It is an easy thing to say. But if there wasn’t the interest, then they wouldn’t be here.
Coffee shops are not all the same. They are not just places to grab a drink. In winter, especially when the days feel long and the weather keeps us indoors, they play a much bigger role in how we use our town.
For many people, one small plan can lift the day.
Getting out.
Buying a coffee.
Sitting somewhere warm.
In a society that’s often feels a little fractured, with so much time spent online and isolation of people, young and old, on the rise, the humble coffee can work wonders.
And in Sudbury, we are lucky to have independent cafés that make this simple.
Coffee shops are not a modern trend. In the UK, they have been part of town life for centuries. The first coffee houses appeared in the 1600s and became places where people met to talk, share ideas, read newspapers, and do business. They were early community hubs, long before the phrase “high street destination” existed.
Today, their role is similar, even though the world around us has changed. Much of life now happens online. We message instead of meet. We scroll instead of talk. Yet people still need places to connect in real life. Modern coffee shops have become the new version of those early coffee houses. They offer space to pause, meet friends, work quietly, or simply feel part of the town.
They also help keep the high street alive. Coffee shops bring people into town, encourage them to stay longer, and support nearby businesses. In this way, they are not just serving drinks. They are supporting the local economy and helping Sudbury feel busy and welcoming, even during quieter months.
I have chosen 6 of my favourite places to grab a coffee
If you are looking for things to do in Sudbury, a coffee walk around the town centre is a great place to start. Here are five of my favourite spots, each for a different reason.
Esquire, Market Hill
Great coffee, reliable internet, and space to work. They also support community activities, from painting sessions to networking events. It feels like a hub, not just a café.
David’s, Gainsborough St
Calm, child free, and quietly welcoming. The coffee is excellent, and David is a wonderful host. If you want peace and good company, this is the place.
The Barista Shed, North St
Get there early and you can hot desk. All they ask in return is you buy a drink (& maybe a little smackerl of something). They have a wide range of coffees, including blends you can take home. Friendly staff, a busy feel, and even coffee tasting experiences where you can learn how the coffee is grown and roasted.
Bishops Coffee, East St
First of all, great coffee run by lovely people.It is a comfortable place to sit and reset or catch up with a friend. And if you’re peckish then you grab yourself a homemade treat or light lunch.
Twentea One Tea, North St
On North Street, perfect for coffee, cake, or a light meal. A great place to meet friends and enjoy a relaxed cuppa. A great deli too.
Next time you hear someone say there are too many coffee shops in Sudbury, think about what they really offer. They give us places to meet, to rest, and to feel connected. They also help keep our high street alive, contributing to footfall and to the local economy.
If you have a favourite coffee shop, let me know here and I shall show them some love
