Milton Keynes has seen a real boom in independent coffee shops over the last few years. As a freelancer with ‘no fixed abode,’ I’m over the moon about this because it gives me a plethora of choices to work (and caffeinate!) from. In my opinion, these indies give the chains a real run for their money. You know you’re getting better coffee and supporting the local food scene.
In this article, I’m sharing just some of my favourite independent coffee shops in Milton Keynes.
Bogota Coffee Company
Bogota recently celebrated its tenth birthday which makes it one of the OG independents in Milton Keynes. Surviving in The Hub is some feat, particularly through Covid-19, but if its coffee community is anything to go by, I am not surprised. Bogota serves RAVE coffee and is dog friendly. It’s a real vibe during the day (take noise-cancelling headphones if you need to work) and every few Fridays it even opens up for Bogota Lates with a DJ and coffee-inspired cocktails.
Canal Street Coffee
Canal Street is Bogota’s little (but significantly bigger) sister. I need to mention it because I’ve been countless times since it opened last summer. It brings boujeé London café culture to Campbell Wharf, which is arguably one of the prettiest areas in the city. It is the perfect place to work, sip coffee, socialise and watch the boats float along the canal. They serve Doe & Fawn Coffee, which is a local roaster. You’ll notice a slight difference in the flavour compared to Bogota as the beans are sourced from Africa which lends to a fruitier palette.
Bake Off: The Professionals star, Tracey from T.Sweetmap also keeps the patisserie fridge well stocked with her stunning cakes.
Homeground MK
You’ll find Homeground MK inside the YMCA building in Central Milton Keynes. This coffee shop is a fantastic way to support the work of YMCA, which helps young people train professionally and learn new, employable skills for their future. It is a central, cosy spot with strong wifi, great coffee by Wooden Hill and delicious, great-value food. Their full English might just be one of the best in Central Milton Keynes.
Heads up: It’s not open on weekends but it is open weekdays 7.30am to 4pm which makes it ideal if you want a remote working spot.
MK Gallery Café
The Café at MK Gallery is a li ttle unsung gem in my opinion. This bright, bold and unapologetically Milton Keynes-inspired interior makes it a great space to be in. They serve locally roasted Milk & Beans Coffee and a great lunch menu. MK residents can visit the exhibitions for £2.50 on Tuesdays, so for around £10, you can have a really nice afternoon. It’s also a good space to work. Milton Keynes Gallery turns 25 this year, so if you haven’t been, make it your mission to go!
Out of Office Coffee
Out of Office has a special place in my heart because it’s where me and my now fiancé went on our first date. The original shop opened in Stony Stratford in 2017, and since then more locations have opened in Newport Pagnell and Olney, which is a testament to what a successful business this is. I enjoy working here. The Witan Studios location in particular is a very good location for meetings. They stock sweet treats on selected days from local businesses like Geoff’s Real Artisan Bread and Oh My Cakery.
If you want to discover more independent places to eat in Milton Keynes, check out www.sophieetc.com, follow Sophie on Instagram @sophie_etc or join the Facebook Community Group Eat & Explore MK.
Blogger
Sophie.etc
