Southsea is blessed with dozens of independent coffee places.
At Port 57 Coworking Studio our members stay energised on GRIND Espresso pods, but there are also plenty of amazing coffee places to try nearby if you want something truly exceptional to start your day.
In this article, we’ll run through Southsea’s very best independent coffee spots within walking distance of Port 57, along with any particular delights you should try while you’re there.
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Sweet Tooth Coffee and Bakes
Walking distance: 0mins
Just a hop across the road from our hot desking office is Sweet Tooth Coffee and Bakes. Our pal Luke mans the espresso machine, delivering some of the best-tasting coffee in Southsea, currently grinding an amazing selection of beans from Pelicano Coffee Co. in Brighton. As well as incredible flat whites, caramel lattes and cortados, Sweet Tooth lives up to its name with an insane selection of bakes that Luke prepares himself every week. With amazing creations such as Creme Egg cookies, Biscoff & Gold Bar cookie pies and Salted Caramel brownies, it’s impossible to leave without buying a little treat for later. There’s also always a selection of Gluten-free and Vegan bakes available.
If that’s too much temptation, you can leave with a bag of pick-n-mix style (and vegan-friendly) sweeties. Just make sure you share with your coworkers when you hop back to the studio.
Jessie’s Latin Lounge
Walking distance: 0mins
Still less than 30 seconds from Port 57 coworking studio is Jessie’s Latin Lounge, a warm and quirky spot that oozes sunshine, no matter the weather. Jessie herself hails from the Quindio region of Columbia and delights customers with a selection of authentic Latin dishes that will keep you coming back for more. The arepa dishes, empenadas and cuban sandwiches are firm favourites with our hot desk members, and Jessie does a great job of offering vegetarian and vegan alternatives across most of the menu, so you’ll have plenty of excellent dishes to choose from.
The Quindo region is part of Columbia’s famous Coffee Triangle, which produces the largest amount of arabica beans in the world. Needless to say, the coffee at Jessie’s Latin Lounge is second to none, with a more traditional feel than other spots in Southsea. With plenty of inside seating (and tables outside when the sun peeks through), this is the perfect spot to enjoy watching the world go by while you sip on some authentic Columbian flavour.
Offbeet Cafe
Walking distance: 1mins
We’ve officially broken the 60-second threshold, and Offbeet Cafe is well worth the few extra steps. With a beautiful interior, an upstairs sun terrace and an entirely plant-based menu, Offbeet Southsea has become an incredibly popular addition to Albert Road’s cafe scene. As with all the spots on this list, every cup of coffee is poured to perfection, with a full selection of alternative milks at no extra cost. Pooches are also welcome to taste their way through Offbeet’s Dog Menu, of which 50p from every meal gets donated to the Santorini Animal Shelter.
For hot summer days, Offbeet Southsea also offer a selection of freshly pressed juices and smoothies, but the real draw is their incredible menu of plant-based dishes, cakes and nibbles which are all prepared and cooked to order. The prices of the food may be a little more than other local grub, but this is no place for a quick lunchtime fix. Try the Green Shakshuka or Caribbean Jerk Tacos to get a taste of truly elevated plant-based dining, while you relax in the crisp, calm environment of Southsea’s latest and greatest cafe.
Garage Lounge
Walking distance: 2-3 minutes
A few minutes along Albert Road is the wonderfully popular Garage Lounge. If you’re meeting a friend for a catch up, need a quick spot to pitch your laptop and do some work, or simply want to sample a great selection of tasty, brunchy food then this is the place for you.
The Garage Lounge boasts a quintessentially chic interior with mismatched tableware and plenty of seating, and is the ideal spot for an impromptu brunch or afternoon tea. Their menu features everything you’d expect to see, from Eggs Benedict to Strawberry French Toast, and their cake stand will tease you with a selection of indulgent desserts from the moment you enter. Sadly they don’t have the greatest options for vegan diners, but the Garage Lounge remains a solid choice for sit-in coffee, teas and juices in Portsmouth.
In a hurry? Drop around the side of the building and order to go!
Hunter Gatherer
Walking distance: 9 minutes
Further along Southsea’s Albert Road is Hunter Gatherer, the second plant-based cafe on our list. As their saying goes, Good Coffee Ain’t Cheap; Cheap Coffee Ain’t Good, and Hunter Gatherer is worth every penny. This is a top local choice for Portsmouth’s true coffee aficionados, boasting a carefully curated, regularly rotating selection of roasts and producers that will keep even the most dedicated coffee drinker wanting more. A personal favourite is their oat dirty chai, which packs a powerful but mellow punch with distinctive spicy flavours – a perfect way to start the day.
As well as coffee, Hunter Gatherer has an amazing selection of juices, smoothies, cakes and brunch/lunch options. The cafe offers colourful decor, exceptionally friendly staff and a choice of sunny window seating or quieter hiding spots on the lower floor, either of which are perfect for squeezing in an hour of reading or remote work.
Run by the affable Brian, this cafe stands out for its commitment to community and positivity, serving as a hub for local action and political groups and standing out as a stalwart champion of the local LGBTQIA+ scene. Hunter Gatherer deserves plenty of support and attention from the Southsea community that it continues to serve with dedication.
Baffled Coffee
Walking distance: 14 minutes
Sure, it’s a little further, but you won’t want to miss this incredible coffee spot. Opening at 7am, Baffled Coffee is the perfect pick for an early morning espresso before work, with outdoor tables to enjoy the morning views in warmer months. Baffled stock an excellent (and strong) coffee selection with a varied menu of breakfast, brunch and lunch options, including some vegetarian and vegan dishes – and it’s worth mentioning the quality of the food is consistently exceptional. And if you’re in a hurry you can take advantage of their coffee and bap (including vegan sausages) deal for around £8, or upgrade to one of their signature bagels.
More than just a cafe, Baffled Coffee also operates an alcoholic bar in the afternoons, making this a great choice for all kinds of occasions, whether you’re having a casual catch up with friends or grabbing an impressive late lunch with family.
Based in Fawcett Road, Baffled is one of the top spots for coffee in Portsmouth, and their growing number of locations – including a coffee shack on Southsea seafront and a second location in Old Portsmouth, close to the Hot Walls Art Studios – make them a welcome sight for the caffeine-deprived.
Conclusion
For those mixing up remote work with the need for a caffeine boost, remember; you’re always welcome to pull up a chair and hot desk at Port 57. Not only do we cherish the local coffee scene, but we also brew a mean cup of our own right here. Free tea and coffee are on the house for all our hot desking pals and members, ensuring you’re never without a warm mug as you hustle through your day.
So, if you’re seeking the perfect spot to get your laptop out, sip on quality brews, and maybe even indulge in a baked treat or two, look no further. Port 57 and our surrounding coffee spots have got your back. Come and join the community where great work meets great coffee, all within walking distance.
