Hot Numbers Coffee

This is the best place in Cambridge for coffee and brunch. It’s absolutely knockout in terms of quality and choices. Thoroughly enjoyed the granola and Turkish eggs. The coffees are exceptional and retail bags well-priced. Great atmosphere and slick service. When it’s busy it can be noisy, but I only notice that because I’m usually solo.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable brunch or breakfast experience, this place is a must-visit. The brunch here is phenomenal—every dish is thoughtfully crafted and full of flavor. I had an iced latte with honey that was just perfect, smooth, subtly sweet, and incredibly comforting. One standout was the chicken shawarma. The bread was unbelievably fresh, and the chicken was marinated to perfection. The pomegranate added a beautiful acidity that balanced out the savory spices in a way that felt almost gourmet. The atmosphere is super cozy, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy your meal. On top of that, the prices are very fair considering the high quality of food and service. Highly recommend this place for anyone who loves a good brunch done right.

The barista was very helpful in explaining what was and wasn’t vegan. Just wish there were some vegan pastries but generally catered very well with many veggie options on the menu. I had the cold brew with it milk and the vegan bacon sandwich which was good if a little stingy on the bacon.

5 for music at night 4.5 as a daytime cafe It is indeed more crowded than the one near Judge Business School. A little too loud and cramped. Coffee tastes better this time than the other store on average. Nutty, balanced latte.

This used to be my go-to spot — great vibe, respectful crowd, and I always made sure to leave before the morning rush. But it’s taken a real turn. The new laptop policy is enforced rigidly even when the place is nearly empty, and the staff — especially senior ones — now feel more like gatekeepers than hosts. The atmosphere has lost its warmth, the coffee isn’t what it used to be, and prices have gone up without the quality to justify it. What makes it harder is that this place once meant a lot — it was a welcoming space where I felt at ease, and even made some lasting connections. It’s disheartening to see it lose that soul, seemingly in pursuit of a few more sales.

We just loved this place. During our 4 day stay in Cambridge, we came here every morning. The coffee tastes great. They accommodate food intolerances. The atmosphere feels busy and cosy at the same time. There's always people, but we never had trouble finding a table.

Hot Numbers is one of those rare cafés that never misses. The food is always amazing, with the pancakes stealing the show every single time 🥞 fluffy, generous, and absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is superb 🌿 with stylish decorations that make it feel warm and vibrant without trying too hard. What really sets it apart, though, are the staff 🙂 always friendly, always smiling, and they genuinely make you feel welcome. A must-visit spot in Cambridge that has never once disappointed.

I have ordered a granola which is quite good,the yogurt is sugar-free,but I asked to run out the honey,it turned out there was still honey,whatever,the granola is yummy.People here are of fantastic warm:) btw,the prices rises.

We met a local friend here for a late breakfast while we were in town recently for a quick visit. It is an adorable, comfortable little place. The coffee smelled (and tasted) amazing. We had breakfast that was ordered at the counter and brought out to us. Service was relatively fast and friendly. As an American, I found the portion size to be small, especially for the amount we paid. Maybe it was the run I went on before breakfast, but I could have eaten more, and I am a relatively small woman. The food we had was flavorful though.

Batch Coffee was tasty but not hot. Yea was piping hot. Yummy bacon. Pancakes not what I would expect as an American but good. I didn't like that they were swimming in syrup and would have preferred that on the side. Lovely eggs. Good avocado toast which is nicely seasoned. Quick, friendly service in a clean space. Would come again.

Hot Numbers Coffee. That struck me as an interesting name for a cafe. Was everything hot? Is there a secret way to count the beans brewed in your cup? Turns out Hot Numbers is associated with two businesses: one is the old record shop down the street that lends to its name and the decommissioned brewery that used to occupy their space. Put them together, and you've got a coffeehouse that in tribute offers the marriage music performances and craft beer, as well as traditional coffee and espresso beverages. Find comfort in the archways or amongst strangers seated next to you at the communal benches. I came in to shield myself from the rain one afternoon and found the place busy, yet agreeable in decibel. They provide a few children's toys and sofas for lounging families; a Hot Number of tables and outlets are useful for getting some work done. Jazz nights are a thing here, too. While they have a Hot Number of food menu items (sandwiches and such), I just had a nice Chai Tea Latte that was brought to my seat, charged my phone, and went on my way when the rain subsided.

Good coffee, good bites, nice vibes. Not much to say other than, this is a solid cafe. The toastie is a solid quick option and the flat white I had was well made.

