Eddie PhilipsCoffee culture in the UK has exploded over the past decade. From independent artisan roasters to premium supermarket brands, British coffee lovers now have more quality options than ever before. Whether you prefer rich espressos, smooth filter brews, bold dark roasts, or fruity single origins, there’s a perfect coffee bean waiting for you.
This comprehensive guide covers the Top 50 Coffee Beans in the UK, including tasting notes, roast profiles, ideal brewing methods, and what makes each brand stand out.
Top Best 50 Coffee Beans in the UK
1. Union Hand-Roasted Coffee – Revelation Blend
Union is one of the UK’s most respected specialty roasters. The Revelation Blend is famous for its chocolatey sweetness, smooth body, and hints of caramel. It’s perfect for espresso and milk-based drinks. Ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
2. Pact Coffee – Fruit & Nut Espresso
Pact offers freshly roasted beans delivered to your doorstep. This espresso blend tastes like raisins, chocolate, and toasted nuts. Perfect for those who enjoy medium-bodied, complex coffee with a sweet finish.
3. Grind Coffee – House Blend
Grind’s iconic pink tins have become popular across London. The House Blend delivers bold chocolate notes, subtle berry sweetness, and a velvety crema. Excellent for espresso and flat whites.
4. Monmouth Coffee – Espresso Blend
A legendary roaster in London, Monmouth’s espresso blend is balanced and rich, featuring caramel, nuts, and sweet fruit undertones. Ideal for espresso machines and stovetop moka pots.
5. Origin Coffee Roasters – San Fermin Colombia
A vibrant single origin with notes of red apple, honey, and citrus. Medium-light roast, perfect for pour-over and Aeropress users.
6. Square Mile Coffee – Red Brick Blend
Created by London World Barista Champions, this blend is fruity, modern, and deliciously sweet. Works beautifully for filter and espresso.
7. Caravan Coffee Roasters – Market Blend
Caravan offers contemporary roasts with incredible flavour clarity. Market Blend brings chocolate, citrus, and refined sweetness. Excellent for all brew methods.
8. Badger & Dodo – Irish Espresso Blend
A favourite among UK cafés, offering rich chocolate, spice, and malty sweetness. Especially good for lattes and cappuccinos.
9. Hasbean – Finca Argentina El Salvador
A single-origin with complex fruit flavours, caramel, and a long sweet finish. Light-medium roast ideal for filter lovers.
10. Volcano Coffee Works – Fullsteam Espresso
A punchy espresso blend with cocoa, toffee, and dried fruit flavours. Great for strong, bold coffee lovers.
11. Rave Coffee – Signature Blend No. 1
Rave is known for affordable high-quality roasts. Signature Blend No. 1 is smooth, chocolatey, and crowd-pleasing.
12. Union Hand-Roasted – Gajah Mountain Sumatra
Earthy, deep, and spicy, typical of Sumatran coffees. Perfect for those who enjoy dark, rich brews.
13. Pact – Bourbon Cream Blend
A creamy, medium-roast blend with biscuit and vanilla flavours—amazing with milk.
14. Workshop Coffee – Cult of Done Espresso
A favourite in London cafés, this blend is clean, sweet, and modern. Great for black-coffee drinkers.
15. Allpress Espresso – Redchurch Blend
Widely used in UK coffee shops. Offers caramel, brown sugar, and balanced body.
16. Taylor’s of Harrogate – Hot Lava Java
A bold supermarket favourite—strong, intense, smoky. Great for those who want maximum strength.
17. Union Hand-Roasted – House Roast
Consistently smooth and well-balanced. A great everyday coffee.
18. Fortnum & Mason – King’s Blend Coffee
A luxurious blend with elegant sweetness, smooth body, and caramel depth. A premium choice.
19. Perky Blenders – Forest Blend
A London roaster offering sweet, berry-like flavours with a crisp finish. Excellent for filter and Aeropress.
20. Roastworks – Devon Roast
Rich chocolate, hazelnut, and smooth body. A great all-rounder from a Devon-based roastery.
21. Grind – Long Black Single Origin Series
For those who love fruity modern coffees. Expect citrus, berries, and floral notes.
22. Monmouth – Costa Rica Las Lajas
A standout single origin with honey sweetness, soft acidity, and smooth mouthfeel.
