Whether you're looking for an espresso made with locally-roasted beans; a cosy spot for coffee and cake; or something more substantial, there's plenty to choose from in Stroud and the surrounding areas.
In this hot list, SoGlos handpicks 21 independent cafés and coffee shops in the district, offering everything from ethical, organic, artisan coffee to slap up breakfasts and brunches with a good old fashioned brew.
Rough Hands Coffee in Stroud
Located within the Five Valleys Shopping Centre in Stroud, Rough Hands Coffee prides itself on its use of local ingredients and its ethical outlook. Its coffee is roasted by Fire & Flow in Cirencester, which makes sure the coffee growers it works with are paid a fair price for their beans and respect the environment. The food menu features cakes, cookies, brownies, doughnuts and bread - all made in Stroud.
Rough Hands is also one of the eco-friendliest coffee shops in the district, with all of its disposable cups, cutlery and coffee bags being recyclable - plus, it offers a loyalty scheme for customers who bring their own takeaway cups.
Bank Café in Dursley
The colourful Bank Café in Dursley is housed within a former bank and retains some of its original features, making it a quirky spot for coffee, homemade cakes and fresh food made from scratch on-site using locally sourced ingredients.
From waffles, baps, scrambled eggs on sourdough and corn fritters for breakfast to mezze boards, burrito bowls, burgers and paninis for lunch, there's plenty to choose from. It's ideal for families too, with babyccinos, milkshakes and smoothies on the menu.
The Canteen in Nailsworth
Much-loved by locals, The Canteen is a family- and dog-friendly café situated within popular homeware store Domestic Science in Nailsworth, with quirky décor and a charming courtyard garden to enjoy on sunny days.
It offers freshly made brunch dishes, including pain perdu with cinnamon, yoghurt, berries, almonds and maple syrup; shakshuka served with hummus and sourdough; the Turkish breakfast with grilled halloumi, poached eggs, olives, cucumber, yoghurt, hummus and sourdough pitta; and a vegan breakfast with scrambled tofu, nutmeg spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, beans and toast, alongside light lunches, handmade cakes and barista coffee. Its colourful superfood lattes made with turmeric or beetroot cacao are a must-try.
The Edge Coffee Shop in Wotton-under-Edge
Wotton-under-Edge's The Edge Coffee Shop offers an impressive selection of handmade sourdough bread and tempting cakes, pastries, cruffins and doughnuts, alongside delicious barista coffee with a choice of milks.
There's a breakfast menu featuring both a meaty and a veggie cooked breakfast; porridge; and pancakes; as well as a lunch menu that includes homemade brioche baps filled with southern fried chicken, cheese and slaw; halloumi, avocado and chili jam; or a fish burger with homemade tartare sauce and spinach; as well as freshly made sausage rolls, pizza and pies. It even hosts a supper club in the evening, too.
Noni's Coffee Roasters in Stroud
Stroud-based Noni's Coffee Roasters hosts a pop-up coffee shop at Sound Records. As well as selling hand-roasted beans ground to order - including a special Stroudie Brew dedicated to the awesome independent businesses in its home town - visitors can also enjoy a freshly prepared brew while they browse.
Each of Noni's roasts has its own distinct flavour profile and supports a cause helping to make commercial coffee production more sustainable, such as reducing air pollution, protecting the local eco system, reducing water waste, fighting climate change and improving soil health.
The Perfect Blend in Berkeley
Offering cooked breakfasts and light lunches until 2.30pm, as well as coffee and incredible homemade cakes all day long, The Perfect Blend is a lovely little café in the centre of Berkeley - with options spanning full English breakfasts, toasted paninis and cakes like gluten-free courgette and avocado cake, layered citrus sponge, classic chocolate cake and peanut butter jelly brownies.
It also has a menu of seasonal specials, from spiced biscuit lattes, Irish cream cappuccinos and toasted marshmallow hot chocolates in autumn to Biscoff iced lattes, frozen yoghurt milkshakes and smoothies in summer.
Henry's Coffee House and Dairy in Minchinhampton
Pairing Rave Coffee with the freshest milk from its very own herd of Dairy Shorthorn cows, Henry's Coffee House and Dairy in Minchinhampton is a must-visit.
There's plenty more local produce to love too, with toasties made on Hobbs House sourdough using Henry's own organic cheese; incredible croissants and cruffins from Boys Bakery in Quedgeley; Fat Toni's pizza; and plenty of locally made cakes to enjoy in the café or take home.
Leaf and Ground in Dursley
The café at Dursley garden centre, Leaf and Ground, offers spectacular views over the Gloucestershire countryside, all the way to the Malvern Hills and the Welsh mountains. The licensed café serves a selection of locally made beers, ciders and wines, as well as espresso from hand roasted beans and specialist tea.
To eat, there's plenty on the menu, including homemade cakes; pastries from Salt Bakehouse; deli lunches spanning freshly made frittata, Scotch eggs, quiche, falafel and sausage rolls; as well as a full kitchen menu of seasonal dishes like pork belly bao, mussel linguine, or arancini. There's brunch available at the weekend, too.
Woodruffs Organic Café in Stroud
Woodruffs Organic Café in Stroud is a haven for ethically conscious coffee lovers, with FairTrade coffee and a choice of organic dairy or sustainable almond, oat or soy milk - as well as homemade chai, turmeric lattes, matcha, kombucha, wine, beer and cider if you're not a coffee fan.
Its menu of vegetarian and vegan food includes breakfast, brunch and weekend specials, with highlights including mushrooms on toasted sourdough; porridge with banana and chocolate or raspberries and flaked almonds; poached eggs and smashed avocado on toasted sourdough; and sweet potato hash with kale, tamari seeds, red onion and chilli sauce with scrambled tofu or poached eggs and hollandaise.
