Best Cafes in Nottingham: 25+ Amazing Coffee Spots Students Love (2025)

Nottingham boasts one of the UK's most vibrant cafe cultures. From speciality coffee roasters in trendy Hockley to cosy study spots perfect for students, this complete guide reveals the city's best cafes you need to visit in 2025. These cafes are famous for dishes that rival the menu of the best restaurants in Nottingham. Trying signature dishes and delicious lattes is one of the top things to do in Nottingham.

Whether you're studying at the University of Nottingham or Nottingham Trent University, finding the perfect cafe for study sessions, meetings, or simply great coffee is essential for student life. If you're still searching for the perfect base in this amazing city, check out student accommodation in Nottingham to find your ideal home.

Read Also: 

Nottingham or Trent: Which University Should You Choose?

Fun Facts about Nottingham for Students

City Centre Gems: Must-Visit Cafes

200 Degrees Coffee

Multiple Locations: Flying Horse Walk, Carrington Street, Milton Street
Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30 am - 6 pm, Sun 9 am - 5 pm
Price: £3 - £8

Nottingham's proudest coffee export now spans 20+ UK locations. The original Flying Horse Walk shop sits in a stunning 17th-century coaching inn. Their house-roasted beans hit that perfect 200°C temperature.

Why Students Love It: Multiple locations near universities, excellent WiFi, and student discounts available
Must Try: Flat white with their signature blend, avocado toast

Delilah Fine Foods

Location: 12 Victoria Street, NG1 2EX
Hours: Mon-Sat 8 am - 5 pm, Sun 10 am - 4 pm
Price: £5 - £15

Award-winning delicatessen with an upstairs cafe serving exceptional coffee and artisan food. Their house blend "Samson" is created with local roasters Lee & Fletcher.

Perfect For: Special occasions, dates, food lovers
Student Tip: Expensive but worth splurging for celebrations

Waterstones Café W

Location: 1-5 Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GR
Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am - 6 pm, Sun 11 am - 5 pm
Price: £2 - £6

Hidden gem on the top floor of the Waterstones bookstore. Large windows offer panoramic city views, making it perfect for Instagram shots.

Study Perks: Free hot drink with book purchase, quiet atmosphere, stunning views

Hockley Highlights: The Creative Quarter

Dispatch Coffee 

Location: 2 Goose Gate, NG1 1FF
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am - 4 pm, Sat - Sun 9 am - 4 pm
Price: £3 - £7

Wes Anderson-inspired dream cafe with the most Instagrammable interior in Nottingham. Colourful crockery meets vintage aesthetics.

Highlights: Best window seat in the city, Block Party Bakery cookies, grilled cheese sandwiches

Hockley Kitchen

Location: 21 Carlton Street, NG1 1NL
Hours: Mon - Sat 8 am - 4 pm, Sun 9 am - 4 pm
Price: £4 - £10

Local favourite hiding behind an unassuming exterior. Friendly staff, generous portions, and the best homemade cakes in Hockley.

Student Benefits: Reasonable prices, ample outdoor seating, relaxed laptop policy

Jamcafé

Location: Hockley (exact address varies for events)
Hours: Mon - Thu 8 am - 5 pm, Fri - Sat 8 am - late
Price: £3 - £8

European-style cafe-bar transforming from coffee shop to live music venue. Rotating craft beers and ethical coffee using organic oat milk.

Read Also: Top Student Accommodation in Nottingham for Every Need

Student-Friendly Spots: Budget & Study-Focused

Avocafé by Nutri2Go

Location: 1 Park Street, Lenton, NG7 1RR
Hours: Mon - Sat 8 am - 5 pm, Sun 9 am - 4 pm
Price: £2 - £6

Popular with Nottingham University students. Healthy, nutritious food at student-friendly prices. Located in Lenton, this area is popular among students looking for affordable student accommodation in Nottingham.

Student Special: Scrambled eggs on toast with sunflower seeds (£3.50)

Blend Coffee (3 Locations)

Locations: Sneinton Market, Contemporary, East West
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 4 pm, Sat-Sun 9 am - 4 pm
Price: £2.50 - £7

Independent coffee roasters with three distinct locations. The East West branch is specifically designed for laptop workers.

Nottingham Central Library Café

Location: 1 Carrington Street, NG1 7FH
Hours: Mon-Thu 9 am-8 pm, Fri-Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm
Price: £1.50 - £4

Not technically a cafe, but features an onsite coffee bar. Three floors of study spaces, from private booths to comfortable sofas.

Study Paradise: Free WiFi, quiet zones, affordable drinks, extended hours

Speciality Coffee Roasters: For True Coffee Lovers

Cartwheel Coffee

Location: Yellow-brick corner in Hockley
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm, Sat-Sun 9 am-5 pm
Price: £3 - £8

In-house roasting creates unique flavours. Coffee flights are served on cork boards for the ultimate tasting experience.

Coffee Geek Alert: Huge selection of single-origin beans, scientific brewing equipment

Outpost Coffee Roasters

Location: City Centre (multiple pop-ups)
Hours: Mon-Fri 7 am-4 pm
Price: £3 - £6

Small independent roastery beloved by hipsters. Fast, friendly service with healthy menu options.

