The Museum of Making

You're tucked inside one of Derby's most impressive buildings, where the hum of coffee machines mingles with the echo of industrial history. The café sits within the world's first water-powered silk mill, and you can feel that heritage in every brick and beam around you. The space manages to be both grand and welcoming, with natural light streaming through tall windows onto solid wooden tables. The menu keeps things simple but does it well – think decent sandwiches, proper cakes, and coffee that actually tastes like coffee rather than burnt water. It's the sort of place where you can easily lose an afternoon, whether you're taking a breather between exhibits or just want somewhere atmospheric to work on your laptop. The staff know their stuff and the prices won't leave you wincing.