Espresso - Nottingham

Coffee, Cakes, Coffee

Espresso

3.5 / 5 (312 reviews)

Description

The Nottingham John Lewis Expresso Bar offers a mixed experience. Despite quality food and beverages, the service has been criticized for being slow and unfriendly. The pricing is considered high for the average offerings, and the cramped seating can be uncomfortable. However, some visitors have enjoyed the food and appreciated the pleasant decor and staff attentiveness. With a varied menu, including lovely breakfast pastries, and decent coffee options, the overall experience at the Expresso Bar seems to vary depending on individual tastes and expectations.

Last update: 22.02.2026 from: Ryan

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★ 3.5 / 5 from 312 reviews
louis71
11.03.2023

When compared to the main restaurant on the third floor, the espresso bar feels like having afternoon tea at the Ritz. However, compared to other coffee shops, it is just average. The coffee is decent, but it can get very busy, making it hard to relax. If you're just looking for a quick caffeine fix and an average pastry, this crowded cafe is a decent pit stop.

rsmith-restaurant4
11.03.2023

I've been here a few times and I've been disappointed by her. I'd expect something better under a brand of John Lewis. When I was the café, it seemed shameful and needed a decent one. They also do not serve quite...simple things that I would expect them to go: for example, no cut lemon with Earl Grey tea.

zdavies
11.03.2023

Compared to their main restaurant, this smaller café is a bit better by suggesting what the buyer wants, compared to the underwhelming service at 'The place to eat.' While the cakes are overpriced, the coffee is good and I 'd likely have...valued this 'good' instead of 'average' if this option was available.

ryan39
11.03.2023

The hot chocolate lacked flavor and was diluted. It was not worth the price of £2.60. The carrot cake was dry and overly sweet. I couldn't finish either of them, so I left. I will steer clear of this Espresso Bar in the future.

courtney84
11.03.2023

I called in here on a shopping trip to Nottingham with my husband and daughter before 9 am on a Saturday morning. It was quiet, clean and the coffee was good quality. It is counter service and there was a range of cakes. However we...were looking for breakfast pastries and we chose pain au chocolat and they were lovely.

FAQ

A little farther located is NET-Royal Centre, where you can also access the public transportation.

The restaurant provides you a choice of gluten-free menus.

More information

Suggested nearby restaurants.