“Not another one!” It’s a common refrain whenever The Stray Ferret publishes a story about a new coffee shop opening in Harrogate town centre. But is it justified?

There’s no doubt we’ve seen a fair few come and go in recent years. The Harrogate market is challenging, with stiff competition alongside high rents and business rates.

But there are also some really well-established coffee shops in the town, as well as newer ones making a name for themselves. With a survey in August by data gathering platform Statista showing that coffee has overtaken tea in the UK’s affections, are there really too many coffee shops in Harrogate?

Just how many are there?

Who is drinking all this coffee? 

Sam said the quality of the coffee was important to him, as was supporting local independent businesses. This was echoed by Natalie, 35, from Bilton, whose favourite places to grab a coffee are No35, Baltzersen’s, Hoxton North and Pink Door on Kings Road. She sees going for a coffee as a “bit of a treat” and will go out specifically on a weekend for a coffee if she fancies it. She added:

Jennifer Sanchez, 75, and Leanne Dransfield, 33, both from Killinghall, have very different habits when it comes to coffee. With young children, Leanne rarely finds the time to visit a coffee shop but likes Brood because it has toys to keep the kids amused. Leanne also sometimes goes to Starbucks as it’s her teenage daughter’s favoured hang-out. Jennifer, meanwhile, often goes to Nomad because “the coffee is very nice and the staff are helpful.” She also sometimes goes to M&S for a coffee if she’s there while shopping.

Harrogate resident Cheryl Hutton, 61, had just been for a coffee at Caffe Marconi. She said:

It all sounds fairly positive. But how do the coffee shop owners feel? While it’s all very well for customers to have such a varied choice, what’s it like to compete for the affections of Harrogate’s coffee lovers?

The coffee shops

Daniela Genova and Nertil Xhallo have had to adapt their offering to compete in the Harrogate market since taking over Caffé Lago di Como on Beulah Street two years ago. Daniela said:

Although still passionate about their coffee – a blend roasted fresh every week by Darkwoods especially for them – Daniela and Nertil now offer a range of homemade cakes and Mediterranean-inspired lunches. It seems to be a recipe for success, with the café "full every day” with shoppers, tourists and residents.

Over at LMDC espresso bar on John Street, owner Helen Lawson has changed very little since taking over the established venue in September 2021 and many of her customers have been visiting for years. She thinks the coffee shops that have been successful in Harrogate have all had to carve out their own niche by offering something slightly different to each other.

Dan Howard is the general manager of Starling on Oxford Street, which has been open since 2017 and is a coffee shop by day and a craft beer bar by night.

Dan thinks competition is "never a bad thing” and says he has nothing but well wishes for anyone who tries to open a business in the town centre. He said:

Three historical coffee shop facts: 

• The first coffee house was opened in Oxford circa 1650


• By the 1670s the number of coffee houses increased in London and were important places for political debate.


• By 1675 there were more than 3,000 coffee houses in England


• 1919  Frederick Belmont opens the first Bettys Café at 9 Camridge Crescent, Harrogate

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