What are the best coffee beans to buy in the UK?

From specialty single origins to reliable supermarket blends, here’s your guide to finding the UK’s best coffee beans — fresh, flavourful, and suited to how you brew.

Top Espresso Picks

Brazil-Led Blends

Medium to medium-dark roasts with chocolate and nut notes. Smooth, consistent, and ideal with milk.

Union Hand-Roasted Coffee

Freshly roasted in London with balanced, sweet espresso blends like “Revelation.” Perfect for lattes or flat whites.

Best Filter & Pour-Over Coffee

Ethiopian Light Roasts

Floral, fruity, and bright. Ideal for V60, Chemex, or AeroPress. Roasters like Origin, Kiss the Hippo, and Grind do excellent versions.

Kenyan Single Origins

Vibrant blackcurrant and citrus notes with a lively acidity — great for those who enjoy bold fruit profiles.

Best Beans for French Press

Colombian Medium Roast

Balanced body with caramel and cocoa tones. Use a coarse grind and steep for 4–5 minutes.

“All-Rounder” Blends

Many UK roasters offer balanced blends that work across brew methods. Great everyday options.

Best Budget Coffee Beans (UK Supermarkets)

  • Tesco Finest Colombian Supremo – a solid supermarket choice with fair value.
  • L’OR Classique – smooth and balanced, great for daily brewing.
  • Lavazza Oro – a trusted Italian classic, ideal for espresso machines or moka pots.
Explore More Beans

Featured Beans from EspressoRepair

24 Heaven Half Caff Bean – 500g

 24 Heaven Half Caff Coffee Beans 500g

A blended half-caffeinated bean for those who want lower caffeine but full flavour.

Amici Signature Espresso Blend (6 × 1 kg)

 Amici Signature Espresso Blend 6 x 1kg

Designed for professional use, this blend gives consistent espresso across machines.

Cappuccino Roast – Italian Aroma

 Cappuccino Roast Italian Aroma Coffee Beans

A roast aimed for milk drinks, offering warmth and body.

City Roast – Italian Aroma

 City Roast Italian Aroma Coffee Beans

A balanced roast that sits between filter and espresso styles.

Classic Continental Roast – Italian Aroma

 Classic Continental Roast Italian Aroma Coffee Beans

A continental style roast giving tradition and body.

Fazienda Blend – Italian Aroma

 Fazienda Blend Italian Aroma Coffee Beans

A blend tailored for classic flavour profiles.

Filter Coffee With Papers

 Filter Coffee With Papers

A pack designed for drip / filter coffee setups, often sold in bulk.

Ottimo – Italian Aroma

 Ottimo Italian Aroma Coffee Beans

An aromatic roast with richness and character.

Supremo Roast – Italian Aroma

 Supremo Roast Italian Aroma Coffee Beans

Full-bodied roast, suited for espresso and more robust styles.

FAQs — People Also Ask

Which coffee beans are best for espresso in the UK?
Medium to medium-dark Brazil-forward blends are best. Look for notes of chocolate and caramel and labels marked “Espresso.”
Are supermarket coffee beans any good?
Yes, if they’re fresh. Always check for roast dates — freshness matters more than fancy branding.
What strength coffee beans should I buy?
“Strength” means roast darkness, not caffeine. Choose light roasts for fruity flavours, darker roasts for richer chocolate tones.
How long do coffee beans stay fresh?
They’re best within 3–4 weeks of roasting. Store them in an airtight, cool, dark place.
What beans are best for French press?
Medium roast Colombian or balanced house blends with a coarse grind deliver smooth, full-bodied cups.