Student Guide to Laptop-Friendly Cafes in Bristol

Top Cafe picks to study in Bristol

     Hello! My name is Beca, and I am an Architecture student in Bristol. Staying locked in throughout the year can sometimes be a challenge, and working in the same environment day after day can make studying feel quite stagnant. One of the things that keeps me motivated with my work is finding new cafes around the city that allow me to sit with my laptop and create for myself a comfortable little study corner. This change in scenery makes long hours of work feel far more refreshing. Being surrounded by the smell of fresh coffee and the soft movement of people instils a sense of focus without being isolating. There are certain characteristics a cafe needs to have for me to confidently engage in my work without feeling like I am out of place. So here are some of my top picks around Bristol, and why I like them.

Key Cafe 

Location: 246 Gloucester Road, Bishopston.

If there is one cafe that ticks off every box in being the perfect study cafe, it is this one. It is spacious with lots of little corners to choose from and access to charging ports near the tables. The cafe has high ceilings and an interior that gives it a cool industrial vibe. Its mellow and laid-back atmosphere is the perfect setting to sit with your laptop and get working. The coffee is great, I had a beautiful cortado! They also have pastries, and I don’t know about you, but a sweet treat to accompany my coffee throughout a long study session is non-negotiable.

Cofi Lab 

Location: 317 Gloucester Rd

     It’s a bright and spacious cafe, popular for its super dog friendly environment. One of my favourite things about this cafe is the quality of their toasties! You also get the choice of either sitting inside surrounded by natural lighting, or in a more dim and secluded area in the back. Also, if it's a sunny day, you can take your work to the outside seating. A negative side, however, is the limited availability of charging ports, so make sure to take your power bank just in case!

Society Cafe (The one by the harbour)

    I like this cafe particularly for its location, situated in the busy Bristol harbourside. It is an excellent study choice if you are motivated by the hustle and bustle of the city. Their specialty coffee is carefully sourced from around the world in support of sustainable farmers, and I can say with certainty it is really great coffee! A downside of this cafe is that, being very central, it can get quite busy during peak times and difficult to secure a table, but once you secure a good spot, then you are set for a worthwhile and productive session. And why not go for a walk around the harbour or hit the Arnolfini exhibitions afterwards, it is right next door!

Dareshack

Location: Vintry Building, 20 Wine Street.

     Dareshack is a modern cafe in central Bristol with quality specialty coffee. They have a variety of intriguing signature drinks on their menu, with many options for both coffee enthusiasts and non-coffee drinkers. It has a very nice area in the back, with spacious tables ideal for a perfect study set-up, and big windows which create a nice open but cosy vibe; for me, this setting is especially perfect on a rainy day. It has a particular welcoming atmosphere, and the cafe prides itself on being an accepting and a culturally embracive place. They also often host creative exhibitions, arts and music, so make sure to check that out also!

Mud Dock Cafe

Location: 40 The Grove

     Mud Dock cafe is located just beside Queens Square, it is on the first floor just above a bike shop, overlooking the harbour and has a very unique and cool vibe. They’ve got a variety of food options on their menu to keep you fueled during all your hard work, and also there’s a bar, which is great! (because who says a study session and a cocktail can’t also be a perfect combination?) 

Guild of Dough

     Guild of Dough is a little bakery/cafe tucked away in Ashley Down Road. Compared to the other cafes on this list, it is a much smaller and cosier atmosphere. It has only a handful of tables, and is often quiet and notably peaceful, if that sounds like the ideal study space for you. A highlight of this place is their pastries, which are freshly made in house and their delicious coffee! They offer a 10% student discount and a lunchtime deal of coffee and cake for £6. 

Find your new focus  

     So if your motivation’s running low and the library’s packed, grab your laptop, order your favourite coffee, and let a change of scenery carry you through those final study sessions.