Why Brits Are Falling for Specialty Coffee

In London’s streets, the scent of freshly ground beans is now as common as the sound of tea being poured. Yet while Britain is known for its tea, specialty coffee is carving out a growing niche—supported by a thriving café scene, community events, and even a national charity drive. But how did coffee go from an afterthought to a daily ritual for so many Brits?

Specialty coffee has surged in the UK, with over 800 new coffee shops opening last year alone. The first UK Coffee Week (April 1–10) celebrated this boom with 10 days of events, aiming to raise £1 million for coffee-growing communities—showing how deeply coffee has become part of British social and cultural life.

The Rise of Specialty Coffee in the UK

Specialty coffee is thriving in Britain, backed by passionate baristas, quality-focused roasters, and an increasingly informed public. The movement is part of what experts call the ‘third wave’ of coffee—a focus on origin, craftsmanship, and traceability.

Jeffrey Young, organizer of UK Coffee Week, outlines the progression: ‘The first wave was basic filtered coffee, often just brown water. The second brought chains like Starbucks, improving quality and establishing cafe culture. Now, the third wave is flourishing, especially in East London, with incredible independent coffee shops setting new standards.’

UK Coffee Week: Celebration and Charity

Running April 1–10, UK Coffee Week featured events across London, including coffee art exhibits, grinding demos, poetry readings, an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, and the grand finale: London Coffee Festival. The week wasn’t just about enjoyment—it had a mission.

‘We wanted to celebrate the industry’s success and highlight the craft behind each cup,’ says Young. ‘But we also aimed to give back.’ A key initiative was the Waterfall Project, raising funds to provide clean water to 100,000 people in African coffee-growing regions. For every coffee purchased at participating chains, customers were encouraged to donate 5 pence. All proceeds from London Coffee Festival tickets went directly to the project.

Afternoon Tea vs. Coffee Culture

Britain’s tea tradition is iconic, but coffee is finding its place. ‘Tea is part of our heritage, but coffee is becoming a daily social staple,’ Young explains. Whether at home, in offices, or at stylish city cafes, coffee has become a shared experience—and a space for connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is UK Coffee Week?

UK Coffee Week is an annual event held in early April, celebrating specialty coffee culture in the UK. It includes coffee tastings, art exhibits, industry events, and the London Coffee Festival, with a focus on community and education.

How did specialty coffee become popular in the UK?

Specialty coffee gained traction through a ‘third wave’ movement emphasizing origin, quality, and brewing craftsmanship. This followed earlier phases of basic filtered coffee and chain coffee shop growth, with East London leading the current boom in artisanal cafes.

What is the Waterfall Project?

The Waterfall Project is the charitable arm of UK Coffee Week, aiming to provide clean drinking water to 100,000 people in African coffee-producing areas. Customers are encouraged to donate 5 pence per coffee, and all London Coffee Festival ticket sales support the cause.

What events took place during UK Coffee Week 2023?

The 2023 UK Coffee Week featured coffee art shows, grinder demonstrations, an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, coffee and poetry nights, and the London Coffee Festival. Events spanned 10 days and took place across London cafes and cultural venues.

How is coffee competing with tea in Britain?

While tea remains a cultural staple, coffee has grown into a daily social drink. Brits now enjoy coffee in offices, homes, and cafes, with specialty shops creating spaces for community and craft-focused brewing experiences.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffees for Third Wave Brewing

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Guji Natural for bright berry and floral notes, or their Colombia Huila Honey for balanced citrus and caramel. Both highlight the craftsmanship and origin focus central to specialty coffee’s UK rise. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.