If you’re in need of a caffeine hit, you will find a great number of coffee shops in Lincoln.
Whilst it can be tempting to grab a quick cup from a popular high street brand, you will get a much better brew in one of Lincoln’s independent cafes.
Many people find independent coffee shops daunting, but there’s no need. If you can’t tell a mocha from a macchiato, don’t worry. These baristas may be experts in their field, but they’re also more than happy to share their passion and knowledge.
If you’re looking for some new and exciting places to try, we’ve selected some of our favourite independent coffee shops in Lincoln. With cosy interiors, friendly staff and, of course, delicious drinks, these cafes are well worth a visit.
Seven Districts
Nestled in the Lincolnshire countryside, Seven Districts is a speciality coffee shop and roastery. One of Lincoln’s most popular independents, there are two Seven Districts coffee shops to choose from, one in Welton Hill, and one in Nettleham.
Open 7 days a week, Seven Districts serve smooth, ethically-sourced coffee, hand-roasted on-site. Lincolnshire-born owners, Ben Southall and Ellis Purvis, have not just created a coffee shop, but a welcoming community for all to enjoy. Storytelling is at the heart of what they do, which is why there are 7 different roasts to choose from; each one named after an ancient fable drawn from the Seven Districts of Lincolnshire.
Alongside the excellent coffee, you will also find a selection of homemade cakes, paninis and pastries on offer every day. All of Seven Districts coffee shops cater for everyone, including vegan and gluten-free diets - you can even bring in your dog for a puppuccino!
Coffee at the Arch
Tucked away at the end of the busy Bailgate, Coffee at the Arch is undoubtedly one of the most welcoming coffee shops in Lincoln. Much loved by local residents, this buzzing café is always packed with friendly and interesting people.
The café serve their own blend of coffee, alongside a wide range of sandwiches, pastries and the most amazing cakes. Although small inside, Coffee at the Arch benefits from a spacious outdoor seating area. If you want to secure a good spot, we recommend arriving early! Come rain or shine, there is rarely not a queue here - the coffee is that good!
Madame Waffle
Tucked away on Lincoln’s High Street, Madame Waffle is a bit of a hidden gem in the city. Although they are best known for their incredible Belgian waffles, the coffee here is definitely not to be overlooked.
Dedicated to serving the best quality coffee possible, Madame Waffle roast their own beans, ensuring quality, commitment and moral values to the coffee industry. They also use a bespoke water infiltration system, to reduce the minerals that inhibit efficient coffee extraction.
Their passion and dedication for producing excellent coffee has resulted in some of the most delicious drinks around! You can enjoy Madame Waffle’s rich flavoursome brews in their cosy cafe, or as a takeaway if you’re on the go.
Bells Tea Shop
Bells Tea Shop is a staple of Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter. Situated at the top of Steep Hill, this family-run tea room is very rarely without a queue. Cosy and inviting, this traditional café is the perfect place to go for a hot cup of coffee and a friendly chat.
Alongside an extensive menu of hot and cold drinks, Bells offer a fantastic selection of homecooked meals, afternoon teas and homemade cakes. What’s more, the tea room is a pioneer for Lincolnshire produce, using local ingredients wherever possible. If you’re new to Lincoln, we recommend trying a piece of Lincolnshire’s famous plum bread - Bells serve it with a slice of Poacher cheese.
If you’re visiting Lincoln with a furry friend, stop off here for a take-out coffee - this tea shop serves lactose-free ‘ice cream’ for dogs to take away!
Stokes Coffee
Stokes Coffee in Lincoln have almost 120 years of experience in sourcing, roasting and supplying coffee. Started by Robert Stokes in 1902, the company is still a family-run business today. You can enjoy Stokes coffee in hundreds of independent coffee shops across Lincolnshire, but the company itself have two cafes – in two beautiful locations.
Opened in 1937, the Stokes High Bridge Café is situated in the centre of Lincoln’s high street, in a building dating back to 1540. Steeped in history, just stepping into this traditional coffee house is an experience in itself. The second of Stokes’ cafés is located in the grounds of The Lawn, close to Lincoln’s iconic Cathedral Quarter. The company’s roastery is also housed here, so you can see (and smell!) the roasting process during your visit.
Both coffee shops offer an extensive menu of different beans and blends, alongside snacks, sandwiches and cakes. If you’re after something heartier, breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea is served daily, all made with locally-sourced produce.
200 Degrees
Based in Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter, 200 Degrees are an independent coffee shop and roastery. Initially started in Nottingham in 2012, the company now have 15 coffee shops in the UK – and 6 barista schools.
The coffee here is roasted at a slightly lower temperature than the normal 200 degrees, yielding a smoother and deeper taste. As the freshly brewed coffee is then served at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, the company‘s name was easily decided!
With free wi-fi, delicious pastries and excellent coffee, 200 Degrees is definitely one of the busiest independent coffee shops in Lincoln. Although you can just grab a takeaway, we recommend sitting in if you can. This buzzing open-plan cafe is great for people watching – especially if you bag a seat in the window.
If you’re a budding coffee connoisseur, 200 Degrees also host a number of barista courses at their Lincoln branch. Led by a ‘coffee guru’, these handy lessons cover everything from simple home brewing techniques, to advanced latte art skills.
Rising Café
You will find Rising Café within the Alive Church on Newland. This popular coffee shop doesn’t just offer great beverages, every penny earned here goes directly to charity. Rising Café is run by previously homeless and substance-addicted men and women. 100% of the café’s proceeds go directly towards funding their recovery, and that of many others around the country, through the charity work of Betel UK.
Designed for socialising, working, and everything in-between, you can easily spend a good few hours relaxing here. The menu is full of innovative ideas, offering anything from mouth-watering cheeseburgers to vitamin-packed smoothies. If you’re after something sweet, Rising Café also have an impressive selection of homemade cakes, scones and pastries – the perfect accompaniment to that morning cup of coffee!
