
Chatterbox Community Café
Chatterbox is a fabulous initiative as well as a fabulous place to get your caffeine fix. As a true community hub, it provides training in the food industry for neurodivergent individuals and local students seeking work experience.
Their menu has great variety, from cakes and bakes to warming soups and quiches, and everything tastes even better when enjoyed in their gorgeous, peaceful garden at the back of the café.
Chatterbox has such community spirit - having both 'pay it forward' and ‘pay what you can’ systems, offering a space for local artists to sell their work, and even holding a selection of reading glasses to borrow in case you have left your specs at home!
Canterbury’s independent coffee scene is truly something special. Whether you’re after a quiet corner to unwind, a lively space to connect with friends, or simply a really great cup of coffee, these cafés each offer something unique. Supporting local businesses not only keeps our high streets thriving but also fosters a real sense of community—something I’m incredibly lucky to be a part of.
Have you visited any of these spots, or do you have a favourite independent café in Canterbury that I’ve missed? I’d be delighted to hear your recommendations! Let’s keep celebrating and supporting the brilliant businesses that make our city so special.