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Coffee shops are great spaces, especially during the cosy season of Autumn.
They're somewhere you can go for a catch up with friends, to read a book, maybe get a little bit of freelance/self-employed admin done with a caffeine kick, or a just a relaxing place to get a bit of respite when doing your (early Christmas) shopping around town.
Seeing as Studio SK is based in Guildford, Surrey I feel it's my duty to big up some of the independent coffee shops I love visiting in the town centre which are perfect for Autumn time.
Sicool Food
Si Cool is a proudly independent Sicilian coffee shop tucked down a quiet little side street called The Shambles, just off Guildford's bustling High Street.
They serve their hot drinks using traditional Italian coffee brand Illy and a range of authentic Sicilian street foods such as arancini, calzone, doughnuts and cannoli. I think my favourite snack is their pistachio cannoli - can you spot a trend yet with my slight obsession for pistachio flavoured treats?
The majority of Sicool's seating is outside but safely undercover and with heaters so it's fully prepared for British Autumn weather, or British weather in general for that matter. During drier, sunny weather Sicool's location can become a great little sun trap to enjoy a coffee and sweet treat.. feeling like you've been transported to Sicily during a break from Guildford's shopping scene.
Sicool Food
1 The Shambles
Guildford, Surrey
GU1 3EX
Krema Coffee
Krema Coffee is a well-established independent coffee house located on the corner of Tunsgate, up near Guildford castle. They use Horsham Coffee Roaster beans for their espresso-based coffees as well as a selection of single-origin filters via their V60 coffee.
There's a good breakfast selection to warm you up on a cold Autumnal morning such as porridge, filled croissants and brioche bacon rolls, as well as a selection of seasonal salads and toasties to choose from for lunch.
If you can get yourself a window seat or one of the outdoor tables you'll also be able to enjoy your coffee with a view of Guildford Castle peeking above the trees in its grounds (a literal stone's throw away).
Krema Coffee
4 Tunsgate
Guildford, Surrey
GU1 3QT
Frida's Coffee House
One of Guildford's latest independent coffee shop additions, you'll find Frida's Coffee House tucked inside New House Art Space located at the end of Fays Passage. It's just a short walk from Guildford railway station and open from 7am on weekdays - perfect for commuters in search of their morning caffeine fix.
Frida's (named after the owner's adorable Frenchie who often makes a cameo) serves up a house blend from Hundred House Coffee for their espresso-based coffees and Perky Blenders for decaf options. Their baked goods like change up on a seasonal basis - one of their current Autumn cakes is a maple, butternut and pecan loaf, yum.
New House Art Space's (free) gallery and workshop area doubles up as the seating for Frida's, so it's always exciting to see what new art exhibition and colourful backdrop you'll have to enjoy with your coffee.
Frida's Coffee House
New House Art Space & Gallery
Fays Passage
Guildford, Surrey
GU1 4SQ
Coffee Culture
Just off High Street you'll find Coffee Culture located down the quaint, cobbled courtyard-esque street of Angel Gate in Guildford's town centre. It's more of a café with a larger food offering than some of the other independent coffee shops mentioned in today's blog post.
Inside, the main features consist of colourful patterned floor tiles, ornate tin tiles suspended above the counter and vibrant banquette seating along one wall.
Coffee Culture has a large size covered outdoor seating area down Angel Gate and my preference, if the weather is nice, is to sit outside and enjoy a little bit of people watching, whiling away some time with a coffee and pastry. The Secret Garden florist opposite also helps serve as a beautiful backdrop to enjoy with your coffee!
Coffee Culture
2 Angel Gate
Guildford, Surrey
GU1 4AE
The Cottage by Tattam's
The Cottage is a lifestyle café (and sister business of Tattam's) located in the heart of Merrow, a suburb/village just 2 miles outside of Guildford town centre. Merrow Downs is only a 10 minute walk away, the perfect excuse to get a takeaway coffee to keep you warm on a crisp Autumn walk.
The interior is cosy and welcoming, with warm timber tones, exposed brickwork walls and deep chocolate colour front counter. There's window seats to perch and people watch from, as well as your usual dining height tables to have a catch-up with a friend.
The Cottage uses Chimney Fire Coffee for their espresso - the coffee roaster brand I use at home! - and there's plenty of fresh cakes and pastries to enjoy with your hot drink, as well as seasonal hot food.
The Cottage by Tattam's
221 Epsom Road
Merrow
Guildford, Surrey
GU1 2RE
So there you have it, 5 great independent coffee shops you need to visit in Guildford this Autumn! I want no excuses that you didn't know where to go and had to, 'supposedly', get a coffee from a chain brand that rhymes with Mosta.
If you've enjoyed these small business recommendations in Guildford, Surrey, have a look at this blog post on independent restaurants in Guildford to visit for a romantic meal.
(Cover image: Nathan Dumlao via Unsplash)