Coffee, Student Discounts, Study Spaces, Accessibility

As a self-proclaimed coffee (and matcha) connoisseur, I’ve spent hours tucked away in Cardiff’s cafes. Cardiff may be a small city, but the coffee culture and scene present throughout the city is certainly one to be explored. Ever since moving from Toronto to Cardiff in September of 2024, I have been searching for cafes with the best coffee, matcha, and, of course, student discount deals. Having been here for over a year now, I think I have a solid few picks. 

In compiling my list of favourite cafes in Cardiff, it was important for me to evaluate each cafe based on coffee, study spaces and/or interior vibe, student discounts/deals, and varying levels of accessibility. Here’s my round up of some of my personal favourites for anyone looking to explore Cardiff’s best student‐friendly cafe venues. 

1.  Coffee Spot 

📍Location → 6 Barrack Lane, Cardiff CF10 2FR

💰Student Discount/Deal → 15% off for students + stamp card

♿Accessibility → Fully accessible for all users 

Although tucked away near St David’s Centre, Coffee Spot is a favourite amongst locals. They have an extensive menu of regular and seasonal drinks and baked goods (fresh daily), tasty coffee, and a bright, open interior that works well for studying. If you’re looking for a study break, they also have a great selection of board games and books to take your mind off academics. The cafe is fully wheelchair accessible with a step‐free entry and a spacious/accommodating interior. With the 15% student discount, Coffee Spot is an affordable and fully accessible go‐to, and the stamp card is pretty useful for regular visitors.

☕ My favourite drink: Iced Chai Latte with Oat Milk!

IG: Coffee_Spot_Cardiff

2. Coffee #1

📍Locations → 

• Cardiff Whitchurch → 22 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DH
• Cardiff Pontcanna → 217 Cathedral Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9PP
• Cardiff Wellfield → 43 Wellfield Rd, Cardiff CF24 3PA
• Cardiff Albany Rd → 85 Albany Rd, Cardiff CF24 3LP
• Cardiff The Friary → The Friary (City Centre), Cardiff CF10 2PB

💰 Student Discount/Deal → 15% off for students + stamp card (Coffee #1 App)

♿ Accessibility → All locations are fully accessible for all users 

Cardiff is not only home to multiple Coffee #1 locations, but it is also home to the headquarters of the Cafe company. All locations have a cosy studying aura to them, with many locals opting to co-work or get cosy at Coffee #1 locations throughout Cardiff. Studying aside, if you’re looking to relax with a selection of books to choose from, Coffee #1 is the place for you. The 15% student discount and stamp card through the Cardiff #1 app make it an affordable favourite. Best of all, all locations are fully accessible for all users (a rare occurrence in Cardiff).

Extra Perks: Free slice of cake on your birthday, and when you donate books! 

☕ My favourite drink: Iced Gingerbread Latte with Oat Milk!

IG: CoffeeNumber1

3. Bird & Blend Tea Co. 

📍Location → 1-3 Royal Arcade, Morgan Quarter, Cardiff CF10 1AE

💰 Student Discount/Deal → 20% off for students (through the StudentBeans app)

♿ Accessibility → Accessible for non-wheelchair users only

If you’re a tea or matcha lover, Bird & Blend Tea Co. is a must-visit. With a beautiful and bright interior, their range of loose-leaf teas and blends is a perfect companion to choose from for long study hours. Unfortunately, this cafe does not have the best study spaces, with limited stool seating indoors and limited benches available outside of the entrance. However, it is still worth a visit for the selection of matcha. The shop structure does have limited accessibility as it does require one step to enter. Bird & Blend Tea Co. is worth it for a soothing matcha, but not the best if you need step-free access. 

☕ My favourite drink: Iced Earl Grey Matcha with Oat Milk!

IG: BirdAndBlendTea

4. Kaya Lounge  

📍Location → 34 City Road, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3DL

💰 Student Discount/Deal → £2 matcha on Mondays for ALL

♿ Accessibility → Accessible for non-wheelchair users only

This option is for matcha lovers and matcha lovers only. The best ceremonial-grade matcha in Cardiff can be found at Kaya Lounge on City Road. On top of offering quality matcha, they also have over 12 flavours you can choose from with varying non-dairy milk alternatives. This is by far the best offer for matcha in the city: £2 for a 16oz iced matcha on Mondays (includes all flavours and modifications)! My favourite pastime activity on Mondays is to go on a walk to Roath Park with my £2 matcha in hand. The only downside to Kaya Lounge is the limited accessibility, as it does require one step to enter. 

☕ My favourite drink: Iced Maple Cinnamon Matcha with Oat or Coconut Milk!

