Seven Specialty Coffee Shops To Visit in Sofia, Bulgaria

Earlier this month, I spent an enjoyable — and very well caffeinated — long weekend in Sofia. The specialty coffee scene in the Bulgarian capital has been growing in recent years, with a number of new cafes joining longer-established coffee spots. This meant I didn't make it to all of the venues on my list; I was also a few weeks early for Sofia Coffee Week. But I did visit seven Sofia coffee shops and drank lots of delicious coffee, enjoying chats with some lovely coffee people. I even managed a specialty coffee pitstop on my very brief visit to the city of Plovdiv — scroll to the end of this post for the details. 

The Caffeine Chronicles: Nostos Coffee, St James's Park

My favourite London coffee opening of 2021 was Nostos Coffee's original Battersea cafe. Nostos lives up to its name (from the Greek for 'homecoming') — I felt at home there from my first visit. Their coffee is impressive too. Nostos's second coffee shop goes even further, with an experience bar, where you can enjoy unique coffees and brewing techniques.

The Caffeine Chronicles: Moonstruck Cafe

I took advantage of the recent Easter long weekend to check out a few new-to-me coffee shops and Moonstruck Cafe, which opened in Stockwell earlier this year, was high on my list. With fantastic coffee served by welcoming staff in a beautifully designed space, Moonstruck is an excellent addition to the neighbourhood.

How To Spend a Perfect Weekend in Brighton & Hove (Updated 2025)

With its bustling beachfront, labyrinthine lanes filled with independent shops and eateries, a thriving art and cultural scene and a bohemian, inclusive spirit, Brighton and Hove has it all. It’s one of my favourite places in the UK and as I have family nearby, I visit every few months. Located 55 miles south of London on the Sussex coast, it makes an easy day trip but to make the most of all Brighton has to offer, why not spend the weekend?

14 Specialty Coffee Shops To Visit in Brighton and Hove (Updated 2026)

Brighton is one of my favourite destinations for a day trip. It has a wonderful seafront, fantastic restaurants and shops and a laid-back, bohemian spirit. It also has many excellent coffee shops but somehow, I never quite managed to make a Brighton specialty coffee guide. As I've been visiting a lot more frequently in recent years, I'm excited to finally share my favourite coffee spots in Brighton and Hove.