Hatters House Cafe, Broadmead: A Refreshing Independent Takeover in Bristol’s Heart

Hey there, coffee lovers! For the first instalment of my coffee guide I venture tp Bristol’s Broadmead shopping district which got a seriously cool new spot, or rather, a familiar local gem –  Hatters House Cafe. They’ve taken over that prime location where a certain big-chain coffee shop used to be, and honestly, it’s such a breath of fresh air. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a quick chain coffee as much as the next person, but let’s face it, if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ’em all. So, it’s great to see an independent business shaking things up in the heart of the city.

History & Reputation

Hatters House Cafe actually started in 2019 on Clare Street, close to Broad Quay and Baldwin Street, basically right in Bristol’s city centre. Over the years, they’ve built up quite a reputation for serving up top-notch food and drinks. The Clare Street place even boasts a stunning mural by the famous street artist Nick Walker and is known for its cosy setting ‘with a slightly edgier vibe’. Their gourmet lunch options and delicious sweet treats have earned them loads of praise. But the real game-changer that sets Hatters House apart? Their special Nitro Brew—it’s basically ice-cold coffee straight from the tap. Full disclosure: I still haven’t tried the original Clare Street spot or their famous Nitro Brew, but after my visit to Broadmead, it’s definitely high on my hit list!

The Broadmead Experience: Decor & Ambiance

My recent visit was to the Broadmead branch, which opened its doors in November 2024. It was just a quick pit stop to get some fuel and squeeze in a bit of work. Walking in, the decor immediately grabbed my attention. Kudos to ‘Simply Coffee Shops’, the West Midlands developers who specialise in coffee shop design, because this place looks fantastic. I was greeted by this surprisingly warm and inviting vibrant blue – it’s all over a brick pillar and the wall that stretches from behind the counter right to the main front window. Seriously, who knew a ‘cold’ colour could feel so welcoming? This lively blue, mixed with the cool, slightly burnt-effect wooden serving counter, gives off this awesome rustic charm without losing its modern edge.

Now, I’m told it’s not quite as snug as the Clare Street branch, but the Broadmead spot is clearly designed to be versatile. You might not find a squishy sofa or armchair here, but the comfy bar stools with counter tops, inviting booths, and regular tables and chairs offer plenty of comfy seating. And for a freelance writer like me, always looking for a mobile office, the sheer number of easily accessible plug sockets was a total win! The cafe’s smart layout means it works for everyone, whether you’re chilling with a coffee, grabbing a quick lunch, or hammering out your latest project pitch. It’s definitely easy to find and just as easy to settle right into.

Food & Sweet Treats

Okay, but how does it stack up on the most important stuff: the coffee and the yummy treats that go with it? I can happily report it did not disappoint, at least when it came to the pastry I ordered. Oh, and another charming detail: the crockery, especially the cups and saucers, are the exact same shade of blue as the cafe’s cool decor!

Since it was breakfast time, I went for a classic black Americano to go with a seriously delicious, crumbly pastry: a pistachio croissant. This croissant was pure joy. It had that perfect crumbly, buttery pastry base, expertly zig-zagged with pistachio icing and sprinkled with more pistachio crumbs. When you tear it open, you’re hit with a generous, gooey pistachio spread, plus even more pistachio bits for that much-needed crunch.

The textures were absolutely spot on; one bite, and that flaky pastry mixed with the decadent pistachio filling was just sublime. I had to seriously try not to devour it too fast, not just to savour the yummy taste but also to avoid getting crumbs all over my white t-shirt! I know pistachio isn’t to everyone’s taste – maybe it’s the colour that throws people off – but if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, I seriously urge you to give it a whirl.

The Arabica Nectar

Alright, time for the main event—the coffee. Good news: all your favourites are here, from your classic macchiatos to refreshing iced frappes, chai lattes, and milkshakes. And sitting right there on the counter, just waiting to be tapped, is that famous Nitro Brew.

My strong black Americano arrived exactly how it should—a delicate frothy top hiding the rich, dark liquid underneath. The true sign of great coffee is in its aroma, and Hatters’ coffee totally delivered. From that inviting scent to its bold, rich taste, my Americano woke up both my taste buds and my brain. Paired with the gooey sweetness of that pistachio croissant, I was buzzing and feeling on cloud nine.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, Hatters House Cafe is absolutely the place to set up shop and enjoy coffee made right. The incredible taste and stimulating qualities genuinely fuel both your soul and your brain, all wrapped up in this warm, inviting decor. With such a wide range of goodies on offer, including that much-hyped Nitro Brew, you can bet I’ll be heading back to Hatters House Cafe super soon!

Have you been to Hatters House Cafe lately?. What are your thoughts about the drinks, food and decor? Do you agree with the review? Let me have your thoughts in the comments section or on social media Bluesky, Threads, and Instagram. I’d also welcome suggestions on other places to visit (that isn’t a international chain of course). Drop them in the comments or social media and I will make sure they’re featured.