FULL OF BEANS

Has coffee ever really been just coffee? The very act of drinking it inspires community and togetherness, while in today’s world, those who really know their stuff seek out sustainable, transparent suppliers, getting to know the farms and people behind the beans they love. In Europe’s buzziest cities, these specialty coffee bars have become the altars at which to worship the newest brew, but also places that host guest residencies, workshops, poetry readings and charity events. When you’re next in town, pay them a visit and you’ll get more than a cup of Joe, but perhaps meet some new friends, too.

1
Dubai

Lulu and the Beanstalk

When a cafe’s bio reads ‘a social club for the new world’, you know you’re in for a good time. Lulu and the Beanstalk is an on-trend indie cafe, bar and bookstore, serving up aesthetically on-point interiors and a jam-packed schedule of poetry readings, foodie experiences, DJ nights and author signings, with new events every month. You’re just as likely to walk into a literary review as you are a bottomless brunch, and meet a kindred soul at both. ‘Lulu’ refers to the sister-duo founder’s beloved grandmother who always taught them to dream big and look to fairytales for inspiration on what’s possible. 

2
Florence

FLUID - Speciality coffee and sharing

FLUID does what it says on the tin; quality coffee, created for sharing. Passersby are playfully taunted by the cafe’s sign, which reads: ‘Curious? Have a look inside!’ Those who do are welcomed by colourful decor, a seven-metre bar designed to encourage conversation between baristas and customers, and the chance to play barista themselves. You see, FLUID is all about bringing you into the action with Modbar coffee machines that open up the space, and pour over equipment that customers can operate, to create a community feel. There’s even a ‘chat’ option, so the team knows you’re up for a natter!

3
Hamburg

4 WALLS

Founders Marleen and Chris first dreamed of 4 WALLS back in 2021, imagining a space ‘for creative moments and beautiful encounters’ for everyone, with a focus on inclusivity. In 2023, they set up shop in a centuries-old canal house in the city’s warehouse district, developing a co-working space, concept store with local artists’ products and a beautiful cafe, with soaring ceilings and views out to the water. Designed to bring people together, this is the place to attend kitschy bingo nights or pop-ups such as the much-loved maker’s market. 

4
Vienna

Goldener Papagei

Goldener Papagei’s roots go back to 1978 when the original founders opened the first Italian coffee bar in the city, welcoming in a new era. Generations later, this still family-run business has opened its doors once again to revive this cult cafe. The new concept revolves around collaborating with other gastro or small businesses in the area, offering guest residencies which have so far looked like wine tastings with local wine store Gassner, or plant installations with florist Thomas Tergowitsch. 

5
Copenhagen

Lille Bakery

It doesn’t get more community centred than a crowd-funded eatery. And, that’s Lille Bakery, a hipster favourite in Refshaleøen established in 2018 as a place to bring people together over delicious bakes and coffee. The space is bright and airy, with double-height ceilings and towering windows, just as the Danes like it. Come here often and you’ll start to blend in with the rhythm of regulars. There’s budding artists studying nearby and sailors fresh from the waterways hungry for lunch. 

6
Cologne

Meramanis

To understand the ethos behind Meramanis, you need only to look at the brand’s motto: ‘every sip of our coffee tells a story’. These guys are interested in more than making a great cup of Joe, but working with small, Fairtrade farmers in Indonesia and sharing their journeys online. As both founders have Indonesian heritage, you’ll also find regular events that encourage community, often sharing Indonesian traditions and cuisines with customers. Think jam sessions with Indomie (Indonesian ramen), collaborations with other Indonesian businesses in the city, and cultural celebrations with live music and DJs, too. 

7
Paris

La Régulière

La Régulière is a dreamy cafe, library and gallery set up by friends, Julia and Alice, who are passionate about creating cultural spaces around the written word. Here, you’ll find stacks of pastel hued books, plants dangling from shelves and a daily menu of coffee, tea and pastries; for bookworms with a penchant for the aesthetically pleasing, it’s heaven. The founders are committed to opening this world up to those with limited access. Every weekend, in collaboration with local authorities, La Régulière works with school children on book-making workshops including graphic art, printing and binding. All are welcome to join, so get in touch to find out more. 

8
Frankfurt

Hoppenworth & Ploch Altstadt Café

Hoppenworth & Ploch is a contemporary, independent coffee roasting company, now with three cafes, a bakery and roastery. The team say their mission is to work only with ecologically, economically and socially sustainable importers and have even published a transparency report to better help customers be part of their journey. For those who want more of an active role, you could buy a monthly coffee subscription, don some merch or sign up for one of the seminars - we like the sound of latte art!

9
Dusseldorf

Weird Space 

Caffeine heads, we found your tribe in Dusseldorf. The Weird Space cafes (there are three in total) aren’t just a place to get great coffee, but somewhere you can truly geek out over it, too. Not only do these guys know their stuff on single origin, sustainability sourced, specialty coffee, but they’re happy to share their knowledge with you. Sign up for barista workshops individually or with a group - you can even book a private lesson at home. Weird Space also offers co-working, their own merch and regularly teams up with businesses, so check out their page for happenings such as concept store openings.

10
Berlin

Prinzessinnengärten Café & Restaurant

Imagine a place where thousands of volunteers show up every year to weed, prune, plant and seed a community garden in the heart of the city? Well, that’s Prinzessinnengärten; a small Eden in the midst of busy Berlin offering workshops, guided tours and just somewhere to hang out. Some volunteers are interested to learn about organic farming while others just want to make new friends. Don’t fancy getting your hands dirty? Head straight to the garden cafe instead where you can enjoy quality coffee and teas made from herbs you pick yourself.

11
Zurich

Collective Bakery

There’s just one thing that smells better than freshly brewed coffee, and that’s freshly baked pastries, especially from Collective Bakery in Zurich. Their espresso tonic over ice is somewhat legendary, as are their experimental concoctions like the chocolate financier-based Danish finished with blood orange, cacao nibs, orange glaze, and vanilla diplomat. Collective is all about its people, so across the company’s Instagram page you’ll find shout outs and bios on its baristas, who share their experiences while travelling for coffee festivals.

12
Munich

SOIS BLESSED

Design fans will love SOIS BLESSED, a luxury concept store in Munich with a deeper meaning. At first glance, this stylish space boasts racks of designer labels, avant garde interiors and a swish in-house cafe serving up sustainable, specialty coffee. But, its beating heart is a long-term collaboration with The Hope School in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa whose work supports infants and children affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. As well as regular contributions, the store has created its own non-profit line especially for this partnership, often using drawings and ideas offered by the children to adorn wallpapers or lampshades.


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