
The Library Café
“Eat and drink while you study at the University Library Café, conveniently located on the 1st floor. Fuel your motivation with our barista coffee, sandwiches, paninis, pasties, cakes, and more. Meal deals are available to keep you going through your studies.”
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Quick info
About The Library Café
The Library Café sits on the 1st floor of the Charles Seale-Hayne Library at Drake's Circus in Plymouth, giving students a place to eat and drink without leaving the building. The counter serves barista coffee, sandwiches, paninis, pasties, and cakes, with meal deals offered alongside a 2-for-1 offer on regular hot drinks. Students scan their card at the till for a discount, and payment is by card only, with no cash accepted. Sandwiches sell out at busy times, so the selection can run thin later in the day. Seating is available for eating or working, though the sofa is for sitting rather than sleeping. Service is walk-in, and drinks are given a plastic lid before customers head off with them. The café shares the same floor as the library's toilets, keeping the space easy to navigate for anyone moving between studying and a break.
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Menu & Prices
21 dishes · mains £1–4- Yoghurt & Granola Pot£2.50
- Toast With Butter£0.75
- Toasted Teacakes£1.50
- Croissant£1.25
- Jam£0.50
- On It's Own£2.50
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention coffee, cakes, triangle sandwiches and mocha.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention coffee, cakes, triangle sandwiches and mocha.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers mostly come for coffee and cake, with a mocha and the cakes singled out, plus triangle sandwiches. Staff are called friendly and quick, though one finds them slow at times and another calls the food pricey. One reviewer was unhappy that a 2-for-1 deal covered only regular drinks, that student card details showed on the till screen, and that staff insisted on plastic lids.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers mostly come for coffee and cake, with a mocha and the cakes singled out, plus triangle sandwiches. Staff are called friendly and quick, though one finds them slow at times and another calls the food pricey. One reviewer was unhappy that a 2-for-1 deal covered only regular drinks, that student card details showed on the till screen, and that staff insisted on plastic lids.
Featured reviews
- Charles Dhliwayo
“As I stand here today as a final-year student at the University of Plymouth, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to a place that has been a cornerstone of my journey—The Library Café. From my very first year, this café has not only provided us with amazing food but has also created a welcoming environment that feels like home. The support from the staff has been invaluable, and I am truly thankful for the countless moments of encouragement and kindness I've experienced here.I’d especially like to thank Julie. Your unwavering support has made a profound impact on my years at university, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for us.To all the staff at The Library Café, thank you for your dedication and for nourishing both our bodies and our spirits. You have played an essential role in our university experience, and for that, we are all deeply grateful. Thank you!”
- CHarles DhIiwayo
“As a student at Plymouth University, I just want to say thanks to all the library cafe staff, especially Julie, for her kindheartedness and help throughout exam season! Also the food is amazing ! Would highly recommend visiting!”
- Elena Hancock
“Coffee is decent here but the food is actually a bit pricey considering. Staff can be slow at times but always friendly.”
- Ajay Balan
“The only accept card payment so international students just keep it in mind”
- michael bewell
“A relaxed venue to get my head down and work with a supply of good coffee and cake. Does mixing with uni students make you more intelligent? That was my plan!”
Location
Cafes near The Library Café
- Reservoir Café4.31040.1 mi
coffee, pizza, outdoor seating by reservoir
- The Caffeine Club4.11,4840.1 mi£1–15Outdoor seatingVegetarian optionsDelivery
two pint milkshakes, burgers, pizza fries
- The Snack Box4.62610.4 mi£1–15
english breakfast fry-up, omelettes, strawberry milkshake
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Library Café | 4.411 | — | £1–15 | coffee, cakes, triangle sandwiches |
| Reservoir Café | 4.3104 | 0.1 mi | — | coffee, pizza, outdoor seating by reservoir |
| The Caffeine ClubOutdoor seating · Vegetarian options · Delivery | 4.11,484 | 0.1 mi | £1–15 | two pint milkshakes, burgers, pizza fries |
| The Snack Box | 4.6261 | 0.4 mi | £1–15 | english breakfast fry-up, omelettes, strawberry milkshake |
The 3 nearest cafes by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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