Welcome to The Independent Cafe
Nestled in the heart of Oxford at The Old Palace, The Independent Cafe stands out for its cozy atmosphere and delectable beverage offerings. Renowned for its unique drinks like the cardamom vanilla latte and Spanish latte, patrons delight in both the quality of coffee and the welcoming, friendly baristas. With ample seating for laptop users, it’s an ideal spot for students and professionals seeking a break or a workspace. The cafe embraces a chic blend of modern and vintage decor, creating a relaxed vibe. Though service can be slow at times, the overall experience makes it a cherished destination for coffee lovers and casual diners alike.
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The Old Palace, 85-87 St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1RD, United Kingdom Hotline:
If you're strolling through the vibrant streets of Oxford, a pit stop at The Independent Cafe is a must. Nestled in the historic Old Palace at 85-87 St Aldate's, this cafe is more than just a coffee stop; it's a haven for locals and visitors alike seeking warmth and comfort in a busy world.
The ambiance strikes a delightful balance between modern aesthetics and classic charm, with decor inspired by legends like Audrey Hepburn, making it a visually appealing spot to unwind. As you step inside, you’ll notice a spacious layout that accommodates both individual diners and larger groups, perfect for students huddled over laptops or friends catching up over coffee.
The menu boasts a range of specialty coffees that have consistently earned rave reviews. One standout is the cardamom vanilla latte, praised for its perfect blend of sweet and spicy notes. Patrons love the Spanish latte too, showing that the cafe's drink offerings cater to adventurous tastes. The baristas, often described as lovely and courteous, contribute to the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring your experience is as enjoyable as the drinks themselves.
Breakfast options are equally tempting, with delicious breakfast baps that have received quite a fanfare. Whether you’re in the mood for a light bite or a robust meal, there’s something to satiate every palate. Additionally, the cafe's accommodating nature stands out—requesting off-menu items like sourdough toast is met with a smile, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction.
It's worth noting, however, that while the cafe exudes a cozy vibe and offers many seating options—complete with plugs for your devices—busy hours can lead to slower service. It's advisable to set aside a bit of time if you're planning to savor food like sandwiches along with your caffeine fix.
As you relax with a cup of filter coffee—lauded by many for its delightful flavor—you'll find yourself enveloped in a serene atmosphere filled with soft natural light. Although the wifi situation can be hit or miss, it's the perfect setting to escape the hustle of the city, make connections, or simply enjoy a moment of solitude.
In essence, The Independent Cafe isn’t just about coffee; it's about creating an experience. Whether you’re on a quick break from sightseeing, looking for a cozy workspace, or seeking a delicious breakfast, this gem of a cafe offers a little bit of everything. It's an ideal destination whether you’re a student, a worker, or a curious traveler exploring Oxford.
I got cardamom vanilla latte and my friend got Spanish latte. They were special drinks and we liked them. Cardamom vanilla latte was bit spicy as i expected and vanilla made it sweet. Baristas were lovely.
Very good coffee very nice ladies work there recommended this place!
I often come to Oxford for work, mostly to take my clients to different sightseeing places such as Christ Church. I sometimes have to wait for them while they are in the Christ Church, and this cafe is a perfect location for a quick break. There are plenty of seats available inside, however, due to its good location, it can be busy during the day. It is perfect to get your work done as there are big tables or counter seats with plugs available. I appreciate this cafe a lot as it gives me such a relaxed vibe during my quick break from work. The only thing was sometimes the service can be slow, so I’d recommend sparing at least 40-45 minutes if you plan to get sandwiches etc.
Considering how many students come here, it's one of the nicest places to hole up with your laptop. They have wifi and delicious breakfast baps. I also really loved their filter coffee.
Lovely Cafe, I often purchase a Large Latte on my way to the gym in the morning. Staff are always courteous and friendly. Lovely vibe their too, Audrey Hepburn inspired decor etc.
Very independent Cafe with two independent entrances and thus, exits. The seating area is well hidden from the ordering area. Also there are outside tables to enjoy the morning sun. Design is well blended modern with old. And finally, coffee was excellent . Internet- ... I would say, non existent despite the password on the wall. So, enjoy the coffee and your mobile phone, as many do.
I went in for a quick breakfast. The latte was pretty good. I requested some sourdough toast and butter which was not on the menu and they happily served it. They have non-dairy options for milk.
I often work from this coffee shop because of its great atmosphere. The coffee is good—nothing extraordinary, but enjoyable. What I love most is the cosy ambiance, the beautiful view, and the soft natural light that fills the space. It’s usually quiet, making it a great spot to focus. However, the staff isn’t particularly friendly, and they can be slow to clear tables. That said, the space is generally clean and well-maintained.