Light Bulb Coffee in Old Town and Darkroom Espresso in the town centre have both been included in the South no9 indie coffee guide. The publication showcases 188 independently owned coffee shops and roasteries known for quality, craft and character.
The inclusion places Swindon among destinations recognised for speciality coffee, alongside venues from across the wider south of England.
Light Bulb Coffee, based on Devizes Road in Old Town, is described in the guide as both a coffee shop and a roastery with a clear aim to make speciality coffee accessible to local people.
Owner Donovan Rosema began the business from a converted coffee van before moving into a permanent premises in 2024. The guide notes that while the location has changed, the mission has remained the same.
Coffee is now served from a shared space alongside a local brewery and pizzeria as part of the Tap & Brew collaboration.
The publication highlights Mr Rosema’s use of a countertop Aillio Bullet roaster positioned behind the bar, allowing customers to see beans roasted in small batches.
Donovan said:
“Being included in the coffee guide is a real honour. What I love about the guide is that it celebrates independents who care about quality and craft, and that’s always been at the heart of what we do at Light Bulb. It’s great to see Swindon recognised alongside so many brilliant coffee spots across the south.”
The guide notes Light Bulb Coffee’s food offering, including doughnuts supplied by local bakery Pipp & Co, alongside cinnamon rolls and cruffins available from the shared counter.
Additionally, Darkroom Espresso, located on Faringdon Road, is presented as a long-standing speciality coffee destination in Swindon. The cafe first opened in 2014 and has been led by owner Stephen Jordan since 2015.
The guide compares coffee making to photography, describing both as a blend of art and science. It says Darkroom’s baristas demonstrate this balance through precision and an understanding of coffee chemistry.
Mr Jordan previously worked at Harris + Hoole before taking over the business in 2019. Since then, the guide says the cafe has gone from strength to strength, earning multiple Good Food Awards.
Darkroom is noted for offering two espresso and two filter coffees at any time, mainly using beans from Round Hill Roastery.
The guide highlights the cafe’s grilled cheese toasties, as well as a wider hot drinks menu that includes chai from Henny & Joe’s, tea from Teahouse Emporium and hot chocolate from Kokoa Collection.
It also references recent investment in a takeaway-only Darkroom site at the front of tattoo studio Black Heart Ink in Old Town.
Stephen said:
“It’s genuinely lovely to be featured in the guide. We’ve always focused quality, consistency and doing the basics really well, from the coffee we serve to the food on the menu, so to see Darkroom included is a nice moment and a credit to the whole team.”
The South No9 indie coffee guide introduction frames its selections as part of a wider movement towards independent cafes that focus on speciality-grade beans, sustainability and closer links with producers.
The recognition reflects Swindon’s growing reputation for independent hospitality, with both businesses praised not only for coffee quality, but also for consistency and character.
