The world’s 100 greatest espresso retailers revealed – however solely two British entries make the record… so, is YOUR favorite on it?

The 100 best coffee shops in the world have been revealed – but the UK only features twice in the esteemed list.

Both British entries were based in Scotland – with Ottoman Coffehouse, Glasgow, coming in at 38th place, while Birch, set on the remote Isle of Skye, placed at 50th in the new survey announced at the annual CoffeeFest, held in Madrid.

A total of 44 UK-based coffee shops were nominated for this year’s list, but most were remarkably absent from the ranking.

Taking the top spot was Onyx Coffee LAB in Rogers, USA, described as a ‘specialty coffee roastery’ that features an ‘impressive barista training facility and state-of-the-art coffee bar’.

Celebrated for its high-brow quality and unique roasting techniques, it has been praised by customers for its ‘world-class coffee’ that is ‘smooth, rich and roasted to perfection’.

The final ranking was determined by a combination of public votes and scores set by a jury of around 800 coffee connoisseurs, who faced the challenging task of whittling down 15,000 nominated sites across the globe.

Second spot was awarded to Tim Wendelboe in Oslo, Norway and third to Alquima Coffee store in Santa Ana, El Salvador.

Sydney, Australia, home of the early morning risers, featured twice on the list at 5th and 6th, renowned for its incredible coffee spots in the heart of the city.

A new survey has revealed the world’s top 100 best coffee spots. The UK only featured twice on the esteemed list, including Birch Coffee shop based in Portree (pictured)

Ottoman Coffehouse, Glasgow (pictured), came in at 38th place. A total of 44 UK-based coffee shops were nominated for this year’s list, but most were remarkably absent from the ranking

Yet while 44 British coffee shops were nominated for this year’s list, they were remarkably absent from the esteemed ranking, and were among 11 European coffeeshops that made it into the top 50. 

Notably, not a single London venue made the list – with it seeming that those in search of a good caffeine fix may need to head north of the Border instead.

Ottoman Coffehouse in Glasgow opened in 2015 by two brothers and is inspired by the traditional coffee shops of Istanbul, Turkey. 

Described as the city’s ‘flagship destination for specialty coffee’, it has consistently been celebrated for its authentic atmosphere and high-quality service.

It also received a European Coffee Trip Award for the UK in 2024, placing it at the absolute forefront of UK speciality coffee.

Reflecting on the significance of the global ranking, Ottoman Coffeehouse described it as ‘beautiful’.

Taking the top spot was Onyx Coffee LAB (pictured) in Rogers, USA, described as a ‘specialty coffee roastery’ that features an ‘impressive barista training facility and state-of-the-art coffee bar’

Further up into the Scottish highlands, Birch Coffee in the remote town of Portree on the Isle of Skye, took the crown of 50th best in the world

‘This was never the goal. We never set out to win prizes or get on lists. The only plan was to open our doors, serve great coffee, and look after the people who walk in,’ they told TimeOut UK.

Further up into the Scottish highlands, Birch Coffee in the remote town of Portree on the Isle of Skye, took the crown of 50th best in the world.

The small coffee shop, which was launched in 2020, is inspired by the ample coffee culture in Australia and features authentic coffee beans roasted on the island from its own roastery. 

Speaking to The Times, Niall Munro, 35, the cafe’s owner, described the ‘validation’ of the global ranking as ‘such a nice feeling’. 

He added:  ‘While there’ll always be some incredible places in London, it’s refreshing to see Scotland really standing on its own in the speciality coffee scene now.’

Unveiling the highly anticipated list on Instagram, the world’s 100 Best Coffee Shops said: ‘We’ve travelled to the most remote places of the planet to bring you an exclusive list of the best coffee shops in the world with several criteria to achieve EXCELLENCE.’ 

Judges ranked the winners on a wide-ranging criteria including coffee quality, barista skills and technique, sustainability practice and innovation.

Members of the international jury included leading figures in the industry from across the globe, including Kat Melheim, Darveris Rivas, Mariam Erin and Michalis Dimitrakopoulos. 

Cesar Ramirez, CEO of The World 100 Best Coffee Shops, said: ‘In the end, we are embracing global trends. Coffee shop culture continues to grow, and this ranking aims to give greater visibility to more coffee shops worldwide.’