Wynn's Coffee Co. in Stonehouse
Traditional café Wynn's Coffee Co. in Stonehouse serves freshly ground coffee and cakes alongside a menu of wholesome breakfast and lunch options.
It serves up freshly cooked all day breakfasts with buttered white toast and a brew; classic toasties; stuffed baguettes and croissants; as well as warming jacket potatoes - it's dog-friendly, too.
Lavender Bakehouse & Coffee Shop in Chalford
Chalford's charming Lavender Bakehouse is a firm favourite with locals, offering picture-perfect cakes and a selection of tasty hot drinks including coffee, luxury hot chocolate, chai and even milkshakes.
Visitors can tuck into breakfast or brunch with dishes including a full English or full vegan breakfast; pancakes; Belgian waffles; Turkish eggs; and grilled sourdough sandwiches, or make it an occasion and book in for an afternoon cream tea, with dainty finger sandwiches, sweet and savoury scones and homemade cakes on vintage cake stands and tea or coffee served in its finest china.
Felt Café in Brimscombe
Take a stroll along the canal footpath from Stroud and stop off at Felt Café in Brimscombe for a well-earned coffee break. The family-run café is housed within a former mill next to the River Frome and is child- and dog-friendly.
Felt serves a tempting selection of artisan cakes and pastries, as well as breakfasts, toasted sandwiches, homemade soups and lunch specials like prawn laksa; mushroom and lentil ragu with pasta; bean chilli with tortilla chips; and even Yorkshire pudding wraps.
Relish in Wotton-under-Edge
Relish Deli and Bakery in Wotton-under-Edge offers an extensive menu of handmade food, from buns, cakes, scones and brownies, to main meals and proper puddings.
Go for something traditional like a Chelsea bun, lardy cake or a slice of classic Victoria sponge; try something different like a white chocolate and Jammie Dodger blondie or red velvet and white chocolate Oreo-stuffed cookie; go all out with a luxury afternoon tea; or for something more substantial, tuck into a hearty pasty, sausage roll, quiche or pie. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diners are well catered for too.
Handmade in Painswick Arts Café
Started by two artists, Handmade in Painswick Arts Café gives visitors the chance to enjoy barista coffee and homemade cake while browsing for beautiful handmade items from local makers.
It also offers a lunch menu including soup of the day and freshly made paninis, if shopping for handmade candles, luxury bath treats and original artwork has left you famished.
Hummingbird Café in Dursley
Dursley's colourful Hummingbird Café offers great-tasting coffee from Bristol-based Clifton Coffee Roasters, as well as delicious cakes and freshly prepared full English breakfasts and light lunches, from its pretty pink and purple venue on Parsonage Street.
It also hosts evening pop-ups specialising in Caribbean street food - with Polish and Thai cuisine sometimes on the menu, too.
Loganberry in Stroud
Loganberry in Stroud serves up homemade soups, sausage rolls and cakes, as well as Italian-style barista coffee with local Godsells milk from its quirky café on Stroud high street.
It even invites customers to drop off a flask when they pop in for their morning coffee, which they can come back to collect at lunchtime - filled with its tasty, homemade soup of the day.
Clementines in Nailsworth
Offering an impressive selection of coffees, cakes and Dolcetti gelato, Clementines in Nailsworth is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth - with treats on its menu including dirty chai lattes, luxury hot chocolate, pastel de nata, salted caramel and mocha cake and Florentine traybake.
Clementines also offers a selection of speciality coffees on Saturdays, including Café Bombom - condensed milk topped with a single shot of espresso; Fiocco - double espresso served with chocolate and honey, topped with milk, whipped cream and cinnamon; and Café Oreo - double espresso topped with milk and a spoonful of whipped cream, in a glass with an Oreo crumb rim and an Oreo on the side.
Berkeley Tea Rooms
Located close to Berkeley Castle and Edward Jenner's House, the quaint Berkeley Tea Rooms is located within a former 16th century coaching inn in the centre of town.
It serves up coffee, tea, hot chocolate and milkshakes, as well as cooked breakfasts, Ploughman's lunches, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, toasties and afternoon tea in a traditional setting.
The Kitchen in Minchinhampton
Much-loved by the local community, The Kitchen in Minchinhampton is a traditional café and tea room with a reputation for fantastic cakes.
Tuck into everything from freshly prepared full English breakfasts, toasted paninis and cream teas, or try one of its daily specials. If you're celebrating a special occasion, why not book in for afternoon tea with a bottle of bubbles - you can even request a birthday cake when booking!
Star Anise Arts Café in Stroud
Promising to provide nourishing food to the community, Star Anise Arts Café in Stroud specialises in ethically sourced speciality coffee from Extract Coffee in Bristol; handmade sourdough and gluten-free bread; vegan bakes; and vegetarian dishes inspired by the team's macrobiotic and whole food training, made with local, seasonal produce.
From its homemade chai tea syrup to its colourful beetroot hash browns, homemade ramen and famous vegan croissants, there's plenty of choice, with the menu catering to various different dietary requirements. The café also hosts regular live music and community events.
Hobbs House Bakery in Nailsworth
Hobbs House Bakery is a Gloucestershire institution that's been baking for 100 years. Its incredible sourdough bread is made with a 67-year-old starter - and it's B Corp certified, too.
Its café in Nailsworth offers drinks, toasties and lunches to take away, including Bristol-based Extract Coffee Roasters coffee; toasties including the Cotswold with brie and onion marmalade and the Chilly Billy with goat's cheese, chilli jam and spinach; and lunch specials including halloumi burgers, frittata and soup of the day served with a hunk of that famous sourdough bread.