The Bean (Beeston)

Location: Beeston High Street
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm, Sat 9 am - 5 pm, Sun 10 am - 4 pm
Price: £2.50 - £6

Operating since 1998, one of the UK's first speciality coffee shops. Direct trade beans ensure growers receive 25% above Fairtrade rates.

Budget-Friendly Options: Great Coffee, Better Prices

The Coffee House of Nottingham

Location: Hurts Yard (hidden alleyway)
Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Price: £2 - £5

Tiny, cash-only gem with old-fashioned charm. Only 2-3 tables, but incredibly welcoming staff who'll chat while making your coffee.

Quirky Factor: Hidden location, vintage atmosphere, personal service

Café Sobar

Location: 22 Friar Lane, NG1 6DQ
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am - 4 pm
Price: £2 - £6

Social enterprise supporting drug and alcohol recovery charity Double Impact. Peaceful atmosphere with accessible plug sockets.

Feel-Good Factor: Every purchase supports local community work

Laptop-Friendly Cafes: Perfect for Remote Work

Remote Work Etiquette Tips:

• Avoid lunch rush (12-2 pm)
• Buy something every 2 hours
• Use headphones
• Be mindful of busy periods

Neighbourhood Guide: Where to Find the Best Cafes

Students can check out the neighbourhood coffee shops for a quick caffeine fix. The best areas to live in Nottingham have many cafe options for students to explore. You can explore new flavours and signature dishes at these trendy cafes.

City Centre

Best For: Tourists, shoppers, business meetings
Top Picks: 200 Degrees, Delilah, Waterstones Café
Price Range: £3 - £12

Hockley (Creative Quarter)

Best For: Students, artists, Instagram photos
Top Picks: Dispatch, Hockley Kitchen, Cartwheel
Price Range: £2.50 - £8

Lenton/University Area

Best For: Students, budget-conscious visitors
Top Picks: Avocafé, various campus cafes
Price Range: £2 - £6

Lenton is particularly popular among students due to its proximity to the University of Nottingham. Many students living in purpose-built student accommodation in this area frequent these local cafes.

Beeston

Seasonal Recommendations

Spring/Summer Outdoor Seating:

1. Hockley Kitchen - Extensive outdoor area
2. Homemade (Forest Recreation Ground) - Picturesque park setting
3. 200 Degrees Flying Horse Walk - Historic courtyard

Winter Study Havens:

1. Nottingham Central Library - Heated, quiet
2. Waterstones Café - Cosy with city views
3. Blend East West - Designed for extended stays

Special Dietary Requirements

Vegan-Friendly:

• New Art Exchange Café Bar (100% plant-based)
• 200 Degrees (extensive oat milk options)
• Homemade (clearly marked vegan choices)

Gluten-Free Options:

• Delilah Fine Foods (dedicated gluten-free menu)
• Homemade (gluten-free cakes available)
• Most cafes (gluten-free alternatives upon request)

Insider Tips for Students

Money-Saving Hacks:

1. Bring Your Own Cup: Many cafes offer 10-20p discounts
2. Student Discounts: Always ask - many offer 10% off
3. Happy Hours: Some cafes have afternoon discounts
4. Loyalty Cards: 200 Degrees and others offer free drinks after purchases

Check out our blog on Nottingham student living costs, which covers accommodation and money-saving tips. You can use our cost of living calculator to analyse living costs and plan a monthly budget. Students can also set up a UK bank account to track and manage their expenses in the UK.

Best Study Times:

• Early Morning (8-10 am): Quiet, best seat selection
• Mid-Afternoon (2-4 pm): Post-lunch calm period
• Avoid: 12-2 pm (lunch rush), weekend mornings

International Student Tips:

• Payment: Most accept contactless, some cash-only
• Tipping: Not expected but appreciated (round up)
• Ordering: Queue at the counter, no table service typically

International students who are new to the city can browse our Nottingham student guide. Our complete guide to settling in the UK provides comprehensive tips for adapting to student life.

Quick Reference: Opening Hours

Transportation & Parking

It is important to choose private student accommodation in Nottingham with access to public transport. Refer to our guide on Nottingham public transport to easily commute around the city.

Public Transport:

• Tram: Most city centre cafes are within a 5-minute walk of the Old Market Square tram stop
• Bus: Excellent bus links to all neighbourhoods mentioned
• Train: Nottingham Station connects to Carrington Street (200 Degrees location)

Parking:

• City Centre: Limited street parking, use NCP car parks
• Hockley: Some free street parking, check time limits
• University Areas: Generally easier parking, some restrictions

Final Recommendations

First-Time Visitors:

Start with 200 Degrees Flying Horse Walk for iconic Nottingham coffee culture, then explore Dispatch for Instagram-worthy aesthetics.

Students on Budget:

Avocafé for healthy and affordable meals, The Coffee House of Nottingham for character and charm.

Coffee Enthusiasts:

Cartwheel for unique roasts, The Bean for speciality coffee heritage.

Remote Workers:

Blend East West for laptop-designed space, Nottingham Central Library for extended study sessions. These are great places to consider for students who are working remotely on part-time jobs in Nottingham.

New to Nottingham?

If you're planning to study in the city, explore our top luxury student halls in Nottingham to find the perfect home base for your cafe adventures. Best Student Halls is the perfect platform to discover safe and comfortable student accommodation. Check out our Nottingham housing guide for more suggestions on booking student halls in the city.

Last Updated: June 2025 | All prices and hours subject to change