The Hidden Brew is Nottingham’s newest independent coffee shop, quietly opening in Cobden Chambers back in December. Still learning and growing, the café was set up by Ed Dodd and Masha Cooper, who met at a local music event before deciding to bring their shared idea to life. Designed as a warm, welcoming space, it’s somewhere you can stop by for a coffee or settle in with a sketchbook and get creative. We paid a visit to chat all things coffee beans, shoestring budgets and the ever-important question of whether syrup in your coffee should be allowed.
Hello! The Hidden Brew feels like it very quietly slipped into Nottingham’s coffee scene, which somehow makes discovering it even nicer. For anyone who hasn’t found you yet, can you tell us a bit about The Hidden Brew and why you decided to start it?
First of all, thank you for giving us this opportunity to introduce ourselves! Our names are Ed and Masha, and we met at a local music event upon recognising a mutual connection. We shared the same dream of opening an independent coffee shop, and one day in October 2024 while hanging out with said connection, I (Masha) asked Ed if I could join in on his plans to open a shop here in Nottingham. His response was – wait for it – “sure.” The rest is history! From the very beginning, our goal has been shared: to create a quiet, tucked-away and cosy space in Nottingham where people feel welcome to learn about specialty coffee and work, create, or relax.
Like a lot of independent coffee shops, you didn’t exactly start with a huge budget. What’s it been like building the business from the ground up on a shoestring?
At the end of the day, all investment is a risk no matter how big the budget. With this in mind, we decided to go full steam ahead and put every penny of our savings into this shared vision that we have faith in. In order to mitigate the financial risk we’ve surrounded ourselves with a fantastic group of knowledgeable and supportive people. For example, The Hidden Brew would not exist without the help of Luke (owner of Nuno Coffee), our consultant. Our support system helps us navigate the uncertainty that comes with a small budget with more confidence. And so far, we are on track financially! We are sincerely grateful.
We envisioned a tucked-away shop from the beginning, so we chose the name ‘The Hidden Brew’ to start bringing our vision to life. When we found our spot in Cobden Chambers, we were thrilled that we had truly become hidden
You’re tucked away in Cobden Chambers, so you really are a little hidden. Did the location have any influence on the name?
The reverse! We envisioned a tucked-away shop from the beginning, so we chose the name ‘The Hidden Brew’ to start bringing our vision to life. When we found our spot in Cobden Chambers, we were thrilled that we had truly become hidden.
Let’s talk coffee. What can you tell us about the beans you use and how you go about choosing them?
Our house beans are from Assembly Coffee, and we have guest beans from various roasteries on rotation. We want our customers to have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of coffee from roasters around the UK, but also give them a ‘tried and true’ option by having house beans. While we look at different criteria when choosing our coffee, local and sustainably-sourced beans are what we seek out. And, of course, a nice taste is a must.
You co-own the shop together, but Masha, you often split your time between the USA and Nottingham. How does that work in practice, day to day?
What’s beautiful about this setup is that we get to see a true business partnership in action – we are both dependent on the other. Ed does the amazing work of manning the shop six days a week all by himself, running errands and completing other related tasks. I (Masha) keep my full-time job to fund the shop while it is taking its first steps, and post on social media and complete admin work. At the end of each day, Ed gives me a recap via WhatsApp and we check our email/group chats for any developments. Once a week we’ll have a longer call.
One thing that really stands out is how unpretentious The Hidden Brew feels. There’s no judgement here – just good coffee. Was that something you were consciously aiming for? And what are your thoughts on customers ordering decaf, sugar, syrups, or whatever they like?
You’ve got a keen eye! Yes, the ‘unpretentious vibe’ is exactly what we are going for and is part of what our tagline, ‘Specialty Coffee Made Accessible’, represents. Our aim is to welcome everyone – no matter their background, beliefs or tastes – and invite them into the world of specialty coffee.
If someone comes in looking to get acquainted with coffee for the first time, we’re here to get them started; likewise, if someone is simply looking for an escape or a quiet place to work, they’re equally welcome.
When it comes to ordering, we currently have decaf as well as vanilla and caramel flavours. We’re excited for when we are able to have lots of options – there is no ‘correct’ way to enjoy coffee. I’ll also add that while we’re looking forward to pursuing creative and alternative drink options. Customers who prefer the tried and true will always have access to the basics like regular espresso, whole milk, etc.
What’s next for The Hidden Brew – any plans, ideas, or things you’d love to do?
The next steps are to smooth out the ‘rough edges’ – for example, putting up signs so that people can find us more easily, making our space cosier by adjusting the furniture and layout, having a few repairs made, commissioning artists to design merch, and of course sourcing sweet and savoury pastries.
Once these types of things are sorted and it is financially feasible, we’d love to expand our range of alternative milks, host coffee education classes, and start crafting unique drink recipes. We’re always teeming with ideas, but these are the ones that we absolutely plan on pursuing.
Finally, we have to ask – what’s your go to coffee order?
I almost always go for a flat white, or a cortado if I want to taste the espresso more. As for Ed, I’ve noticed that he enjoys pour-overs and alternative milk lattes. Though I will say that there’s nothing quite like a straight-up shot of espresso!
Find The Hidden Brew at 4a Cobden Chambers, Nottingham, United Kingdom NG1 2ED
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