Limely has a lot of love for its city, especially for the other independent businesses that call Chester home.
Another thing we have a lot of time for is a bloody good brew. Everyone in the Limely office, from the developers to the designers, swears by a cup of sweet hot tea or a bangin’ cuppa joe. So here are fifteen of our favourite coffee shops and cafés in Chester.
We first wrote this list back in 2019, and the Chester coffee scene has moved on a fair bit since. We last checked every venue on it in October 2026, so if something is listed here, it is still open.
1. Jaunty Goat Coffee
Jaunty has been supplying the historic streets of Chester with excellent speciality coffee since 2015. It has become a serious name in the coffee community, so much so that there is now the original on Bridge Street, an all plant-based shop up on Northgate Street, a bakery and a roastery.
We know them well, because we built their website. Have a look at our work for Jaunty Goat if you want to see what we did.
2. Short + Stout
Tucked away on Ermine Road at the edge of Hoole, Short + Stout is a corner café with Melbourne vibes and a delicious menu. Petite in size but mighty in flavour, it has built a real name for great coffee and great food.
3. Bean & Cole
Ian and Nicole’s place has grown since we first wrote about them. There is the original on Frodsham Street, a counter inside Chester Market, and they have now taken a site in Northwich Market too. Single origin beans from PLOT Roasting, rotating guest coffees, and baked goods from Kookaburra Bakehouse.
4. Little Yellow Pig
A Hoole institution since 2014, and now in two places: the original on Westminster Road, and a second site on Godstall Lane right in the middle of town. Packed with funky furniture and unique trinkets, it is the go-to for the best breakfasts with coffee to match.
5. Obscure Coffee
Obscure by name but not by nature. This cool, modern little shop brings sophisticated vibes to the bridge end of Lower Bridge Street. Warm lighting, funky art, excellent espresso, and a great place to sit for a couple of hours with a very good book.
6. Chalk Coffee
Sleek and sophisticated, in a vaulted building on Watergate Street. Batch brew, sourdough dishes and sweet treats, with gluten-free options. Still where the cool cats of Chester hang out.
7. Cinderbox Coffee
For a nice coffee and a no-fuss, laid back atmosphere, head to Cinderbox on Bridge Street. Light and airy inside with outdoor seating, and a great spot to take the kids for a light lunch and a not so light slab of cake.
8. Marmalade
An intimate licensed café on Northgate Street, in the heart of Chester’s independent scene. A proper breakfast and lunch service, homemade cakes, and a great range of tea. Everything you need for a cute afternoon.
9. The Flower Cup
Easily the most distinctive coffee hub in Chester. Up on Watergate Row, the Flower Cup lets you sit back and sip your coffee in a genuine urban jungle. All-day brunch, handcrafted speciality coffee, and an interior to die for. They won Best Coffee Shop at the Customer Service Awards in 2025, and it shows. Walk-ins only.
10. MRKT Café
Formerly just "the market café", now MRKT Café inside Chester Indoor Market on Hunter Street. A great selection of drinks hot and cold and a simple, appetising menu. Still the best spot to rest your weary feet after a wander round the market.
11. The Blue Bear
Formerly Coffee Tots, now moved to a canalside spot just off Egerton Street. A haven for young families, supplying the caffeine that young parents need alongside a safe, friendly play area. A fab place to let the little ones run wild while you top up your energy.
12. Bridge St Coffee
You may know it as Bridge St Roastery, which is what it was called when it opened in 2018. These days it is Bridge St Coffee, over in the Coachworks Arcade off Northgate Street, in partnership with Snugburys. Still roasting, still worth the trip.
13. Moki Coffee
Moki took over 65 Brook Street from the much-missed Moss Coffee, and has kept the spirit of the place going. Small, sleek and near the train station, with proper speciality coffee and a no-nonsense approach. The definition of a hidden gem.
14. Garden Social
A coffee house on Catherine Street serving responsibly sourced coffee, breakfast and toasties through the day, then wine, beer and small plates in the evening. They run comedy nights, music events and markets, so it is worth checking what is on before you go.
15. High Coffee Bar
A Ukrainian speciality coffee bar in Rufus Court serving artisan coffee alongside authentic honey cake and Ukrainian pastries. Dog friendly, outdoor seating, and unlike anything else in the city.
Gone, but not forgotten
A few places from the original list have since closed their doors. Moss Coffee on Brook Street, Panna on Watergate Street, and The Barista’s Watergate Street site have all gone. Chester hospitality is a tough business, and we were sorry to see all three go. The good news is that Moki Coffee picked up where Moss left off at the same address, so number 13 on this list is still pouring.
We are a web design agency in Chester and we have built sites for a fair few of the independents round here, Jaunty Goat among them. If you run a café, restaurant or food and drink business and your website is not doing you justice, grab yourself a flat white and get in touch.