I was visiting my friends in Cambridge and they day I was heading out, they took me here for breakfast before I headed to the train station. Everything was absolutely wonderful, but I won't get into the details, because I want to tell you about what I really loved - the avocado toast! I've had my share of avocado toasts before, but this was just out of this world. Instead of traditional toast, it was served on corn bread - a huge game changer! It was topped with seasoned avocado, pickled vegetables, and a poached egg. It's been a couple of months since I've eaten it, but I have to admit, I still think about it from time to time (drool). I wish I could find the same thing here in the States - looks like I'll just have to go to Cambridge again. :)

This place has got really good food and ok coffee. When we went there today for brunch, it was quite packed, so we decided to enjoy the nice weather and eat outside where the café has got three tables. Sadly, all three were taken, so we wanted to take one or two chairs out and use a low brick wall as our table. However, a waitress did not allow us to take any chairs out.

I was in Cambridge for few weeks and I spent some time in the Hot Numbers Coffee. In my opinion you get the best coffee in town here. It's not cheap but really nice. Also really good are the various cakes.

First international review! :) I was visiting Cambridge for a few weeks in August and was really hunting around for a decent coffee place. Am I happy that I found Hot Numbers! Easily the best coffee in Cambridge. This cafe has a few communal tables, and smaller tables in an adjacent room. There are also plugs for computers and free wifi (first hour). I definitely took advantage of this and worked here for a few hours. Their coffee: 5/5. I got a cappuccino here nearly everyday for 2 weeks. It was smooth, properly creamy, and just perfect. Some days I even ordered a second cappuccino -- they were that good! What I especially liked about their coffee is that it's not biter, despite being strong. Food: 5/5! I ordered their granola and yogurt bowl for breakfast (again, nearly everyday for 2 weeks...yeah, I developed an obsession). The granola was nice and crunchy, the yogurt smooth and delicious. The added banana, berries, and honey rounded off a perfect breakfast. If you find yourself in Cambridge, you must make a stop at Hot Numbers for coffee and a bite to eat -- you won't be disappointed!

Lovely place with nice coffee and a friendly staff. I am looking forward to trying their food!

One of my favourite coffee shops in Cambridge. The others on the (short) list include Hot Number's other site near the Fitzwilliam. Consistently great coffee and brownies.

I've been afraid to add a review here for a while because I'm a bit selfish and I'd like to keep this local secret to myself. But I suppose good things should be shared...(just don't steal my seat!)... Well, Hot Numbers really isn't much of a secret anymore, at least not to those who live near Mill Road. This is definitely my favorite cafe in Cambridge so far. Simon and his staff are great baristas and just great people--they make an aromatic cuppa joe and take time to talk and listen to their customers. The feel of the cafe is both sophisticated and laid-back; there's a nice sense of community given the long-bench layout (see pictures on their website), but one can easily concentrate on their work in the environment as well, especially with the free wi-fi. Thursday nights are gig nights (no entrance fee). Again, check out the website--all the pictures and descriptions on there are what you'd expect in the cafe. In summary: great coffee, great service, great ambiance. Please don't steal my seat.

Lovely little place, cozy but also offering a good number of tables. My latte was smooth, mellow and delicious, and the bacon sandwich was loaded with wonderfully crispy bacon between fluffy white bread. The staff were welcoming and friendly, but unobtrusive as well. If I find myself in the area again I would definitely revisit.

I don't drink coffee. And I'm quite picky about tea. That being said, Hot Numbers Cafe is the best place in town for coffee, tea, homemade cakes, old fashioned lemonade - you name it. It's also an excellent place for a coffee meeting; writing notes about fellow cafe goers that you may or may not use in a future novel; catching up with friends, and watching some of the best live music Cambridge has to offer. The big tables encourage strangers to sit together - you never know who you might meet. There is also free wifi. Simon and his staff are super friendly, and take the time to chat. The vibe of the cafe is so laid back and welcoming that it is amazing they ever get us to leave at the end of the day!

Great coffee. Lots of space. Yet you might not be able to try out either as it is so crowded and busy! Best time to have a peaceful sip is in the afternoon. Single origin filter coffee from different parts of the world (changes from time to time) is one of their specialities.

When I came here to visit Cambridge, everyone I talked to raved about this place. But I think I just don't get it: Sure, there's a fair bit of space and the coffee is alright, but it better be alright considering that it's fairly expensive compared to other coffee around the area. Also, the notion of "free wifi" is fairly misleading: It's only free for the first half hour, and during that half hour it was so slow that it was nearly nonexistent. So, I wouldn't go here to work by yourself, but it definitely seems like a nice place to hang out with friends and drink some fine coffee if you have a couple extra euros to throw the baristas' way!

