St Martin's Coffee

About St Martin's Coffee

St Martin's Coffee is a speciality coffee shop situated in Leicester's atmospheric Cathedral Quarter, just a stone's throw from Leicester Cathedral and the historic Guildhall. The café occupies a compact but thoughtfully designed space with a clean, contemporary aesthetic that sets it apart from the usual chain coffee shops. It is a place that takes coffee seriously without taking itself too seriously - the atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, and the welcome extends to dogs as well as their owners.

Dogs are welcome inside on quieter days and always on the outdoor terrace, which is arranged along a pleasant stretch of St Martin's Walk in the Cathedral Quarter. Water bowls are provided, and the staff are friendly and genuinely dog-loving - they even have a doggy Instagram wall where customers can photograph their dogs. The tables are well spaced, giving dogs room to settle without being in the way of passing pedestrians.

What to Expect

The coffee here is outstanding. St Martin's roasts its own beans on site and serves exceptional single-origin coffees alongside expertly made espresso drinks, filter coffee, and cold brew. The milk alternatives are good, and the baristas are knowledgeable without being pretentious. Whether you want a flat white or a pour-over, the quality is consistently excellent.

The food offering is concise but well executed. Expect homemade cakes and pastries, toasted sandwiches, and light bites that complement the coffee without trying to be a full kitchen. Everything is made with quality ingredients. The atmosphere is stylish and modern, a contemporary addition to this historic corner of Leicester that manages to feel both fashionable and welcoming at the same time.

The interior is small enough to feel intimate but well designed to avoid feeling cramped. Natural light floods in through the front windows, and the minimal decor creates a calm, focused environment. During busier periods dogs may be asked to sit on the terrace, but on quieter weekday mornings and afternoons they are welcome inside.

Location & Visiting

St Martin's Coffee sits in one of Leicester's most attractive areas, close to the cathedral, the Guildhall, and the Richard III Visitor Centre. The pedestrianised streets of the Cathedral Quarter make this a pleasant place to walk with a dog, and there are several parks within easy reach for a proper stretch. Leicester railway station is a short walk away, and city-centre parking is available in nearby multi-storey car parks. The café is open daily, with slightly later opening at weekends.