Bristol is a city straddling the River Avon in southwest England with a prosperous maritime history. The city offers something for everyone, whether you're into art, music, or museums. Perfectly placed, Bristol is a gateway to the South West. Bristol was the first British city to be named the European Green Capital. 

Its modern economy is built on the creative media, technology, electronics, and aerospace industries. Bristol was voted "the best city to live in the UK" for wealth and happiness. Bristol also attracts students, both local and international, because of its world-renowned universities and the high-quality education it offers!

Having a city full of students means a lot of places for entertainment, and what is better than a coffee shop on a sunny day with your friends? Bristol is known for its wonderful cafes that offer the best drinks and foods for everyone to enjoy! We’ve gathered a list of the best cafes Bristol offers for you to check out! 

The Best Cafes in Bristol to Check Out

Studying at college can be hard and exhausting, which is why it’s important to have some fun every once in a while and enjoy a day out! If you want to spend some time with friends, enjoy a day out, eat some good food, enjoy a cup of coffee, or even read a book, then a cafe is your go-to! Learn more about these cafes and try them out to be able to choose a couple and stick to them during your stay! Below are the best cafes in Bristol that are both student and budget-friendly!

1. Small Street Espresso 

Known for having some of Bristol’s best coffees, Small Street Espresso is perfect if you like small, cosy places! The windows will steam up if you sit with your coffee close to them, with exposed brick, stripped wooden floorboards, and uncovered pipes. It’s so easy to be familiar with this place and visit it on a daily basis!

This cafe has been serving espresso, filters, cakes, and sandwiches in Bristol ever since 2012. You can also enjoy fresh pastries from Hart's Bakery in the morning and even some sourdough toasties for lunch. You can either order and enjoy some time in the cafe or takeout; it’s really up to you! Going there is also very affordable; the prices range from £3 to £4.

Address: 23 Small St, Old City, Bristol

2. Bristol Loaf

This cafe quickly became very loved and popular in Bristol once it opened in St. George! It now has a second and almost a third branch! Bristol Loaf is well-known for its amazing pastries and bread, which people come especially for. The cafe offers a wide variety of seasonal and fresh brunch and lunch menus! There is also a focus on plant-based foods and ferments. 

There is also the option to buy local products from its store! No matter where you go, you won’t be able to forget their loaves of bread, pastries, cakes, and savoury treats! The cafe is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. The prices range from £7 to £15, according to what you ordered. 

Address: 96 Bedminster Parade, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4HL

3. Fed 303 

With three locations in Bristol, Fed 303 is one of the most popular cafes Bristol has to offer! You can find Fed 303 in Cotham, Gloucester Road, and Old Market. This cafe competes for the title of the best cake in the city! The menu is packed with snacks, cakes, and savoury dishes that you can pair up with a nice cup of coffee. 

Their wide range of croissants, pastries, grilled cheese sandwiches, and sweets is known to be one of the most delicious in Bristol, and they’re all homemade! They also offer fresh salads and local dairy. All in all, this cafe offers anything you can think of! The prices range from £5 to £8, depending on what you get. The cafe is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. 

Address: 303 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8PE, United Kingdom

4. Coffee Under Pressure

Another amazing choice if you want to spend a day out in a nice atmosphere! It is a cosy cafe that originated in Reading and then moved to Bristol in 2020. Coffee Under Pressure was in the "50 best coffee shops in England," which speaks for itself! The menu has a wide range of coffees and bakeries for you to choose from!

The variety in the menu and the cosy atmosphere create an aura of comfort, which attracts students! You can always go there to study or sit quietly while enjoying your coffee. It’s also close to Brandon Hill and College Green, which means you can always get takeout. The prices range from £2 to £7, which is really affordable. The cafe is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. 

Address: 76 Park St, Bristol BS1 5LB, United Kingdom

5. Ahh Toots

Not only is it considered one of the best cafes Bristol has to offer, but it’s also one of the cutest cake stores! It originated as a market booth at St. Nick's Market and is now a cafe with a huge variety of bakeries! Ahh Toots also offers coffee, sweets, ice cream in all seasons, breakfast, and traditional afternoon teas! It’s a great place to sit and enjoy your day with friends or on your own!

The cafe offers a cosy atmosphere that most people enjoy. You will also have everything you want in one place, whether it’s some coffee, bakeries, or even tea! Most students go there to study in peace and quiet. The prices vary, but they range from £7 to £12, which is fair considering the service and quality of the food. The cafe is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. 

Address: 17 Christmas Street, Bristol, BS1 5BT

6. Spicer and Cole

Another highly-rated cafe in Bristol! This is another chain of coffee shops in Bristol that the locals love, where they offer South American-blend espresso. This coffee was blended by Extract Coffee in St. Werbergs using Betty, a 1955 Probart roaster! Everything on their menu is handmade. In addition, Spicer and Cole is a cafe that is famous for its portions! 

As for the menu, the cafe offers a variety of coffee, breakfast, and lunch options. You can go there for a lovely day out with some friends or even on your own! You can get a salad, a toast, or a cup of coffee and enjoy your day! The prices vary, but they range from £5 to £11, which most people find fair. The cafe is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Address: 1 Queen Square Avenue, Bristol BS1 4JA England

7. Spoke and Stringer 

If you want to have a cup of coffee by the water, Spoke and Stringer is definitely the place to go! This cafe, which has another branch on Whiteladies Road, is famous for its coffee, which everyone loves. There is also a bar where you can get both European and British dining options. This place offers several items for you to choose from according to your preferences.

The menu offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Having a cup of coffee by the water is one of the most relaxing things you can do, so we really suggest you go there at least once! Get your coffee and enjoy some time in a peaceful atmosphere. The prices start at £5 and can go up to £14. The cafe is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Address: UNIT 8C, CLIFTON DOWN, WHITELADIES ROAD, BS8 2NN

8. Mrs Potts Chocolate Shop

If you’re in Bristol and you’re craving chocolates, Mrs Potts Chocolate Shop is the perfect place! This is a really good option because it’s available to you even if you don’t like coffee or tea! You have several options to choose from, including soft drinks! The cafe is ideally located in the centre, where you can be close to everything. 

Their menu has a wide variety of food options, including brownies, cookies, cakes, cookie sandwiches, hot chocolate, and ice cream sandwiches! This cafe is considered one of Bristol’s cutest cafes, where you can have a fun day out and eat the best food! The prices range from £5 to £15, which is really affordable! The cafe is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Address: 50 Park Street, Bristol BS1 5JN England

You won’t have to worry about entertainment or coffee during your stay in Bristol! No matter where you go, there is always something fun to do! Being a student does not have to be boring; you always have the chance to have some fun and make studying interesting! You will also have the opportunity to visit new places, try different foods, and discover new, fun activities to do—and you can do all of these things with a nice cup of coffee in hand!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cafes in Bristol?

Bristol is a city full of cafes that differ in their atmosphere. One of the best coffee shops in Bristol has to be Bristol Loaf. 

When do the cafes in Bristol open?

There is no specific time, but most cafes open around 8 a.m. in order to be able to serve breakfast and fresh baked goods! 

What is the best time to go to a cafe?

The best time to go to a cafe is between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. You will get fresh bakeries and food options while they’re still there.