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Have you ever noticed how a drink tastes better from the right glass? That’s no accident — shape, weight and material all change the experience. Whether you’re sipping a single malt in a chunky tumbler or pouring a flat white into a wide-rimmed cup, the right drinkware can turn an ordinary moment into something memorable. This guide walks you through standout products from popular UK retailers like Nordic Nest and Coffee Friend, and points you to other top shops around the country that stock beautiful and practical pieces.
If you’re hunting for high-quality drinkware, two specialist shops you’ll often see recommended are Nordic Nest and Coffee Friend. They both curate ranges that span classic crystal to modern borosilicate glass and artisan ceramics. Below I break down what each store is known for and what to look out for when you visit their collections online or in-store.
Nordic Nest is a go-to for fans of clean, Nordic design. You’ll find iconic names like Orrefors, Iittala and Nachtmann, offering everything from whisky rocks glasses to espresso cups. Pieces such as the Orrefors Intermezzo DOF glass (about 14.1 fl oz) and the Nachtmann Noblesse whiskey tumbler (about 10.6 fl oz) highlight the brand mix: elegant, well-made and built to last.
Coffee Friend focuses on coffee culture and drinkware built for the ritual: patterned glass servers, borosilicate serving sets, and artisan cups. Items like the Timemore Chuiwen patterned server set (ideal for pour-over presentations) and Loveramics cappuccino cups (around 7.0 fl oz) show their emphasis on both form and function. If you love your coffee with a side of style, this is a shop worth exploring.
Below are some highlight pieces from the stores noted above, with a quick note on why they’re worth considering. I’ll convert capacities into imperial units so you can picture how they compare to the cups you’ve got at home.
This deep, elegant DOF (double old fashioned) glass is ideal for cocktails served over ice or generous soft drinks. The weight and rim thickness help balance the drink and aroma — a solid choice if you host frequently and want glasses that look great on the table.
Crystal cut to reflect light beautifully, this tumbler is a classic for whisky lovers. It’s roomy enough to allow a splash of water or a large ice cube, yet compact enough to feel comfortable in your hand during a long evening of tasting.
With textured glass inspired by melting ice, this glass brings a tactile element to your drink. It’s a great option for those who like their tableware to make a subtle statement without shouting.
Lyngby’s crystalware leans on minimalist Danish design. The Melodia whisky glass balances clarity and heft — it’s refined but practical, perfect for both everyday use and special occasions.
If you want something with a modern edge, the square-sided whisky glass offers a contemporary silhouette while keeping classic crystal quality. It’s a conversation starter on any drinks trolley.
A specialty mug like this one turns the winter ritual of mulled wine into a comforting, Instagram-worthy moment. Handles, glaze and weight matter here — the right mug warms your hands and your soul.
For espresso purists, the cup you use can change extraction perception. A small, thick-walled espresso cup like this keeps temperature steady and frames the crema beautifully.
Iittala’s Taika range is playful and colorful yet retains the brand’s reputation for strong ceramics. These cups are perfect for lovers of design who want their morning coffee to feel special.
Beyond specialist shops, the UK market has several reputable stores that consistently stock an excellent range of drinkware. Here are a few to bookmark.
John Lewis blends high street convenience with quality brand lines. You can find everything from crystal tumblers to practical stoneware mugs, making it a dependable one-stop shop for drinks for every occasion.
Dunelm covers the basics really well and often has seasonal, budget-friendly designs. If you’re kitting out a kitchen on a budget or buying bulk sets, their selection is sensible and easy to shop.
Lakeland’s range focuses on utility with a twist. Expect practical glasses and serving pieces that can take a bit of wear, perfect if you cook and entertain often.
Both Habitat and Oliver Bonas tend to lean toward modern, trend-forward pieces. If you want something that complements a contemporary interior and adds personality to your shelves, these shops are a great stop.
Picking drinkware isn’t just about looks. Ask yourself how you’ll use each piece, how you’ll clean it and how it fits into your daily life. Below are practical points to guide your purchase.
