Where to get coffee with a view on Cappuccino Day

If you’re partial to a steaming cup of frothy coffee, you’ve probably already got National Cappuccino Day on your calendar. This annual event on 8 November celebrates everyone’s favourite espresso-based drink, and it’s the perfect excuse to get yourself down to your favourite coffee shop for a creamy caffeine hit. To make the most of the day, we’ve scoured the UK’s cities to pick out the best coffee shops where you can savour a hot drink with an incredible view. Plus, if you book yourself a cheap megabus ticket to get there, you can splurge the money you saved on a slice of cake – or a cheeky second cappuccino.

360 Café, Clifton Observatory, Bristol

Want to take a step back from the city centre in Bristol? The 360 Café at Clifton Observatory is the place to be. Set on the edge of the city, it has an indoor, glass-sided café as well as an outdoor rooftop terrace, and the views are nothing short of phenomenal. Wrap up warm and head up onto the terrace to sip your cappuccino with views of Clifton Down, Clifton Suspension Bridge and the city centre itself. The luxury hot chocolates are tempting, too, if you’re craving a sweet chaser after your coffee.
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Monmouth Coffee Company, Borough Market, London

Coffee connoisseurs flock to Monmouth Coffee Company in their droves, so you can bank on a decent cappuccino here. And while there are various locations in London, the Borough Market branch is the ultimate spot if you fancy people-watching – it’s right on the edge of the bustling food market, so you’ve got a constant stream of hungry hordes passing by. There’ll probably be a queue to get your coffee, which is no bad thing, and there’s very limited seating. The preferred option is to take your cappuccino – and croissant, if you’re feeling flush – and pick a perch outside to watch the busy streets of London come to life.
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Vanoffee, various locations, Manchester

Fancy switching up your view with your brew in Manchester? Then it’s got to be Vanoffee – the coffee van that comes to you. You’ll find this roaming café in locations across Manchester, and if you sign up to the app you’ll be notified when it’s near you. As well as fresh coffee, a mean iced Matcha and plenty of sweet treats, the van’s star attraction is the doughnoffee. Instead of a cup, this coffee is served up inside a doughnut lined with Biscoff spread or Nutella. You’ll be given a straw to slurp the liquid centre as you soak up the view of the day.
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The Terrace, Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth

For sweeping sea views and a decent cuppa, get yourself down to The Terrace at Plymouth Hoe. This cliffside café and restaurant serves up a widescreen view of Plymouth Sound from the covered outdoor terrace, so you get unmatched views of the waves below. The coffee menu includes a decent cappuccino made with Cornish coffee, as well as seasonal drinks like gingerbread latte and mint hot chocolate. Sip your coffee of choice with a slice of cake made locally at The Rise Bakery – you’ve just found your new-favourite coffee stop-off.
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Starbucks, Princes Street, Edinburgh

When only a Starbucks will do, it’s got to be Edinburgh’s branch on Princes Street. While it might look small downstairs, head upstairs and you’ll find plenty of comfy seats plus a prime view of Edinburgh Castle through huge, ornate windows. Pop in for a cappuccino to warm up after a chilly winter walk round Princes Street Gardens, refuel on a shopping trip, or pick up a book from Waterstones a few doors down then sit and soak up the view.
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Medicine Bakery, New Street, Birmingham

Rainy day ruining the view outside? Birmingham’s Medicine Bakery has you covered, with its decidedly Instagrammable interior. The all-white walls of this artisan bakery and café on New Street are hung with arty prints and leafy plants. Even the lighting is perfect, thanks to the part-glass roof, so you can give that frothy cappuccino the selfie it deserves. Fancy something to eat? Take your pick from cronuts, cakes and pastries, or go all-out with Medicine’s signature brunch.
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The Hooch, Quayside, Newcastle

In it for the long-haul in Newcastle? Head to The Hooch and you can start off with a cappuccino before moving onto something a little – or a lot – stronger. This café turned bar serves up coffee by day and cocktails by night, not to mention some of the city’s best views of the Quayside. There’s music and food on offer, too, so you’ll struggle to find a reason to leave once you’ve got here. Pick a window seat and watch the skyline over the Tyne shift from day to night. The perfect backdrop for that #cappuccinoday photo.
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