It was a relief when Hot Numbers appeared on the café scene in Cambridge, as for a long time it was mainly the chains that dominated. Hot Numbers has done so well since opening in 2011 that it is now expanding into a mini-chain of its own, and has two more locations, one on Trumpington Street not far from the Botanic Gardens and the Roastery in Shepreth – and now the Hot Numbers’ HQ –  a cafe, bakery, and coffee training facility where Joe Bloggs can learn all about his cup of Joe.

The Roastery is in a big beautiful location in Shepreth, southwest of Cambridge, with plenty of space for roasting those beans, with a bakery and café and gorgeous garden. It is a lovely space, inside and out – inside the modern warehouse building, there are large communal wooden tables, leather sofas, plants, cool lighting, and even a vintage motorbike safely secured to a beam in the roof space. The garden is big and leafy with plenty of tables.

Hot Numbers are famous for their brunch menu (served 8-3 pm) – the same in all locations – which features a fantastic version of avocado on toast (on the home-baked sourdough)  with beetroot, radish, burnt lime, chilli, and sesame – add a poached egg for perfection. Or maybe go for the bacon maple buttermilk pancakes. Wash it all down with expertly blended coffees or Kandula teas.

The Roastery runs regular courses for coffee lovers – learn all about espresso, or get a comprehensive introduction to coffee roasting, latte art or do a coffee tasting – courses from £50.

This is a hip place with heart, run by a team who really care about coffee, food, and customer experience.