IG: KayaLoungeCardiff

5. Fluffy Fluffy  

📍Location → 6 Barrack Lane, Cardiff CF10 2FR

💰 Student Discount/Deal → 10% off for students (entire menu) & £2 matcha on Saturdays

♿ Accessibility → Fully accessible for all users 

Known for its airy Japanese soufflé pancakes, Fluffy Fluffy opened its Cardiff location in early 2024. Many students who walk through Cardiff City Centre may recognise this location for its bright yellow and white interior. Not only are their soufflé pancakes an absolute delight, but their matcha is divine as well. Fluffy Fluffy recently introduced a £2 matcha offer every Saturday, making it a soon-to-be weekend favourite among students. The cafe is also fully accessible and very spacious, making it easy for everyone to visit comfortably. 

☕ My favourite drink: Iced White Chocolate Matcha Latte with Oat Milk!

IG: FluffyFluffyUK

6. Black Sheep Coffee 

📍Locations → 

• Cardiff Market Chambers → 7 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1AT
• Cardiff Southgate House → Unit 2, South Gate House, Wood Street, Cardiff CF10 1EW

💰 Student Discount/Deal → 20% off for students (UniDays App) &  £2 matcha every Monday (UniDays App) 

♿ Accessibility → Fully accessible for all users 

Black Sheep Coffee (BSC) has a more modern and contemporary vibe, ideal for students who like to work with headphones in and a latte by their side. BSC may be recognised by many, but did you know that with the UniDays app, you can secure a £2 matcha every Monday, as well as 20% off the entire menu throughout the rest of the week? If this isn’t a catch, I don’t know what is. BSC is also known for its seasonal coffee and matcha options, with the most recent autumn menu featuring pumpkin, mint, and even ube-flavoured speciality drinks. The Wood Street location is accessible for wheelchair users through the main entrance, and the St. Mary Street location is accessible for wheelchair users through the side entrance (near the Cardiff Market entrance).

☕ My favourite drinks: Iced Pumpkin Spice Matcha with Oat Milk & Iced Ube Matcha with Oat Milk!

IG: Black_Sheep_Coffee

7. Caffè Nero

📍Location →

• Cardiff Trinity St → 14-18 Mary Street, Cardiff, Glamorgan, CF10 1TT 0.33 miles
• Cardiff St Davids → 23B Cathedral Walk, St Davids Centre, Cardiff, Glamorgan, CF10 2DS 0.36 miles
• Cardiff Wellfield Rd → 1 Wellfield Road, Roath, Cardiff, Glamorgan, CF24 3NZ 0.99 miles
• Cardiff Leckwith → Unit 2, (Next), Capital Retail Park, Leckwith Road, Cardiff, CF11 8AX 

💰 Student Discount/Deal → 20% off for students + stamp card (Coffee #1 App)

♿ Accessibility → All locations are fully accessible for all users 

A UK classic, Caffè Nero is cherished by all for being reliable, consistent, and welcoming to all. With regular deals and promotions throughout the year on the app, the student deals at Caffè Nero are unbeatable. Through the Caffè Nero app, you can secure 20% off by registering with your student email, making it a safe and affordable choice for quick study breaks between lectures. The app also has an automatic stamp card feature when you pay with the app, so you can pay and collect free drinks with ease. I can gladly say that all Cardiff Caffè Nero locations are accessible to all users, a rare occurrence in Cardiff. 

Extra Perks: Free slice of cake on your birthdays! 

☕ My favourite drinks: Iced Vanilla Matcha with Coconut Milk & Iced Maple Pecan Latte with Oat Milk!

IG: CaffèNero

8. Chance & Counters 

📍Location → 23 High Street, Cardiff CF10 1PT

💰 Student Discount/Deal →  Students Play Free Monday-Friday 12-4 PM & Students 20% off everything  (Sunday 5 PM-Friday 5 PM).

♿ Accessibility → Limited accessibility – upstairs and stairs; not ideal for all mobility needs

Chance & Counters is a standout for students who want a change of scene and a break from studying. A board game cafe filled with over 650 games, friendly staff who’ll explain them, and plenty of time to work or unwind, what more could you want? While it’s more relaxed and fun than your typical quiet cafe, it’s still the perfect spot for a group or flat social, and of course, a casual working session too. Students can play for free with a qualifying purchase Monday to Friday from 12–4 PM, as well as 20% off all food, drinks, and games during off-peak hours (Sunday 5 PM to Friday 5 PM). However, accessibility is limited, as the cafe is located on an upper floor and is only accessible via stairs. For those seeking a fully accessible board game cafe with student-friendly offers, Coffee Spot (mentioned earlier) is an excellent alternative. Another accessible option is Scaredy Cats Cafe Bar (16 Working St, St Davids Centre, Cardiff CF10 1GN), though it does not currently offer student discounts.

☕ My favourite drink: Dirty Chai Latte with Oat Milk & Raspberry Ripple Milkshake!

IG: ChanceCountersCardiff

Cardiff’s diverse cafe scene reflects the city's vibrant community. For students, these cafes offer more than just a quick caffeine fix; they provide safe spaces for studying, socialising, and creativity. From small and cosy independent cafes like Coffee Spot, to alternative spaces like Chance & Counters, and dependable chains like Nero and Coffee #1, there’s a place for everyone.