Christmas Shopping Lunch Spots

As you tick off your Christmas list and rush to complete your shopping before the big day, don’t forget to take some quality time for yourself and your loved ones with a little Christmas indulgence.

Take a break from picking out gifts to enjoy a spot of lunch, or coffee and a sweet treat from one of the many independent places offering a bite to heat and a hot drink this December.

Drop in to Baileys 2 for a cosy coffee and a sandwich or to warm up with soup of the day. They have a whole range of cakes and tray bakes made freshly everyday as well as scones and a wide choice of hot and cold drinks.

They offer a breakfast menu as well, so you could always start your day there and enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on your day of shopping.

Local favourite the Bay Tree Café is an independent cafe in the heart of St Johns Street, Bury St Edmunds. Fantastic food, great coffee (locally produced Butterworth & Son) and a warm welcome. It is a 2024/25 Good Food Award winner with a Blue Ribbon.

Owner Alex Rotherham's Canadian roots has influenced the cafe's menu with rice and pasta bowls, loaded fries, hash, mac n'cheese and pecan tart among the favourites.

Take a look at our Eating & Drinking Guide for more places to eat out this December.

This family-run café in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, Cafe Kottani offers authentic and hearty Mediterranean food as well as a range of sweet treats, hot and cold drinks and snacks to take away.

Try the homemade mince pies, sausage rolls and traditional baklava- delicious.

ICE is located just outside of the town centre and offers visitors the chance to drop in on their way into town.

The menu literally offers something for everyone from mac n cheese and monster burgers to a delicious superfood salad and the famous ICE full English breakfast.

Portion sizes are generous without being overfacing and there are plenty of gluten free and plant based options available too.

As well as main meals and brunches, ICE also offer milkshakes made from their handmade gelato, coffees and a large bakery and dessert selection, all freshly made onsite daily.

For anyone with a sweet tooth, Lottie’s Waffles is paradise! Choose from a whole range of gorgeous freshly made waffles, with toppings such as caramel, Ferrero Rocher and Biscoff caramelised biscuit. They even do one called ‘unicorn magic’ which has candyfloss gelato, marshmallows, unicorn smarties and white chocolate- perfect for rainbow-crazy youngsters.

If you’re after something savoury they also serve bagels with a variety of yummy fillings, and have a brunch menu with avocado toast, halloumi fries and a fruity acai bowl. If you’ve got no time to sit in, try a takewaway instead; we heartily recommend the magical hot chocolate topped with clouds of pink candyfloss and the churros with salted caramel dipping sauce.

No 5 Angel Hill is the go to destination for incredibly decadent cakes and bakes, including their famous millionaire’s shortbread and Christmassy Bailey’s cake and Bailey’s hot chocolate.

The cakes on offer change each day but look out for chocolate orange, carrot, and coffee flavours. They also serve wonderful breakfast bagels to eat in or take away and bake their own flaky croissants and yummy scones in-house.

On top of all this, the coffee is great and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.