Best Cafés in Bournemouth Town Centre for Students

About the author: Hi! My name is Gabriella Farrugia. I’m in my final year at Bournemouth University, studying Media and Communication, which I absolutely love. I enjoy good music, running along Bournemouth beach, recording my podcast, and, of course, writing about what have been some of the best years of my life.

With exam season approaching and deadlines looming, now is the perfect excuse to discover new study spots and treat yourself to some well-deserved fuel. Here are my top five café picks in and close to Bournemouth town centre. Warning: they may become your new obsessions…

Best Cafés in Bournemouth

1. Arch Coffee House 🥐

May I introduce you to my favourite haunt, Arch Coffee House? Conveniently located near Bournemouth Station, Arch is an absolute must-visit. The interior is particularly scenic, with different seating options and gorgeous décor, making it the perfect study spot.

As a coffee fanatic, I’ve tried many great cups over the years - but Arch serves some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Their menu includes a variety of drinks, from coffees to smoothies, alongside a wide array of handmade snacks, from bacon sandwiches to millionaire’s shortbread. Their pistachio and cream cookies are a must!

Even better, they offer a 10% student discount, and their loyalty card means your ninth drink is free.

📍138A Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8AS (opposite Bournemouth Train Station)

2. BigWigs Bakery 🧁

Feeling peckish after a long study sesh? BigWigs Bakery, located in Bournemouth town centre, has you covered. Handcrafted bread, pastries, cakes, and doughnuts, just to name a few, can all be found in-store.

This isn’t your conventional bakery either. Fancy an American-style BLT in a brioche bun? Or perhaps you’d prefer a refreshing matcha? BigWigs serves everything you could possibly think of, and more.

There’s also plenty of seating, meaning that you can settle in and get cosy to properly enjoy your treat and avoid study burnout. You’ve earned it.

📍10 Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5AQ

3. Pause Cat Café 😺

Tucked away at the start of Old Christchurch Road, Pause Cat Café offers a unique twist on your typical coffee shop near Bournemouth town centre. Home to some of the most gorgeous rescue cats, this café lets you enjoy your drink with some furry company.

Tickets are priced at just £5 for 60 minutes – a bargain, if you ask me – and you can book a table on either the ground floor or downstairs. The menu includes a variety of teas, coffees (I highly recommend the Cat-paw-cino), soft drinks, and sandwiches, with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options available.

Just be sure to keep an eye on your snacks, as the cats will take any opportunity for a sneaky nibble.

📍119 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1EP

4. Revival Wellness Café 🧘‍♀️

Feeling like you need a little TLC? Revival Wellness Café, situated in the centre of Bournemouth town, offers a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Stepping inside almost feels like entering a spa, thanks to its soothing, minimalistic aesthetic.

The menu features a variety of breakfast, brunch and lunch options - from banana protein pancakes to chipotle chicken burritos. You can also “boost” your meals with nutritional add-ons.

An impressive array of drinks is also available, including superfood smoothies, pressed juices, and matcha (FYI, their Strawberry Matcha Freddo is incredible). You can even enhance your drink with the likes of CBD oil or lion’s mane for an extra wellness kick.

While prices are slightly higher than those of other cafés in Bournemouth town centre, the calming experience makes it well worth it.

📍79 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1EW

5. Starbucks ☕️

An obvious but classic choice, Starbucks on Holdenhurst Road remains one of my go-to cafés in Bournemouth. Located close to student accommodation, it is super convenient, although you can find another one even nearer to the centre on Richmond Hill.

Starbucks serves a variety of coffees, teas, and a selection of pastries and pre-packaged sandwiches. The cinnamon buns tempt me every time… Service is speedy, and before you know it, you will be nestled into a cosy corner writing away and sipping a tasty coffee. If your go-to drink isn’t a caramel macchiato, then you are seriously missing out.

Don’t forget to tap your Starbucks Rewards app – every little helps as a student.

📍Unit 2, Lyme Regis House, The Parlour, 69 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8FT

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