A Bristol-based coffee shop has topped the leader board as the "Most Popular Coffee Shop in the UK." Mrs Potts Chocolate House on Park Street, which has enjoyed a loyal following over the years with its variety of hot chocolates and chocolate-based food and drink offerings, scored top marks in a recent study. The study, carried out by Solopress, has ranked top UK coffee shops by analyzing social media metrics, including TikTok and Instagram posts using shop hashtags, alongside Google search volumes from 2023 and 2024. The analysis compared year-on-year trends to highlight the leaders of the scrum.
Mrs Potts Chocolate House took the crown as the most popular coffee shop in the UK with an impressive annual search volume of 97,200. The coffee shop also boasts strong social media support, with 289 Instagram posts and 257 on TikTok. This beloved pit stop for chocoholics in Bristol has been serving satisfied customers since 2017, originally starting from 20 Park Street before relocating to larger premises at 50 Park Street in November 2020.
Founded by Amelia Potts, the venture draws inspiration from her mother, Mrs Potts, as well as her family background from Australia. Alongside its flagship store on Park Street, the group also operates two other venues located in Bath and Cardiff.
Mrs Potts Chocolate House's success highlights the growing trend of independent coffee shops across the UK, particularly among younger consumers who gravitate toward unique experiences and offerings. This trend is also reflected by the rankings from Solopress, which recognized several other coffee chains along with Mrs Potts. Notably, two Liverpool coffee shops have also gained recognition among the most viral spots nationwide.
The city’s celebrated chains, 92 Degrees and Bold Street Coffee, made it to the top 10 list compiled by Solopress, marking them as standout locations. 92 Degrees landed third place with a significant increase of 124% in search volume, attributed to its 121 TikTok posts and 1,193 Instagram posts. The coffee chain operates locations on Hardman Street, Jamaica Street, and Myrtle Street, with plans for future expansions to Leeds, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
Meanwhile, Bold Street Coffee secured sixth place on the list, experiencing more than a 125% rise in search volume, backed by 108 TikTok posts and 2,512 Instagram posts. Known for its rotating blends and fresh menu offerings, this venue has won the hearts of many, including Liverpool icon Jodie Comer, who lauded it as the "best coffee in town" during her Vogue interview.
The arrival of such rankings coincides with the theme of uplifting local businesses and fostering community, especially in the aftermath of pandemic challenges for hospitality sectors. The recognition is not simply based on statistics but also reflects the engaging experiences many coffee lovers pursue.
According to the Solopress report, the top 10 list of popular coffee shops includes:
- Mrs Potts Chocolate House, Bristol
- Homeground Coffee + Kitchen, Windermere
- 92 Degrees, Liverpool
- Foundation Coffee House, Manchester
- Climpson & Sons, London
- Bold Street Coffee, Liverpool
- Society Café, Bath
- Saint Espresso, London
- Lovecrumbs, Edinburgh
- Steampunk Coffee, North Berwick
The popularity of these shops stands as proof of the changing preferences among consumers still affected by their experiences during lockdowns. Cafés now represent more than just places to grab coffee; they often serve as social hubs providing community connection, artisanal food, and individualized service.
Looking forward, the trend suggests thriving independent coffee culture will continue, encouraging newcomers to shine as they compete at the top level alongside established names. With the rising digital footprint of such shops across social media platforms, the future certainly looks bright for independent coffee makers aiming to attract ever-evolving tastes of patrons across the nation.