Most days start with a hot coffee, but where makes the best blend in Norwich?

We asked city folk where their favourite independent places to grab a coffee are in Norwich and here are seven of the much-loved destinations for a caffeine fix. 

1. Alchemista

Where: 4 St Gregory's Alley, Norwich, NR2 1ER

Describing their café as being "created by people with a passion for great coffee and attention to detail", it is no wonder this steampunk spot has become known for its "coffee potions".

Drinks maker Doxi teamed up with Alchemista in St Gregory's which sees the cafe turn into a bar in the evenings.

2. Café No33

Where: Exchange Street, Norwich, NR2 1DP

Café No33 is arguably one of Norwich's most popular cafes, with city-goers regularly queueing to get a table. 

The family-run business has become renowned for its selection of homemade cakes and hearty brunches, without forgetting its coffee.

3. Strangers

Where: 10 Dove St, Norwich NR2 1DE and 14 All Saints Green, Norwich NR1 3NA and 21 Pottergate, Norwich NR2 1DS

Norwich Evening News: Giles Hayward-Smith, manager of Strangers in All Saints Street, serving coffee at the hatchGiles Hayward-Smith, manager of Strangers in All Saints Street, serving coffee at the hatch (Image: Denise Bradley)

It does not get more local than this, with the coffee brewed a stone's throw away in Dove Street.

Sit and watch the world go by and look out on the buzzing Norwich Lanes from a seat by the window or grab a quick coffee to go from Strangers' All Saints Green hatch.

4. Sahara

Where: 67-69 Magdalen Street and 22-24 St.Benedicts Street

Norwich Evening News: Karim, chef at the Sahara North African cafe in St BenedictsKarim, chef at the Sahara North African cafe in St Benedicts (Image: Newsquest)

"Bringing the flavours of north Africa to the streets of Norwich", Saraha has two locations in Magdalen Street and St Benedicts Street.

Some of their menu items in shakshouka, tagine and a harissa chicken ciabatta.

5. Kofra

Where: 16 Onley St, Norwich NR2 2EB and 81 Upper St Giles St, Norwich, NR2 1AB and 1 Bell Rd, Norwich, NR3 4RA

Norwich Evening News: Kofra Coffee in TrowseKofra Coffee in Trowse (Image: Newsquest)

All of Kofra's coffee comes from equitably paid producers and is roasted in a Scandinavian style.

With nine blends to choose from, separated by taste, you'll find something you like at Kofra. 

6. Carello’s

Where: Theatre Street, Norwich

Norwich Evening News:

Owned by Brian Wells, the little yellow van has been sat in Theatre Street for nearly 16 years.

Closing the Castle Meadow café in 2018, the coffee stop has been around the city in different forms for decades.

7. Café Gelato

Where: 6 Opie Street, Norwich, NR1 3DN

Norwich Evening News: Café GelatoCafé Gelato (Image: Kate Wolstenholme)

If you're looking for something sweet, Café Gelato offers a vast range of tasty ice creams - whatever the weather.

They have even been known to make a mince pie flavour and include other festive toppings.

Several readers have said that Gelato is also their one-stop-shop for coffee.