The Missing Bean

The Missing Bean was doing specialty coffee in Oxford before it was fashionable. Tucked onto Turl Street between the colleges, it roasts its own beans and takes its coffee seriously without being insufferable about it. The flat whites are consistently excellent, the espresso is dialled in properly, and the baristas know what they're doing. It's the kind of coffee shop where you can taste the difference.

Beyond the coffee, there's a small but well-executed food menu — pastries, sandwiches, and brunch dishes that are a clear step above the usual cafe offerings. The space is compact and usually busy, which gives it a buzzy, communal atmosphere.

What to order

The flat white is the benchmark — beautifully textured milk, properly extracted espresso. The filter coffee rotates and is always worth trying. Pastries are baked fresh. The avocado toast is simple and good. The banana bread is excellent. If you're a coffee nerd, ask about the current single-origin options.

Good to know

Small space, often full — especially during term time when students colonise the tables. No reservations. Takeaway is quick if you can't get a seat. The Turl Street location is perfect for a coffee between college visits. They roast their own beans and sell bags to take home. Card preferred.