The Specialty Coffee Shop

The Specialty Coffee Shop is located on the corner of Friar Lane and Maid Marian Way in Nottingham. This simple coffee shop is a real find and a notch above the chain coffee places around the city. Owned and run by young Italian couple Michaelangelo Franco and Lucy Giacone, their knowledge of and passion for coffee is clear from the moment you walk through the door. Both Michaelangelo and Lucy have worked previously as “coffee consultants” and spent time on an organic coffee farm in Costa Rica, studying the process of making coffee from bean to cup. At their shop, each cup is brewed individually using your preferred technique, including the pour-over method that is currently taking coffee shops by storm. House syrups and spice mixes are available too.

If tea is more your thing, this coffee shop also serves a range of seasonal flavours. It offers regular ‘vintage teas’ that include exceptional-quality tea and homemade savouries and cakes.

The Speciality Coffee Shop has a contemporary, clean and simple feel. Warm wood and industrial touches complement comfortable chairs at the rear. There is a range of delicious-looking homemade cakes and savoury breakfast and lunch options. The space is uncluttered and delightful. We have visited often and seen a diverse and cosmopolitan set of customers each time. All are made welcome by the friendly staff. On one visit we also enjoyed quite possibly the best chai latte we have ever tasted!  

In the crowded landscape of city centre coffee shops, this place truly stands out. We will be back, often!

By Abby Brennan, Nottinghamshire editor