LAST weekend, people across the world celebrated their love for coffee on International Coffee Day.

The event, which was first held in 2015, is about raising awareness of the work that goes into coffee-making - and the promotion of the fair trade of coffee.

To mark the event, we asked readers to give their favourite coffee spots in Colchester a shout-out.

Here are five of the most popular choices.

Coffee Hog

Gazette: Coffee HogCoffee Hog (Image: Newsquest)

This was a popular choice amongst readers.

Coffee Hog has not just one but two coffee shops in Colchester - with the first one in William Harris Way opening in 2019 and its Prettygate site, which opened in September 2021.

Sir Isaac's Artisan Coffee

Gazette: Sir Isaac's Artisan CoffeeSir Isaac's Artisan Coffee (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Coffee beans at Sir Isaac's Artisan CoffeeCoffee beans at Sir Isaac's Artisan Coffee (Image: Newsquest)

Opened in 2020, this coffee shop in Sir Isaac's Walk, Colchester, offers up dozens of different beans.

Crouch St. Bakes

Gazette: Crouch St. BakesCrouch St. Bakes (Image: Newsquest)

Several people also mentioned Crouch St. Bakes, with Sherri Cooke saying: "It might be outside seating only but you get a fabulous warm welcome from Alice, Sophie and Meg and the coffee and cakes are delicious."

Sip & Tuck

Gazette: Breakfast at Sip & TuckBreakfast at Sip & Tuck (Image: Newsquest)

This spot tucked away opposite Colchester Castle, in what was the old tourist information centre, opened its doors in 2017, It's not a bad spot for breakfast either!

Victoria Yum

Gazette: Victoria YumVictoria Yum (Image: Newsquest)

Sadie Wilkinson said: "Victoria Yum is amazing."

This spot, in Lion Walk shopping centre, offers up cakes, coffee and brunch.

After opening in 2020, owner Kiersten said: “My goal is to bake food that makes people feel special.

“Whether customers are popping in for a cake and a coffee, having brunch and bubbles with friends or ordering a birthday cake, we want everyone to leave us feeling a little sweeter than when they walked in.”