27th May 2021
Nottingham Indie Writer: Kirsty of Ready, Set.. Goals
I don’t know about you, but one thing I missed the most in lockdown was a decent coffee. So much so that I went a bit overboard and bought myself a coffee machine determined to get a good caffeine fix whenever I wanted. After a year of training myself to be a Barista, with all the gear and only a little bit more of an idea, there is no getting around the fact that coffee tastes best made by someone else.
If you are like me and crave your daily beans but want to give the big boys a miss, I’ve put together a handy list of my fave coffee spots around Sherwood.
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The Orchid Café - 676 Mansfield Road
Indoor Seating = Yes
Outdoor Seating = Yes
Formerly Brownies café, with an unassuming presence, I wouldn’t blame anyone for walking past this fairly new hidden gem. The inside very much mirrors the name and has a café feel, but ask for a table out back and you’re led out to a beautiful, quiet paradise. Adorned with palm trees and orchids, you are in another world as the sound from the nearby main road is all but completely eradicated.
A family run business, that was bought pre-lockdown, The Orchid Café didn’t quite have the start they had hoped for but they officially opened in November 2020 for takeaway and have been welcoming guests to their gorgeous garden since rules allowed.
Serving local favourite 200 degrees and an excellent selection of homemade cakes – try the Biscoff Brownie in again an ACTUAL cup, this is a great little spot that I’m glad I experienced. Top Tip – if you want the garden to yourself, it’s quietest after 3pm.
The Bakehouse – 631 – 633 Mansfield Road
Indoor dining = Some indoor window seating
Outdoor dining = Yes
Nottingham Indie Offer = 10% off food & drink 08:30 - 17:00
These guys kept me going through lockdown keeping their doors open for takeaway, and in turn keeping me happy. Now it’s permitted they have some tables outside with shelter for those wanting to sit down. When you walk in to place your order, the tantalizing smell hits you first and it’s hard not to get distracted by the always beautifully arranged and delicious looking baked goods (the clue is in the name)
Award winning and aiming to use local sourced products where possible, The Bakehouse have won the heart of Sherwood, where it’s not unusual to have to queue as the team carefully craft your order. Trust me, it’s well worth the wait and is in the perfect location to take a stroll with your coffee and cake to Woodthorpe Park – I’d recommend their Vegan Chocolate and Banana cake!
They get the thumbs up or I should say paws up from my Bulldog, Bruce too as he’s very welcome there and always gets a treat when he visits.
The Crimson Tree – 621 Mansfield Road
Indoor dining = Yes
Outdoor dining = Yes
Walk only a few steps and you’re outside the beaut that is The Crimson Tree, with bright yellow and blue paint and its gorgeous welcoming pillars, you couldn’t miss it if you tried. There are plenty of tables out front where you can sit and watch the world go by.
To my absolute delight, my cappuccino was served in a cup. An actual drink in something other than a takeaway container. Be still my heart, it was beautifully poured and in a gorgeous turquoise cup and saucer, which looked particularly great against my coincidental nail colour choice.
The menu choices here for both food and drinks is diverse – delighting not only English tastebuds but also including flavours from around the world, almost makes it hard to choose but it’s no bother to me, just an excuse for another visit.
Espresso Gallery – 568 Woodborough Road - Mapperley
Indoor dining = Yes
Outdoor dining = No
Not quite Sherwood, but a short drive away, a warm and knowledgeable welcome awaits as you step into The Espresso Gallery. At the moment there are a few seats outside, it is primarily operating as a takeaway/ delivery service but oh my, these guys know their coffee. It may be a bit overwhelming to those not in the know but the staff talk through their guest beans with confidence and in non -confusing jargon.
You can buy beans to take home from a huge selection that are clearly marked with tasting notes but still the advice is there if you are unsure, and they can grind your beans if needed. I of course selected some beans to try at home, but I’m sure my coffee won’t come out as tasty as the one they poured for me.
Later, trawling through their Insta, I LOVE that they have hooked up with Affordable Nottingham and helped in providing free food on a Friday for those who might need it. The Espresso Gallery has true community spirit and you can feel it.
Divine Coffee House 3 – 5 Haydn Road
Indoor dining = Yes
Outdoor dining = No
If you are Eco-conscious and love your beans, this is the place for you. Vegan, ethical and carbon neutral, it’s great knowing you can have a great coffee without the guilt of the waste.
At the moment they have a trial of a completely recyclable paper cup and after a quick chat, I found out they felt the same as me; one minute we were all being told to save the earth and bring our own reusable cups for our morning coffee, then Covid hit and it was back to the disposable life which isn’t doing the earth any good. It was a step back; I’m so happy someone is making a step forward again.
Realistically, the paper cup is a teeny bit harder to drink out of while walking and to be fair probably easier without my hands overflowing with shopping bags. The coffee still tasted great and the place welcoming and warm, I can’t wait to go back when I can sit in.
A bad day with coffee is better than a good day without it; so go and enjoy!