St Albans is full of fantastic cafes and coffees for those looking for a coffee hit, somewhere to meet up with friends, or just a spot to relax for a while with a good book.
Along with the many fantastic places to eat in St Albans, locals and visitors can enjoy an abundance of amazing cafes all around the city.
While you can find all the usual coffee chains in the city centre – from Starbucks to Cafe Nero – we’ve picked a selection of the best small and independent cafes in St Albans that offer unique and relaxing atmospheres in which to enjoy a hot cup of joe.
Read on for our recommendations of the best coffee shops in St Albans.
1. Viento
While the city centre is full of incredible cafes, one of the best coffee shops in St Albans is Viento, which is located on Hatfield Road just from St Paul’s Church.
Not only does this Italian coffee shop serve up the usual selection of hot drinks, it’s also a great place to buy all the coffee beans and equipment you could need to make your own brews at home.
Plus, they have a tasty selection of Italian food if you want to pick up lunch too, with arancini, focaccia, and various sweet treats.
2. Courtyard Cafe
Nestled away with its own courtyard, the aptly-named Courtyard Yard cafe is a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee in good company.
It’s a popular spot to grab lunch too, giving the cafe an energetic vibe as it bustles with life, especially on a warm day when patrons can sit outside in the sun.
It’s worth stopping by for the food, as the ingredients are locally sourced, with their bread being baked at the Redbournbury Mill just outside St Albans.
3. Cafe Roma
Located on the high street in the centre of the city, Cafe Roma is one of the best coffee shops in St Albans for those who enjoy Italian coffee culture.
The cafe aims to capture the essence of Italy with its authentic flavours and warm ambience, not to mention the welcoming scent of freshly-brewed espressos.
4. 50Nine
50Nine is a trendy cafe on Stanhope Road that might be small on the inside but is a great stop-off point if you’re after a coffee or other refreshing drink, such as a smoothie.
They also serve a range of food, and you can order online ahead of arrival so it’s ready to collect as soon as you get there.
50Nine is also twinned with the Breakfast Club right across the road, which is one of the best places to get brunch in St Albans.
5. Charlie’s Coffee & Company
While it may be small, Charlie’s Coffee & Company is nevertheless one of the best coffee shops in St Albans.
Located on London Road, just across from the Odyssey cinema, this cafe serves a range of coffee with beans from a UK-based craft micro-roastery, as well as pastries and other tasty treats.
There’s also Charlie’s van which provides hot drinks to commuters outside St Albans train station on weekday mornings.
6. Courtroom Cafe
Located within the old town hall, where you’ll also find the fascinating St Albans Museum and Gallery, the Courtroom Cafe is one of the most unique cafes in St Albans.
As the name suggests, you can enjoy your hot cup of coffee (or lunch from their varied menu) while sitting in the old courtroom itself, which is one of the more unusual things to do in St Albans.
One of our favourite things to do in St Albans is to look around the museum (which is free to enter) and then grab a drink or some food to enjoy while sitting in the courtroom.
7. Verdi’s
While this is also on our list of the best Italian restaurants in St Albans, Verdi’s operates as a cafe during the day, with a selection of hot drinks available along with a range of tasty food to try – including some lovely arancini!
You can sit inside, but they also have a window which opens out into Clarence Park, so you can order a drink or snack from them then sit at one of their benches or enjoy it while walking around the part.
Grabbing a cup of coffee before taking a stroll around the park is one of our top recommendations of things to do in St Albans for couples.
8. George Street Canteen
Hidden away down a small alley that leads to this cafe’s private courtyard, George Street Canteen is a perfect spot to relax with a hot beverage while you catch up with friends or family.
Whether you sit outside where you can see the cathedral or find a cosy seat inside, the cafe not only offers a great range of drinks but it also provides some tasty lunch options, including paninis and salads.
9. Nkora
Nkora is a hidden gem tucked away just around the corner from the clocktower, and despite being close to multiple other great cafes in St Albans it definitely shouldn’t be overlooked.
This trendy coffee shop is full of character, and it’s not only the decor that makes it standout from some of the other options around the city centre.
Along with the usual selection of coffees, you’ll be able to try more uniquely-flavoured beverages, such as turmeric latte.
10. Cafe on the Corner
Located just a short walk away from the centre of St Albans, Cafe on the Corner is a small establishment that offers a quieter option for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the high street.
While it may look like a quaint cafe from the outside, you can get more than just coffee here, with a fantastic breakfast and brunch menu for those looking to eat out at an affordable price.
