Speciality Cafetiere Hackney in UK’s Top Coffee Shops 2025

Key Points

• Speciality Cafetiere on Hackney Road, Hackney, has been named among the UK’s top coffee shops following a public vote.
• The selection is part of The Best Coffee Shops UK 2025 list, with selected venues now competing for a spot in The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops, to be announced on 16 February.
• Criteria for evaluation include quality of coffee, barista expertise, customer service, innovation, ambiance and atmosphere, sustainable practices, quality of food and pastries, consistency, and community involvement.
• Co-owners and cousins Paolo Giovinazzo and Mauro Laruffa run the cafe as a passion project, leveraging decades of experience in coffee roasting.
• The cafe roasts its own blend and offers brews from espresso to hand-brew options using a special filtration system for optimal water quality.
• Food offerings include melted sandwiches, pistachio croissants, apple strudel, and filled doughnuts or ‘bombolina’.
• The cafe expressed pride on Instagram, thanking customers for voting and the team for hard work, while highlighting their evolution, trend-awareness, humble approach, and commitment to accessible coffee.
• Customer reviews praise the coffee, chocolate croissants, barista precision, warm service, and relaxed atmosphere.
• The Best Coffee Shops UK announced the list on Instagram last week, congratulating all entrants and outlining their mission to celebrate UK speciality coffee excellence.

Hackney (East London Times) January 29, 2026 – Speciality Cafetiere on Hackney Road has been selected among the UK’s top coffee shops after a public vote, positioning it as a contender for the global list of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops. The cafe, celebrated for its roasted blends, expert baristas, and welcoming vibe, stands out not just for coffee quality but also for its food, service, and community ties. This accolade underscores Hackney’s vibrant coffee scene amid a national spotlight on speciality venues.

What Made Speciality Cafetiere Stand Out?

Speciality Cafetiere excels in multiple facets beyond superior coffee. The venue roasts its own blend, offering everything from espresso to hand-brew methods enhanced by a special filtration system ensuring the best water quality for brews. Co-owners Paolo Giovinazzo and Mauro Laruffa, cousins with decades of coffee roasting experience, have turned this into a passion project that emphasises accessibility for all coffee explorers.

Food plays a key role too, with melted sandwiches and pastries like pistachio croissants, apple strudel, and filled doughnuts – known as ‘bombolina’ – complementing the drinks menu. As reported in coverage of the cafe’s selection, these elements contribute to a holistic experience that voters clearly appreciated.

The evaluation criteria from The Best Coffee Shops UK encompass quality of coffee, barista experience, atmosphere, food quality, community engagement, and customer service – areas where Speciality Cafetiere evidently shone.

Who Are the Co-Owners Behind the Success?

Paolo Giovinazzo and Mauro Laruffa, cousins and co-owners, bring deep expertise to Speciality Cafetiere. Mauro Laruffa prides himself on decades of experience as a coffee roaster, infusing the venue with authentic passion. Their hands-on approach has evolved the cafe over the years, always aiming to stay ahead of trends while maintaining humility.

In their Instagram post celebrating the news, they wrote:

“We are proud to be in the list of the UK’s best coffee shops. Thanks for the nomination and huge thanks to all our customers that voted for us and thanks to all our team for their hard work. We have been evolving over the years, always trying to improve and being one step ahead the trends, while keeping a humble approach – making coffee accessible to every customer open to explore. Come and visit us, we are open every day.”

This statement reflects their gratitude and forward-looking ethos.

How Did Customers React to the Recognition?

Customers have long sung praises of Speciality Cafetiere, with reviews highlighting its appeal even before this accolade. One reviewer posted: “Great coffee, BEST CHOCOLATE CROISSANTS!!!! Love the people that work there. If you haven’t had there coffee, you better start now!!” Another enthused:

“At this coffee spot, it’s not just about good coffee — it’s about true passion for the craft. The barista knows exactly what they’re doing — every espresso is rich in flavour and made with precision. You feel welcome thanks to the warm service and relaxed atmosphere. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates coffee the way it’s meant to be.”

These testimonials underscore the cafe’s strengths in product quality and personal touch, factors that likely propelled it in the public vote.

What Is the Selection Process for Top UK Coffee Shops?

The Best Coffee Shops UK spearheaded the process with a public vote culminating in their 2025 list. Posting on Instagram last week, the organisation stated:

“Massive congrats to all the coffee shops that made it into THE BEST COFFEE SHOPS UK 2025 and now running for a spot in THE WORLD’S 100 BEST COFFEE SHOPS!☕ Our mission is to celebrate excellence in the UK’s speciality coffee scene by spotlighting outstanding coffee shops and sharing their dedication, quality and craft based on the evaluation criteria: quality of coffee, barista expertise, customer service, innovation, ambiance & atmosphere, sustainable practices, quality of food & pastry, consistency, community.”

This comprehensive judging framework ensures winners like Speciality Cafetiere excel holistically. The jury now deliberates, with The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops announcement slated for 16 February.

Why Does Hackney Remain a Coffee Hotspot?

Hackney Road’s Speciality Cafetiere fits seamlessly into Hackney’s reputation as a hub for innovative coffee culture. The borough has fostered a wave of independent roasters and cafes prioritising craft and community. This nomination reinforces local pride, drawing more enthusiasts to explore venues blending tradition with modernity.

As a coffee lovers’ haven, Speciality Cafetiere exemplifies how passion-driven spots elevate neighbourhoods. Its daily operations – open every day – invite locals and visitors alike to experience the buzz.

How Does This Fit into the Broader UK Coffee Scene?

The UK’s speciality coffee landscape thrives on such recognitions, spotlighting venues that innovate responsibly. Criteria like sustainable practices and consistency highlight an industry maturing beyond mere brews to cultural staples. Speciality Cafetiere’s inclusion signals public appetite for quality-driven, community-oriented cafes nationwide.

With global eyes now on these UK finalists, the 16 February reveal could propel more Hackney gems internationally. Coverage notes the list’s role in championing dedication amid rising competition.

What’s Next for Speciality Cafetiere?

The cafe eyes potential global recognition, but its focus remains grounded. Co-owners Paolo Giovinazzo and Mauro Laruffa continue roasting blends and perfecting pastries, open daily for patrons. Their Instagram call – “Come and visit us” – beckons amid the excitement.

Customer loyalty, evidenced by glowing reviews, positions them strongly for the jury’s decision. As Hackney (East London Times) reports, this milestone caps years of evolution, with barista precision and welcoming vibes as hallmarks.

Broader Implications for Coffee Enthusiasts

This story spotlights shifting priorities in coffee consumption: from bean quality to immersive experiences. Voters rewarded Speciality Cafetiere’s blend of expertise, food, and service, mirroring trends towards multifaceted venues. The Best Coffee Shops UK’s criteria – innovation, sustainability, community – set a benchmark for the sector.

For Hackney locals, it’s validation of their area’s pull. Paolo Giovinazzo and Mauro Laruffa’s journey from roasters to nominees inspires, proving passion pays off.

In detail, the cafe’s filtration system optimises water for hand-brews, while pastries like pistachio croissants draw raves. Reviews affirm: rich espressos, warm staff, relaxed settings make it essential. The Instagram post shared by @thebestcoffeeshops.uk amplifies this, linking to the full announcement.

As deliberation proceeds, all eyes turn to 16 February. Speciality Cafetiere’s run embodies UK coffee’s global potential.