Small Street Espresso — Restaurant in Bristol

On a small street in Bristol, aptly named Small Street, you will find the equally aptly-named Small St Espresso. It’s a tiny espresso bar, over-flowing with love for good coffee. There’s a couple of seating areas either side of the door and another one at the back, but the bulk of the space is taken up with the tiled bar and the beautiful espresso machine. I know I shouldn’t be swayed by such superficial things, but I am.

It helps, of course, that the coffee is as beautiful as everything else in Small St Espresso. It would be a real shame if, after all that care and attention to the layout and the décor, the coffee had turned out to be rubbish. But fortunately, Chris, the head barista and joint-owner, has put as much love, if not more, into making his coffee as he has into making his coffee shop.

So, whether you are looking for a quick takeaway coffee or a sit down with a slice of cake, give Small St Espresso a try and I’m sure you won’t be...

Tucked away in Bristol’s old city quarter, this cozy little café has a relaxed, slightly bohemian vibe. On the day I visited, soft Latin jazz was playing, which somehow made the drizzle outside feel charming rather than dreary. There’s more seating than you’d expect from the outside, including a snug mezzanine level that overlooks the counter, perfect for people-watching. I went for a piccolo, which was smooth and well-balanced, though the prices are a touch higher than the average Bristol coffee spot. The menu isn’t huge, but they do rotate a guest espresso alongside their house blend, plus there’s a decent decaf. I was pleasantly surprised to find a couple of vegan-friendly treats, banana bread and a flapjack that’s also gluten-free and I overheard someone mention they sometimes have a pistachio olive oil cake on weekends. There’s even a handful of outdoor tables, which I imagine would be lovely on...

Small Street Espresso is hands down one of the best coffee spots around. Tucked away on a cozy street, it delivers everything you'd want from a proper café — smooth, expertly brewed coffee, friendly staff, and a relaxed vibe that makes it easy to lose track of time.

The espresso is rich and full of flavor, clearly made with care and top-notch beans. They keep the menu simple, which I love — it shows they focus on quality over quantity. The flat white is a standout, and if you’re into pour-overs, you won’t be disappointed.

The space itself is small but beautifully put together — minimalist, clean, and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where locals stop by regularly, and you’ll quickly see why.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick shot of caffeine or staying to soak in the atmosphere, Small Street Espresso nails it. Highly...