Good coffee, good music, nice vibe, nice employees. We liked the Jazz playing in the cafe, it gave it a fun mellow vibe. We had an americano, cappuccino, and pour over. Oh and the lox were awesome! You tell them how strong you want by telling them how much espresso, and water or milk so I guess you better already know how to make coffee. In any case it was a nice relaxing way to start the morning.

Really surprised how nice this place is - extremely nice ambience, comfy seats, wifi.. yes, I'm a fan. Must try the porridge some time. Would prefer some healtier regular foods too - currently mostly cakes, etc.

Only place in Cambridge you can get non Americano coffee. I bought a batch of one of their Ethiopian beans too. Very friendly and top notch service. Best coffee in Cambridge!

I've been coming here for over a year to get my coffee fix. This is one of the best coffee joints in Cambridge. The coffee is superb (if a little on the expensive side) and there are choices of milk for vegans. Modern, spacious, quirky furniture including big wooden tables for large groups of people), intelligent friendly staff and clean loos. Free wifi. Love avocado on toast and toasted panini. I would like to see some raw deserts on the menu to complement that espresso!

Really like the vibe of this independent coffee shop, but my decaf coffee taste like water. A warning to decaf drinkers.

Had a lovely stop here. My wife had peppermint tea, my friend and I affogatos. Each was lovely and nicely served too with grace and good humour. Good prices too. Sitting out back in the courtyard on a gorgeous sunny day, there was much to love about life.

Yes! At long last a decent coffee place in Cambridge! It's not whether you want espresso or macchiato or whatever else the marketing department thinks you'll like, it's what coffee you want: the origin for each is listed on the blackboard, along with the way you'll like it - how many places give you a choice of espresso, pour over or that wonderful, old-fashioned Kona? Quality, laid-back music in the background, big tables that you share with strangers without a problem, and very, very nice food - think sandwiches and paninis, but for once made with real ingredients that remind you what basil really tastes like. Don't miss on the cakes - the date slice is a triumph of elegant honesty, and some other delights are straight from Fitzbillies'. If you add late opening hours, live music regularly, very decent prices and warm, smiling staff, you won't be surprised the place is packed.

Superb coffee and good beer and jazz most evenings. Friendly staff. Hard to get in on music nights so go early.

Calling all masochists willing to pay high prices for meager quality coffee and food, this is your cafe. My order at this cafe was taking a long time to prepare so I sat down. A women comes by sometime later to yell at me and scold me in front of other patrons for not waiting near the counter for my order. Then she throws my order down on the table and walks away. Obviously like most Brits she's cold and serious and probably having a rough life. I waked over to the kitchen area and calmly told her this is not acceptable for you to treat me or any customers or anyone for that matter in a disrespectful way and she was not at all apologetic. I asked the barista if they usually berate customers and he laughed at me and said it's a big cafe, we need people to wait at the counter because it's hard to find people (I actually believe that the cafe employees believe this irrational idea). Meanwhile the cafe is extremely tiny and no doubt I was the only 6ft3 American in this tiny cafe and naturally easy to remember. The reality is that the people working at this cafe have got a real shitty attitude. Unfortunately this is a pretty common encounter since many Brits are downright nasty on the daily, guess you guys just don't want to treat each other warmly. I'm just visiting from America where people are actually generally laid back and nice and care about one another - I guess I can't expect much kindness other than routine manufactured niceties when the weather in Cambridge is constantly rainy and gray and the country is literally entirely repressed and falling apart. End of rant.

A bit pricy with respect to the other coffee shops in Cambridge, but you get what you pay for. The best espresso drinks in Cambridge, this place is a must visit. Unfortunately I don't go there too often because I usually tend to dwell on a coffee drink over an hour and if I'm doing work then I go over the allotted time of free internet without a new purchase (one hour). I'm taking off a point because of that pragmatic issue.

Excellent coffee, excellent service and a nice ambience. You'll be hard pushed to find a better coffee in Cambridge.

Some of the best roasts I've found in England. The jazz afternoons/nights and casual atmosphere make this a favourite.

The best coffee in Cambridge- also very consistent. Some nice snacks- some home made by locals. Also provides some live music and Free WIFI.

This really is the best coffee in Cambridge. One of the only places in the whole city that understands the concept of microfoam!