The question asked
What coffee beans do cafes use in the UK
From the recorded answer
Extract Coffee Roasters (Bristol) …
Read recorded answer
Recorded answer text · Google AI Overviews · 20 September 2026
Most independent and specialty cafes in the UK use 100% Arabica beans sourced from independent local roasters, while large commercial chains often use Arabica and Robusta blends.Here is a breakdown of what you will typically find in UK coffee shops:
### Types of Beans
- Arabica: The standard for specialty shops. It offers a smoother, sweeter, and more nuanced flavor profile with lower bitterness. - Arabica/Robusta Blends: Used by traditional Italian-style cafes or large chains (like Costa Coffee). A small amount of Robusta adds a thicker crema, extra caffeine punch, and better flavor stability when mixed with milk.
### Roast Levels and Styles
- Medium to Dark Roasts: The go-to choice for espresso. These roasts cut through milk easily and provide classic chocolate, caramel, and nutty tasting notes. - House Blends: Most cafes rely on a consistent "house blend" for daily lattes and flat whites, paired with a rotating single-origin bean for pour-overs or black coffees.
### Popular UK Roasters Supplied to Cafes According to community consensus on platforms like Reddit and industry guides, independent UK cafes frequently partner with prominent regional roasters such as:
- Square Mile Coffee Roasters (London) - Origin Coffee Roasters (Cornwall/London) - Caravan Coffee Roasters (London) - Extract Coffee Roasters (Bristol) - Ozone Coffee Roasters (London)
If you're looking for a specific style of coffee or want to find a roaster that delivers to your area, let me know your location or preferred flavor profile (e.g., fruity vs. chocolaty) and I can recommend a good match!