23. Origin – Pathfinder Blend
Full-bodied with cocoa, nuts, and caramel. Great for espresso.
24. Square Mile – Sweetshop Blend
A famously fruity blend bursting with berry sweetness—perfect for adventurous drinkers.
25. Rave – Brazil Santos
Smooth, nutty, chocolatey, and affordable. Excellent for beginners.
26. Hasbean – Kenya Kiriga
A bright coffee with intense berry flavours and crisp acidity.
27. Caravan – Daily Blend
Designed for consistent flavour every day—balanced, chocolatey, and sweet.
28. Artisan Coffee Co. – Big Shot Espresso
Bold, rich, and creamy with dark chocolate notes.
29. Pact – Microlot Series
Monthly rotating single origins with exceptional flavour clarity.
30. Volcano Coffee Works – Mount Blend
Balanced, smooth, and full-bodied. Ideal for espresso and moka pots.
31. Perky Blenders – Decaf Peru
One of the UK’s best decafs. Sweet, chocolatey, and satisfying.
32. Extract Coffee Roasters – Original Espresso
A strong, bold blend with cocoa and almond notes.
33. Grind – Decaf Espresso
Smooth, rich decaf with no bitterness and excellent crema.
34. Origin – Los Altos Nicaragua
Creamy mouthfeel with caramel and red fruit flavours.
35. Rave – Italian Job Dark Roast
Strong, smoky, and intense. Fantastic for those who love dark espresso.
36. Hasbean – Bolivia Machacamarca
A sweet, complex coffee with caramel and citrus.
37. Caravan – No.1 Filter Roast
Bright, sweet, and clean—ideal for filter methods.
38. Pact – House Espresso
Chocolate, nuts, and well-balanced. Good everyday coffee for espresso users.
39. Union – Liberación Guatemala
A fruity, sweet, ethically sourced bean with great all-round flavour.
40. Perky Blenders – Rocko Mountain
A naturally processed Ethiopian with blueberry and floral notes.
41. Kiss the Hippo – George Street Blend
Premium London roaster. Expect bright fruit, honey sweetness, and refined acidity.
42. Redemption Roasters – The Criminally Good Espresso
Known for flavour clarity and ethical sourcing. Offers chocolate, orange, and caramel notes.
43. Climpson & Sons – Estate Blend
A café favourite with balanced sweetness and gentle acidity.
44. Nude Coffee Roasters – East Blend
Modern, fruity, and sweet. Perfect for flat whites and long blacks.
45. Taylor’s – Rich Italian Beans
A popular supermarket medium-dark roast with smooth chocolate flavour.
46. Lavazza – Qualità Rossa (UK Version)
Affordable Italian classic with chocolate and dried fruit notes.
47. Illy Classico Beans
Famous for smoothness and balance—great for classic espresso lovers.
48. Tesco Finest – Sumatra Mandheling
Excellent supermarket choice with earthy, rich, dark flavours.
49. Aldi – Alcafé Colombian Beans
Great budget option. Mild, chocolatey, and surprisingly good value.
50. Waitrose No.1 – Java Coffee Beans
Premium supermarket beans with full body and deep caramel notes.
How to Choose the Best Coffee Beans in the UK
Choosing the right coffee beans depends on several key factors:
Roast Level
- Light roast: fruity, bright, best for filter
- Medium roast: balanced, versatile
- Dark roast: bold, smoky, intense, best for espresso lovers
Freshness
Always look for roast date, not expiry date. Freshly roasted beans deliver clearer, stronger flavour.
Brewing Method
Some beans shine in:
- Espresso machines – medium to dark roasts
- French press – medium roasts
- V60 / Chemex – light roasts
- Moka pot – medium-dark roasts
Origin
Flavour notes vary by region:
- Ethiopia – fruity, floral
- Brazil – nutty, chocolatey
- Colombia – balanced, sweet
- Sumatra – earthy, deep
Conclusion
The UK is now home to one of the most diverse specialty coffee scenes in the world. Whether you prefer café-quality espresso or fruity filter brews, the 50 coffee beans listed here offer something for every taste and budget. With this guide, you can explore the best beans, improve your brewing experience, and discover new roasters across the country.