The Best Cafés for Students in Portsmouth

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About the author: Hi everyone! I'm Claire Munro, a recent Digital Marketing graduate from the University of Portsmouth. After spending the best three years of my life in this amazing city, I've made it my mission to help you make the most of your time both in Portsmouth and in London (where I now live!). When I'm not working or writing about my student life, you can find me shopping or hanging out with my friends.

Here you go guys: the best cafés in Portsmouth for you to do your studying, chilling, and, most importantly, EATING! To help you decide on which cafés you want to visit as a Portsmouth student, I’m sharing with you details on their locations, distinctive qualities, and price points. I’ll also be using what I like to call my Sip-o-meter (basically a drinks-based guide to see which cafés are kindest to your wallet) to keep price comparisons fair and fun.

The Southsea Deli

• Mon - Fri | 8am - 3pm
• Sat - Sun | 9am - 3pm

Arguably my favourite café in Portsmouth is The Southsea Deli, located at 98 Elm Grove, Southsea. With an amazing selection of options for any dietary requirement, including gluten-free bread, this café is perfect for everyone! I personally have never been able to visit this café without getting one of their vast selection of sandwiches and a freshly squeezed orange juice. 

I wouldn’t be doing a good job reviewing this café if I didn’t mention the employees and the atmosphere, too; I have never felt so welcome and relaxed in all my life. Truly, visiting this café is always such a pleasure.

☕ Sip-o-meter: £3.50 iced latte & £3.80 hot chocolate (according to their menu here).

Bread Addiction

• Mon - Tue | Closed
• Wed - Fri | 7:30 - 3:30
• Sat - Sun | 8am - 3:30

Warning: Bread Addiction lives up to its name – one bite of their signature cinnamon buns and you’ll be hooked for life. Seriously, it is dangerously good; I’m itching to go back.

Found at 54 Elm Grove, Southsea, the unassuming exterior does NOT do justice for what is hiding inside. Dozens and dozens of freshly baked, homemade goods fill this small café, so my advice is to head over earlier in the day to claim a treat before they're all gone.

☕ Sip-o-meter: Bread Addiction have sadly dodged my Sip-o-meter (no drinks prices online), but I can tell you from personal experience that the infamous cinnamon buns will set you back by £2.70.

Offbeet Southsea

• Mon | Closed
• Tue - Sun | 9am - 3pm

Are you vegan or just prefer a plant based diet? Well, don’t fret, I have the perfect café just for you! Introducing Offbeet Southsea, situated at 83 Albert Road, Southsea. Wave goodbye to the two token vegan dishes you usually see on café menus, and say hello to a whole menu full of options. After my visit to Offbeet, I was left questioning whether I really need meat or dairy again. 

To top it all off, their menu features my favourite three little words: all-day brunch!

☕ Sip-o-meter: £4.90 matcha & £4 hot chocolate (according to the menu on their Instagram highlights).

Café in the Park

• Mon - Fri | 10am - 3pm
• Sat | 10am - 4pm
• Sun | Closed

Picture this: a crisp morning stroll through the park, followed by a warming cup of luxury hot chocolate. Or maybe you’re more of a springtime wanderer, liking to treat yourself to an ice-cold milkshake after a sunny walk. Whatever you fancy, there's a drink for you at Victoria Park's Café in the Park.

Here you'll find cooked breakfasts, fresh sandwiches, and an array of delicious homemade cakes. The Café in the Park is the perfect stop, whether you're peckish on your way to university or you want a little afternoon treat between lectures.

☕ Sip-o-meter: £3.75 iced coffee & £4.40 luxury hot chocolate (according to their menu here).

Starbucks

• Mon - Sun | 7am - 8pm

It would be crazy if I didn't mention my MOST frequented café in my university life: STARBUCKS! Now, I know what you're thinking: “Starbucks is soooo basic”. But I have to disagree. With an ever-changing drinks menu and tasty treats, what’s not to like?

And may I say, the Starbucks that stands on Guildhall Walk in the city centre is perfect for studying as it has an upstairs and downstairs, making you feel as though you'e fully disconnected from the hustle and bustle out on the street. I also never feel rushed in a Starbucks. Need to study all day? Well, as you can see, Starbucks is open from 7am until 8pm!

What I’m saying is, you should never feel ashamed for choosing the more ‘mainstream’ option; it’s mainstream for a reason!

☕ Sip-o-meter: £4.55 iced latte & £5 hot chocolate.

Need more inspo on what to do in Portsmouth whilst you're a student here? Check out our blog posts on the best day trips for Portsmouth University students and where to watch the football in Portsmouth.

Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.