We're spoilt when it comes to cosy cafes, trendy coffee shops and charming tea rooms across Nottinghamshire, which is just as well since whiling away an hour or so over a cuppa and cake is one of our favourite past-times.
Sip an espresso, a latte or cappuccino or work your way through a pot of tea while gossiping with friends - or it's a place where you can feel comfortable on your own, armed with a good book. And it's not just sweet treats enticing customers through the door. If it's a good breakfast you're after to set you up for the day you're in luck. Lunchtime offers plenty of options with soup, sandwiches, ciabatta and quiche on the menu.
Scones, flapjacks, chocolate brownies and slices of carrot cake and Victoria sponge - the cake options are boundless. There's hundreds of cafes across Nottinghamshire and most of the top ranking ones are spread across the county, with some hidden gems in the mix.
Here are some of the cafes getting rave reviews on TripAdvisor, Google and Facebook:
1. Caffe Velo Verde
The bike-friendly cafe had dominated the number one spot on TripAdvisor for some time now. Set on a unique farm location, it claims: "Our outdoor space offers a great social environment in beautiful surroundings designed with your safety in mind. Perfect to rest and re-fuel."
Coffee, bacon cobs and cakes are a speciality, with a legion of fans leaving five star reviews.
You say : "Great coffee, great cake, friendly service and great vibe. As you can imagine it is very bike-friendly and we will definitely return once again."
"I’ve visited a few times, with family and alone on the bike and always enjoy the food and drink on offer. Chilled out atmosphere and a welcoming owner. Everything just happens quickly with the minimum of fuss, I like that."
Location: Home Farm, Car Colston Road, Screveton NG13 8JL
Read more: We visit Nottinghamshire's Pub of the Year - and it met all expectations
2. The Tea House
From a full English to afternoon tea, the quaint tea shop has an army of admirers singing its praises. The friendly service and lovely surroundings make it an all-round winner.
You say: "Thought we would try this out after a recommendation. We drove up from Wolverhampton and got too say did not disappoint. It was fantastic, best breakfast I've had for ages, great value and great friendly staff. Get down and try it yourselves."
"The Tea House has a lovely relaxed atmosphere. All the staff were really friendly, welcoming and accommodating from the moment we entered the tea room. We thoroughly enjoyed afternoon tea which was good quality food and delicious. We will most definitely be visiting again. This place is a hidden gem in the beautiful surroundings of Carr Bank Park."
Location: The Stables, Windmill Lane, Carr Bank Park, Mansfield NG18 2AL
3. Hungry Pumpkin
The highest rated cafe in Nottingham city centre serves fresh homemade food and Italian coffee in the heart of the Lace Market. Tuck into soup, sandwiches, wraps, salads and jacket potatoes but be sure to leave room for a delicious slice of cake.
You say: The drinks: amazing, the brownies: amazing, the staff: amazing. Everything about this place is great. I love the small cafe vibe, very calm, great for a little cafe date when you’re in the area, definitely coming back again! Thank you for your great hospitality."
"It's really small, but surprisingly holds a lot more seating than I expected. There are a few outside tables available too. Good selection of food to choose from, very friendly and fast service."
Location: 38 High Pavement, Nottingham NG1 1HN
4. Piccolo Espresso Bar
Small is beautiful when it comes to the cosy artisan coffee bar and cake shop, which dedicates itself to producing the best handcrafted espresso coffee, bread and cakes in the area.
You say: "Piccolo’s has been a favourite of ours for quite a while now, the quality of coffee (beans roasted on the premises), teas are also available, and the homemade cakes (baked on the premises) can truly only be appreciated by trying them. Trust me you will not be disappointed! They, of course, do takeaway if that’s what you want and you can buy various types of roasted beans and different types of teas to use at home as well."
"Visited Piccolo’s for the first time today and it was truly marvellous. I had two coffees and some fruit bread toast and I was able to sit in the window and read my book. I could have stayed for hours! The coffee is delicious. The toast was yummy. The service was superb. And I’m so glad I went. Extra special ‘high five’ for the clean toilets too. What a gem Piccolo's is. Loved it."
Location: 130 Bridge Street, Worksop S80 1HS
5. Basilia
Geographically the location is classed as Derbyshire, but the Nottingham postcode puts it at number five of the county's top coffee and cake spots. Priding itself on "bringing on back the good times. Courteous service, bread and banter," it's an attractive spot, both inside and out.
You say: "If you ever want a brilliant afternoon tea, go to Basilia. Cathy, Roy and their happy professional staff will certainly look after you. The food is fantastic and delicious. Mini fish, chips and peas, chicken and leek pie, cheese and onion pie, sausage rolls, cakes to die for... everything is fresh and tasty. Try it out you won't be disappointed - there's enough food to fill anybody's appetite."
"Called in while on a walk in the area. Staff pleasant and helpful. Good cafe with fresh tasty produce and coffee. Busy when we went. We had to sit outside in the garden area. Tables here were sheltered and under cover. Service was nevertheless prompt pleasant and helpful. Front of house also a deli albeit of limited range. Had cheese ( I succumbed to a portion of soft goat's cheese), cooked meats, breads, cakes. Altogether a good find."
Location: 21 Cromford Rd, Langley Mill, Nottingham NG16 4ED
