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About
Atkinsons Coffee Roasters
Welcome to the delightful world of Atkinsons Coffee Roasters, a gem nestled in the heart of Lancaster, UK. Situated at 12 China St, this charming café not only offers a warm and inviting atmosphere but also serves some of the finest coffee you can find anywhere—truly a national quality experience to savor.
The essence of Atkinsons lies in its rich history, dating back to 1837, when it began as a purveyor of coffee and tea. This legacy of excellence is palpable as you step inside, greeted by the friendly staff who embody a spirit of hospitality. Many customers, like Daniel Harrison, rave about the team's exceptional service and the way they create a lively, communal ambiance, making it a joy to relax and sip your favorite brew.
- Exceptional Coffee: The highlight here is undoubtedly the coffee itself. Roasted with precision and care, the beans arrive at your table bursting with balanced flavors of sour, bitter, and sweet. As Ben Collins notes, Atkinsons not only serves excellent espresso but also employs sophisticated brewing methods like V60s, Chemexes, and syphon techniques. Such methods let the true character of the beans shine through, showcasing the artistry of third wave coffee culture.
- Menu Diversity: If you're peckish, Atkinsons has you covered. The menu features mouth-watering options like toasties and soups that customers like J H have highlighted. The vegan selection is particularly impressive, with options such as a vegan pastrami sandwich and a refreshing ginger & pistachio cake that promise to satisfy various dietary needs without compromising on flavor.
- A Serene Environment: Erica Huang's description of the café's calming decor adds to the allure. The thoughtfully designed space invites you to unwind, making it the perfect spot for a contemplative coffee break or a casual catch-up with friends.
Atkinsons Coffee Roasters is not just about coffee; it represents a fusion of tradition and contemporary café culture, echoing the sentiments of both Dr. Rizvie Salih and Ben Collins regarding its unique charm. This is a place where history meets high-quality brews, and where every cup tells a story.
Next time you're in Lancaster, make sure to stop by Atkinsons. Whether you're a seasoned coffee enthusiast or someone seeking a peaceful place to indulge, this café promises an experience that will delight your senses and elevate your coffee appreciation. With every sip, you'll understand why this establishment has become a cherished spot in the community.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Great little shop with fantastic coffee and lovely, friendly staff who are happy to chat. The team has a great workflow and works well together,a pleasure to watch, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Both the toastie and the soup are absolutely worth trying. Thank you, a great start to the day! ”
“ Their coffee is so great. It is balanced for sour, bitter and sweet. Besides, the space is designed with the feeling of calming. Recommend to try this cafe!!! I can say it’s the 1st or 2nd place for the cafes in Lancaster for me. ”
“ This is a Very impressive place where the old world charm and character is maintained. The people working here were Very Nice and pleasant . The buisness of coffee within the walls of this place has been in existence since 1837 bringing coffee and tea to the homes and restaurants alike. ”
“ Visited Atkinsons cafe at Lancaster Castle and so glad we did, as they had vegan options. The selection was great with a vegan pastrami, cheese and gherkin sandwich, houmous and roast red pepper sandwich, peanut cookie, ginger & pistachio cake, lemon & elderflower cake, fruit flapjack. We ordered two Earl Grey teas with oat milk and two lemon & elderflower cakes which were delicious. We loved everything about Atkinsons and would certainly revisit when next in Lancaster. ”
“ National quality coffee in a small town. I've drunk and sourced specialty coffee from a lot of places across the UK and Atkinsons- both the beans and the drinks in the cafe- is as good as anything you'll find, even in places like London. We're extremely fortunate to have it in a small place like Lancaster, which is a testament to the skill and dedication of Grasshopper. This is *the* best coffee shop in Lancaster for proper third wave coffee (and not just nice latte art). They roast in the modern way, allowing the fruit and flavour of the bean to come forward, as opposed to any flavour being masked by egregious over-roasting. They brew via v60s, chemexes and syphon, not just the standard espresso fare. Staff are both knowledgeable and lovely. Get a syphon, buy some beans- they might just change the way you think about coffee. If not, you'll still have a nice time ”
“ The coffee was pretty close to perfection. The parsnip and apple cake was beautifully light and tasty, the frosting was super smooth. The scone was light, fluffy, full of fruit and very tasty. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. ”
“ I had a lovely natural gesha long black this morning! I've been coming to the shop and buying the coffee for over four years and I've never been let down. The staff are always very nice also. ”
“ Second visit after visiting the castle last time. Helpful staff. Great table where my daughter did homework and we had coffee and lunch. I already like Atkinsons Archetype coffee having used it at home and also use the same Oato oatmilk. So needless to say a latte made with the same was great. The latte more like how I might have a flat white, flat white here is bordering on a cortado size so latte worked best for me. Very good soup and sandwich too. Very fast service. Good shop next door. Got more Archetype of course, roasted 2 days prior, plus Lapsang Souchong in tea bag form which is hard to get anywhere these days. ”