Glass and crystal are brilliant for clarity and light play; crystal often has a higher refractive index so it sparkles more. Borosilicate glass is thermal-shock resistant, ideal for pour-over servers and coffee accessories. Ceramics keep drinks warmer longer and give a handcrafted feel. Match material to use: crystal for spirits, borosilicate for coffee tools, ceramics for mugs and espresso cups.
Measure by what you actually drink: a classic espresso is short, around 1.5 to 2.5 fl oz; cappuccino and latte glasses tend to be in the 7 to 14 fl oz range. If you enjoy large beverages, reach for glasses in the 12 to 16 fl oz range. Buying with these real-world measures in mind prevents disappointment when your “large” latte arrives in a tiny cup.
Lovely bubble or fluted glasses might win on looks, but they may be awkward to stack. If you have limited cabinet space, choose designs that stack or are slim enough to store efficiently.
Do you live in a busy household with frequent use? Tougher, thicker-walled glass or tempered borosilicate may be a better investment. If your drinkware is mainly for special occasions, you can justify more delicate crystal or thin-rimmed designer pieces.
Even the best drinkware needs TLC. Proper care extends the life and keeps pieces looking their best, so here’s how to treat glass, crystal and ceramics.
Check manufacturer notes. While many modern pieces are labelled dishwasher safe, crystal and delicate hand-painted cups often last longer when hand washed. Use warm water and a mild detergent, and avoid sudden temperature changes which can crack glass.
Store glasses rim-to-base rather than rim-to-rim to reduce chipping. For crystal, occasional polishing with a soft cloth keeps clarity, while borosilicate rarely needs special care beyond basic washing.
A mix of warm water and vinegar helps remove cloudy build-up on glass. For stubborn tea or coffee stains in cups, a gentle soak with baking soda paste can work wonders without scratching the glaze.
Design and material trends often reflect broader lifestyle shifts. Here are current movements shaping drinkware choices.
More brands now use recycled glass and eco-friendly manufacturing. Choosing recycled glass helps reduce environmental impact and often produces unique coloration and textures.
As third-wave coffee culture grows, borosilicate glassware is increasingly popular for servers and specialty items — resistant to heat, visually clear, and elegant for showcasing coffee clarity.
Handmade cups with visible glaze variations are trending. They add a personal, tactile element to the morning ritual and pair well with minimalist table settings.
You don’t have to buy entire sets to create a cohesive look. Mixing different textures and heights can add depth to a table, while keeping a consistent color palette maintains unity. Here are practical styling tricks that make your collection look curated rather than chaotic.
Start with neutral glasses or white ceramic cups as the foundation, then layer in accent pieces with color, texture or pattern. For example, pair clear tumblers with one or two patterned tumblers for a stylish yet balanced table.
Ensure glass heights are in proportion so pouring and serving feel natural. You can mix patterns — a cut-crystal tumbler with a plain conical wine glass works if the heights and volumes complement each other.
Price comparison sites and curated shop listings make it easier to spot bargains across retailers. Many UK shoppers use comparison tools to see who has the same brand and model for less or who offers bundled sets. When hunting for a bargain, check for seasonal sales and multi-pack discounts, especially for items like sets of whisky glasses or espresso cup collections.
Before you click “buy,” run through this quick checklist: material match for purpose, correct capacity in fl oz, stackability for storage, dishwasher compatibility, and visual harmony with your existing tableware. A few minutes of thinking saves mismatched purchases and returns later.
Good drinkware elevates everyday moments, from the morning espresso to evening cocktails. UK retailers like Nordic Nest and Coffee Friend offer standout pieces for different tastes — whether you value Scandinavian clarity, coffee-culture precision, or artisan ceramics. Combine thoughtful purchases from specialists with practical buys from broader retailers to build a collection that’s beautiful, usable and durable. Treat your cups and glasses well, and they’ll reward you with years of enjoyment.
