British Coffee Habits: The Specialty Coffee Basics

When you think of Britain, tea comes to mind—but statistics show that 80% of the country’s coffee consumption is still instant. If you’re after real, high-quality coffee in the UK, you’re swimming against the tide. So what’s really going on with coffee in Britain, and how did we get here?

The short answer: 80% of coffee consumed in the UK is instant, but despite that, coffee retail sales have surpassed tea by £100 million, reaching £560 million. That includes insurance fees, but it proves demand for better coffee is growing—even if most people still reach for the instant jar.

The State of Coffee in the UK

Britain ranks second in the world for tea consumption per capita, just behind Ireland. Yet when it comes to coffee, the majority of people drink instant. In fact, 80% of all coffee consumed in the UK is instant coffee. That leaves just 20% for brewed, espresso, or other specialty forms. While tea is still king, coffee retail sales have quietly overtaken tea by £100 million, hitting £560 million total—though 11% of that includes insurance-related charges.

The Post-War Coffee Boom

After World War II, a man named H.R. Higgins helped shape Britain’s early specialty coffee scene. In 1942, he opened a coffee shop at 43 Pompton Street, London, roasting his own beans on-site under strict food office regulations. Though coffee wasn’t rationed, supplies were limited and choices were few. Higgins sourced his own beans and managed roasting independently—a rare move at the time.

After the war, his business passed through family hands via his son Tony and daughter Audrey. By the 1950s, currency and trade restrictions eased, making better-quality coffee more accessible. Coffee shops spread across major UK cities, especially appealing to younger crowds. Coffee became a symbol of European sophistication, while tea was increasingly seen as old-fashioned.

Italian-style glass and brass coffee percolators became icons of youthful rebellion. As global coffee trends shifted toward branded products, many small local roasters closed—but enthusiasts could still get quality beans by mail order, including from Higgins’ operation, which eventually moved all sales to that model.

Modern British Coffee Shops & Trends

The original Higgins shop is now part of London’s fashion district, but a location remains on Duke of York Street, still serving coffee—reportedly even to the Queen. The in-store roasting has moved to a dedicated facility outside London. The flagship store’s basement hosts a traditional-style coffee bar offering only tea and coffee, with two complimentary biscuits per cup. The ground floor preserves the old, dimly lit aesthetic, and coffee bags are still tied with string, a nostalgic nod to the past.

In the broader market, espresso-based drinks grew rapidly. In 1993, the UK saw a 17% increase in sales of espresso-style coffee. Lavazza dominated the market and aggressively expanded, moving into both roasted and ground coffee sectors alongside espresso machines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is most coffee in the UK instant?

Yes. Statistics show that 80% of coffee consumed in the UK is instant coffee, meaning only a minority of people drink brewed, espresso, or specialty coffee regularly.

Has coffee overtaken tea in UK sales?

Yes. Recent figures indicate that coffee retail sales in the UK have surpassed tea by £100 million, reaching £560 million total. However, this includes a 11% insurance fee component.

Who was H.R. Higgins and what did he do for coffee in the UK?

H.R. Higgins was a pioneering coffee retailer in the UK who opened a specialty coffee shop in London in 1942. He roasted his own beans on-site and sourced them independently, helping lay early groundwork for quality coffee in the UK despite wartime limitations.

What happened to small coffee roasters in the UK during the 20th century?

As consumers shifted toward branded coffee products, many small local roasters in the UK closed down due to an inability to compete on quality or scale. Some coffee lovers continued sourcing beans by mail order.

Where can you still find a traditional UK coffee experience?

The Higgins shop, now with a location on Duke of York Street, maintains some traditional elements like string-tied coffee bags and a basement coffee bar serving tea and coffee with complimentary biscuits. It reportedly still serves the Queen.

What espresso trends emerged in the UK in the 1990s?

In 1993, espresso-based coffee saw a 17% growth in the UK. Lavazza led the market and expanded into roasted and ground coffee, capitalizing on the rising popularity of espresso drinks.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for British Coffee Lovers

For those in the UK looking to move beyond instant, FrontStreet Coffee offers several single-origin options ideal for home brewing. Their Ethiopia Yirgacheffe features bright citrus and floral notes, perfect for pour-over. The Colombia Huila presents balanced caramel and nuttiness, great for espresso or drip. Finally, the Ethiopia Sidamo offers juicy blueberry tones and a winey acidity—excellent for those exploring specialty coffee. These beans reflect the quality that redefined UK coffee in the postwar era and beyond. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.