Finding a new space : independent coffee shops and the importance of supporting small businesses
Zeynah Yusuf reflects on Cambridge’s cafe culture, and the value of supporting independent coffee shops
Other than our curtained rooms and spacious libraries, Cambridge’s cafes have become a popular space to study. Personally, I find that the quiet chatter of others and the sound of coffee brewing optimizes my ability to concentrate on whichever gruelling assignment I am working on. Some cafe chains are known all over the UK, and even internationally, like Caffe Nero, the pricey M&S and the ever-popular Starbucks. In fact, searching ‘coffee shop’ into Google Maps will guide you to these multi-million pound chains without question. But perhaps other destinations, unique to Cambridge alone, could become go-to safe havens with divine coffee and cake.
Founder and owner of Black Seed Bagels in New York, Matt Kliegman, famously stated that “choosing to support an independent business is an act of respect; it’s acknowledging the tremendous risk and challenges inherent to starting your own thing.” Competing with the world’s most well-known businesses in 2025 is no easy feat, and sometimes entering a new place for coffee can make all the difference to the small business owners that are trying their hand. Perhaps in some cases, it can make someone’s dream a reality. For owner Michael, opening Harvey’s Coffee House in 2022 was a lifelong achievement and an instant success.Harvey’s is usually filled with busy students so I find it ideal for studying surrounded by like-minded individuals. Not to mention the loveliest staff I have ever come across. Harvey’s also offers a special discount for Caius students, being located adjacent to their accommodation.
Photo of Michael at Harvey’s Coffee House, taken from the Facebook Page
The main reason I support local businesses, however, is because it is ethical to do so. In light of the mass violence faced by Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli government, many students including myself have begun boycotting big chains like Starbucks and Costa, for contributing to the suffering of Palestinians. Although Starbucks have commented that they have “never contributed to any government or military operation in any way,”, Starbucks is an American company, and US federal profit and tax dollars continue to be used to ally with Israel, providing military aid and diplomatic support for Israeli soldiers’ violent and unjustified actions in Gaza. As of February 2025, 62,614 Palestinians have been killed in this conflict. Furthermore, the largest private owner of Starbucks shares is a staunch zionist who has invested over $1.7 billion in Israel’s damaging economy. It is easy to feel helpless in these horrifying, global situations, but doing something as simple as changing where you buy your coffee can have a much greater impact than you anticipate. Previous boycotting of the sportswear brand Puma has already forced them to end their sponsorship with the Israel Football Association, part of the infrastructure that sustains Israel’s colonisation of Palestinian land.
Photo of a Starbucks truck that does not buy locally, taken by Zeynah Yusuf
Local businesses also make local purchases. Global corporations are well connected around the world but this may not be best for our struggling environment. Buying locally means less transportation, giving way to less pollution and congestion. In recent years the idea of sustainable fashion has boomed. Charity shops like St Luke’s and Oxfam and the online reselling of clothes on Vinted is incredibly popular among my peers, with environmental warnings not going unheard by those of us who will have to reap the consequences in a few decades time. I try to apply these same principles when purchasing my daily coffee. The total greenhouse gas emissions of Starbucks in the financial year ending 2021 were 14,706 thousand tonnes of CO2 equivalents, an increase of 1.1% from 2019. Although there is much more to be done in tackling the climate crisis, the fact remains that supporting local sourcing is a step in the right direction, and a step away from the greenhouse gas emissions that big corporations are struggling to reduce.
Research shows that spending £10 at a small business generates an additional £50 in the local economy. The tax revenue made through sale taxes from local businesses supports the local government and is used to re-invest in the community. In contrast, big businesses receive tax breaks, meaning meaning money spent there is less likely to trickle back down to the community. Data shows SMEs (small and medium size enterprise) contributed a 47% annual turnover to the UK economy as of 2016, which increased to 52% (i.e. £2.3 trillion) in 2020. It is not surprising that the Financial Reporting Council in 2025 has launched a year long campaign to help SMEs access audit services and reduce reporting of burdens where possible. By supporting local businesses you are positively benefiting your local economy, and rewarding those who deserve it.
Max and Alex Bould are brothers who opened their much adored store, Bould Brothers, on Round Church Street in 2016, after spending over a decade working with specialty coffee. Initially I was disappointed to find out they did not have my go-to vanilla syrup, but was pleasantly surprised with how much better their honey latte is than any vanilla latte I’ve ever had! Bould Brothers is a 2 minute walk from St Johns and Trinity College. If you are living in the south end of town, I would recommend Kanto Cafe and Bakery, around 10 minutes from Homerton. Kanto opened in 2023 and provides some exciting alternatives to the traditional croissants and pain aux chocolats, instead offering a large selection of Filipino and Korean bakes.
Photo of Bould Brothers cafe menu, taken by Zeynah Yusuf
Another favourite of mine, Michaelhouse Cafe on Trinity Street is the only cafe in town where you can enjoy food and drink from within a former Cambridge college chapel. Many of us forget, in the midst of our workloads, the grandeur of Cambridge, and one look inside Michaelhouse makes me instantly grateful that I can study in such a rich, historic and cosmopolitan environment. 5 minutes from Kings and Clare College, the cafe has been popular since its renovations in 2002 converting it from a medieval college chapel into a multifunctional study, arts and cafe space. My final Cambridge favourite is the Locker Cafe on King Street, only a 5 minute walk for Sidney Sussex and Emmanuel students, which replaced the previous Clown Cafe in 2017. Since then, it has become many students’ go-to for a study session, especially during the bustling afternoon period. A laptop-free zone on weekends, the Locker gives you a lively space to chat, and provides an important reminder to take a break from work!
Photo of The Locker Cafe, taken by Zeynah Yusuf
Supporting local businesses goes a long way in Cambridge. Supporting those who work hard at their craft not only positively impacts the economy, but also honours those who make Cambridge the unique town that it is. In addition to enjoying coffee made exclusively for us, a simple change can impact the environment, economy and global crises more than you think, which I try to consider wherever I can. By consciously shifting our spending habits, we can foster a more sustainable future where the city continues to thrive on the vibrancy of its local economy.