This article was written by Rayhanah Ginwalla, a student writer based in Bristol.
With exam season approaching, many of us are starting to find the normal study haunts: libraries and study centres, busy and overwhelming. Our homes can also get quite repetitive, and finding a suitable study area can be a pain. Lucky for you, we’ve gathered a list of ten of Bristol’s best coffee shops to study in:

The Cloakroom

The Cloakroom, Woodland Rd, Bristol BS8 1US
The Cloakroom
Source: The Cloakroom Cafe Instagram
The Cloakroom is a lovely little gem on the corner of Woodland Road. It is usually fairly quiet, and has little nooks and crannies that are perfect to study in! They serve a variety of savoury and sweet snacks alongside the wide range of drinks they offer. With free Wi-Fi and plenty of plug outlets, it is a must for students to visit!

Boston Tea Party

75 Park St, Bristol BS1 5PF
Boston tea party, Bristol's best coffee shops to study in
Source: Boston Tea Party
A classic coffee shop, the one on Park Street offers a lovely atmosphere to study in. With its wide range of breakfast, brunch and lunch options, as well as drinks, this is perfect for a block of hours early in the day, as you can eat and study together. Again, plenty of outlets are provided, as well as free Wi-Fi, making it a welcoming environment for students. 

Mrs Potts Chocolate House

50 Park St, Bristol BS1 5JN
Mrs Potts Chocolate House
Source: Mrs. Potts Chocolate House Instagram
Mrs Potts is more of a chocolate shop than coffee shop, but there are still plenty of delicious caffeinated drinks on offer. The café has a lovely ambience and is usually quite bustling with activity. If you are the sort of person who works best with background or white noise, it is definitely a must-try! With plenty of chocolatey options, the delicious food and drink is perfect to keep your energy going as you write that essay!

Pinkmans Bakery

85 Park St, Bristol BS1 5PJ
Pinkmans Bakery
Source: Pinkmans
Pinkmans is a haven for those with a sweet tooth! There is a delicious range of pastries and sweet goods available to keep you going as you study. It also offers breakfast and lunch, as well as a variety of drinks, making it a go-to for any time of the day. 

The Crafty Egg

113 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3RW
The Crafty Egg
Source: The Crafty Egg
Most of this list, admittedly, is more suitable for the University of Bristol students, however, The Crafty Egg is a lovely café nestled away in Stokes-Croft. It is a warm, inviting place perfect to spend the morning studying in, with its wide range of breakfasts and brunches. True to its name it has a variety of continental egg dishes that have to be experienced!

Watershed

1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol BS1 5TX
Watershed
Source: Watershed
Watershed’s café is located along the harbourside and boasts a spacious area for studying. With a wide range of food at decent pricing, and friendly staff, this place is a must-visit. The Watershed also has a bar, so if you want to relax or have a social study session this is the perfect place!

Rod and Ruby’s

2 College Square, Bristol BS1 5UE
Rod and Ruby’s
Source: Rod and Ruby’s
This is a lovely coffee shop near Millennium Square, serving a variety of Italian style snacks with its drinks. Rod and Ruby’s indoor seating is optimal for studying, with plenty of power sockets, and tables designed for single students. It is a comfortable, airy environment, and tends to be quiet, so it is perfect if you need longer periods of concentration.  

Arnolfini

16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA
Arnolfini
Source: Arnolfini.org
If you’re looking for the perfect place outside during nice weather, Arnolfini is for you! Its outdoor seating area is located on the harbourside terrace and is equipped with power sockets, allowing you to enjoy the sunshine and the view whilst studying. It can get busy on the weekends though, so if you’re looking for a quiet area it is best to pop in during the week. With a study room where you can bring your own food, the place does not require you to buy from its café, allowing you flexibility in your spending choices.

Rough Trade

3 New Bridewell, Nelson St, Bristol BS1 2QD
Rough Trade
Source: Rough Trade
Rough Trade is a record and culture shop, creating a unique experience for those visiting its café. It houses a relaxing atmosphere, with background music to study against. The shop also offers live performances, so you can create a day out of it by planning your study and entertainment time.

Hatter House Café

9 Clare St, Bristol BS1 1XH
Hatter House Café
Source: Hatter House Cafe
Hatter House, although small, serves some of the best coffee in the city. It’s a cosy, fairly quiet, coffee shop to sit and study in, with plenty of power sockets and free Wi-Fi. There is a lovely outdoor area as well for the sunnier days! Located in the city centre it’s easily accessible for students from both the universities.  If you enjoyed this list, check out our recommendations for Bath here. Have you tried any of these places? Leave your thoughts and your personal favourites below!

Last Updated on June 12, 2025

Published on March 31, 2022

Authors

  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

    View all posts