Walking into Hot Numbers, it’s hard to miss the scent of coffee wafting through the air. Roasting its own coffee beans, this cafe knows what it’s doing when it comes to coffee, making it a staple for those needing their morning fix across Cambridge.
Small, cosy, and warm, this is a gorgeous spot in which to sit for a breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Long, wooden benches, mismatched wooden stools and an array of comfortable cushions dotted across the interior give a charming energy to the café. Thriving green plants sit in windowsills and hang from ceilings, and bag after bag of coffee beans adorn the walls. If it’s a nice day, there’s also a lovely outdoor seating area you can try out.
Come here in the week and you’ll more than likely be surrounded by Cambridge’s students, fuelling their study sessions with coffee. On weekends, the crowd changes ever so slightly, with more dog-walkers, Sunday brunch dates, and the occasional tourist (it is close to the Fitzwilliam Museum, a must-visit in Cambridge) finding their way to the café.
The Hot Numbers menu changes with the seasons, so try not to get too attached to what’s on offer, but for breakfast you’ll often find the likes of porridge, buttermilk pancakes, and sourdough toast laden with various toppings. The latest variation of the menu sees Hot Numbers’ porridge flavoured with red berry poached rhubarb, almonds, and caramelised white chocolate, and the pancakes topped with roasted peaches, raspberries, cherry gel, pistachio mascarpone, sesame brittle and maple syrup – far from your standard porridge and pancakes. For lunch, there’s plenty of options to choose from, including mushrooms on toast, Turkish eggs, and a selection of tacos, which are just as exciting as the breakfast options.
If you’re struggling to find a seat in the café, it’s good to know that the team can package up your food to take away. Alternatively, you can buy a homemade sourdough loaf and sachet of coffee beans and try to recreate the experience at home. The dine-in experience is much more fun, though.