5 Belfast coffee shops perfect for students you might not know yet
As the weeks go on and we approach the peak of Autumn, with trees decked in golden brown leaves, and the distinctive autumnal golden light accompanying early morning walks to class, the allure of the coffee shop becomes ever stronger.
Nothing compares to a coffee shop on a cold day: You are welcomed with the smell of freshly ground coffee beans, the white noise of people chatting and laughing and the whirrs of the coffee machine.
Belfast has its fair share of coffee shops, some of which simply don’t get the footfall they deserve. With that in mind, here are some coffee shops in Belfast that you might not have heard of, but are well worth a visit.
Coffee & Cactus
Located on Lisburn Road, this place is a hidden haven for plant and coffee lovers alike. Attached to the contemporary homeware shop, Maven, it functions as part plant shop on the inside, whilst also serving coffee, bakes and food from the hatch on the outside. The staff are the friendliest you’ll find, always ready to have the craic with you while you wait for your order or give you advice on what plant to buy. The coffee is delicious and is from the ever-popular Bailies coffee roasters and their baked goods are unique, ranging from chai pumpkin mini cakes to plum and lime drizzle cake, to vegan salted whiskey pecan pie. Their indoor space is filled to the brim with beautiful indoor house plants, and they also offer plant delivery for £3.50 in BT1 - BT18. They are currently trialling their indoor seating again (as the space is so small), but their hatch is open daily from 10 am until 4 pm.
Image provided by Coffee & Cactus.
Napoleon
Based in the traditional Victorian setting of the Ormeau Baths in Belfast’s Linen Quarter, Napoleon specialises in a range of local and guest coffee varieties, as well as speciality coffees such as their ‘rose latte’. Food is also on offer with everything from porridge topped with seeds, nuts, edible flowers and compote, to ‘Rose and Lemon Empire Biscuits’. The food is so unique and is only complimented more by the relaxed vibe of the place, with friendly staff that make you feel super welcomed! They are open 8:30 am - 3:30 pm on weekdays and 10 am - 3 pm on Saturdays.
Canteen
Canteen is located on the upper Ormeau road, so it is a bit further away from campus but it is perfect to visit after a stroll in Ormeau Park. It has a distinctive mint green exterior and 2 different rooms of seating inside as well as outdoor seating. They offer an all-day brunch menu with options for meat-eaters and vegans, (the vegan patty is amazing). They use the delicious Root & Branch Coffee Roastery and their interior is filled with plants which give it such a cosy vibe. They are open until 5 pm daily.
Image of the brunch options at Canteen, taken by me.
Pottinger’s
Hidden away on the historic Pottinger’s entry, this cafe feels like a little escape from the city centre mania. With a focus on local and Irish produce, their menu has so much variety and has something for everyone with an impressive range of salads and wraps. They do a weekend brunch menu from 10 am - 3 pm, and their selection of drinks includes fresh-pressed raw juice, fairtrade coffee and tea, and even craft beer and wine! Their outdoor seats are a perfect place to wrap up with a book and watch the world go by, and their bright indoor setting proves the perfect backdrop for meeting with a friend or catching up on work. They are open Monday to Saturday 7 am - 5 pm.
The Pantry at The Crescent Arts Centre
Whilst this cafe isn’t exactly hidden and is extremely close to Queen University Belfast, it doesn’t seem to be well-known to students. Located within The Crescent Arts Centre on University Road, it is a five-minute walk from Queen’s and one of my favourite places to work when the library just isn’t cutting it. They use local Irish ingredients with a good selection of vegan and gluten-free options, but the real highlight is the space itself. With high ceilings, white walls and the beautiful light from the bay windows: writing an essay just got a whole lot easier. As a bonus, they are open until 9 pm on weekday evenings, which makes them the perfect option for an evening trip.
The beautiful bay windows in The Pantry, taken by me.
Beth Healy is The Scoop’s Culture Editor and a final year English student at Queen’s University Belfast.