There are many great reasons to visit Nottingham -
Wollaton Hall, a large shopping district, and
Robin Hood lore, to name just a few popular attractions. The city is also home to some excellent local coffee shops. One of the best is located in a nondescript two floor building in Beeston, a small suburb of Nottingham city.
The Bean Espresso Bar has won awards in previous years for its specialty coffees and quality selection of sandwiches and treats. The coffee bar runs the length of the first floor parallel to a few tables and individual seats along the windows. Upstairs there are a few more tables and one sofa. The cafe is next to a small courtyard and there are several tables outside. Such is the popularity of this place that many customers enjoy their coffees outside, even in cold wintry weather.

The Bean. Photo by Erin Connelly.
The coffee house has a chilled out atmosphere and semi-Asian influence with its dark red walls, watercolor paintings, and bamboo-inspired chairs on the second floor. Although there is usually a queue, the baristas are welcoming and efficient and it's surprising how quickly tables do open up. The coffee is the award-winning part of the shop, but hot chocolate, chai lattes, Italian sodas, and teas are also available.
Only a 15 minute drive from bustling Nottingham city (or 10 minute walk from the University of Nottingham), The Bean is well worth a visit on your next journey through the East Midlands.