Specialty Coffee & Eatery, Nottingham – 28 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

Specialty Coffee & Eatery -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 28 user ratings

50 Friar Ln, Nottingham NG1 6DQ, United Kingdom

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

💬 What Students Say

Specialty Coffee & Eatery is a cozy and inviting venue located in Nottingham, making it a popular choice for students from Nottingham Trent University. This laid-back coffee shop is well-known for its excellent coffee and delicious food offerings, including a range of savory café dishes and baked goods. The atmosphere here is friendly and relaxed, making it an ideal place to catch up with friends or start your night out. With a solid overall rating and high marks for cleanliness, music, and value, it’s no wonder that students frequently return to this spot.

The vibe at Specialty Coffee & Eatery is often described as chill and welcoming. Many reviews highlight the friendly atmosphere, where students feel comfortable and at ease. Upon entering, you’re likely to be greeted with smiles from both the staff and fellow patrons. The venue’s layout encourages socializing, and it’s common to run into acquaintances, which adds to the warm community feel. However, while many students enjoy the relaxed ambiance, some have noted that it could benefit from a bit more energy, especially during busier nights.

Music plays a significant role in the overall experience at Specialty Coffee & Eatery. The tunes are carefully curated to match the laid-back yet lively vibe of the place. Students appreciate the quality of the music, often noting that it gets everyone up and dancing. This makes it a great spot to kick off a night out, as the music sets a positive tone for the evening. While the atmosphere is generally lively, there are moments when it can feel a bit subdued, particularly if the crowd is smaller.

When it comes to drinks and pricing, Specialty Coffee & Eatery is highly rated for its value. Students frequently mention that the prices are reasonable, making it an affordable option for those looking to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. The menu features a variety of coffee drinks, as well as a selection of alcoholic beverages, which are priced fairly for a student budget. This balance of quality and affordability is a significant draw for many patrons, who appreciate being able to enjoy good drinks in a comfortable setting.

The entry experience at Specialty Coffee & Eatery is generally smooth, with many reviews noting that there is often little to no queue. This is a significant advantage, especially for students who want to avoid long wait times before starting their night. The easy entry process contributes to the overall relaxed vibe of the place, allowing students to focus on enjoying their time with friends rather than being frustrated by delays.

Students have shared their positive experiences at Specialty Coffee & Eatery, often mentioning that it’s a great spot to gather with friends before heading out to other venues. The combination of good music, friendly faces, and a chill atmosphere makes it an appealing choice for many. While it may not be the most glamorous venue, it has a charm that resonates well with the student crowd. The sense of community and the enjoyable atmosphere are often highlighted as key reasons for returning.

However, it’s essential to note some weaknesses as well. While the atmosphere is generally friendly, some students feel that it could use a bit more energy, especially during certain times. Additionally, it can get crowded, which may detract from the relaxed vibe that many come to enjoy. Some reviews also mention that it’s not the cheapest option available, although most agree that the experience justifies the price. Lastly, while the lighting and decor are appreciated, they are not particularly extravagant, which may not appeal to everyone.

In conclusion, Specialty Coffee & Eatery is a fantastic choice for students looking for a laid-back venue to enjoy good coffee, delicious food, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a chill environment and want to start their night out on a positive note. The combination of good music, reasonable prices, and a welcoming vibe makes it a must-visit spot for students at Nottingham Trent University and beyond. Whether you’re looking to hang out with friends or simply enjoy a good drink, Specialty Coffee & Eatery is sure to deliver a satisfying experience that keeps you coming back for more.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
  • High ratings for cleanliness and overall vibe.
  • Good music that gets everyone dancing.
  • Reasonably priced drinks and food, great for students.
  • Easy entry with little to no queue, allowing for a relaxed start to the night.
  • A popular spot for catching up with friends before heading to other venues.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • The atmosphere can sometimes feel a bit low-energy, depending on the crowd.
  • Can get crowded, which may detract from the relaxed vibe.
  • Not the cheapest option, though many feel the experience justifies the price.
  • Some students feel the decor is not particularly glamorous.
  • May not have enough entertainment for those looking for a more energetic night.

🎯 Best For

Students who enjoy a chill atmosphere and good coffee before a night out.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, perfect for students.
  • Expect reasonable prices for drinks and food.
  • Music style is upbeat and varied, great for dancing.
  • It's best to arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
  • The venue has a friendly smoking area for those who smoke.

❓ Common Questions

What is Specialty Coffee & Eatery like?

It's a laid-back coffee shop known for its friendly atmosphere, good music, and reasonable prices.

How long is the queue?

There is usually little to no queue, making entry easy.

Is it good value?

Yes, it is highly rated for value, with reasonable prices for drinks and food.

What music does Specialty Coffee & Eatery play?

The music is upbeat and varied, often getting everyone up and dancing.

What is the atmosphere like?

The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with a strong sense of community among patrons.

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

Reviews
1 of 28
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Always a chill vibe, pretty laid back and good tunes. drinks are cheap and usually no queue which is nice . it's just a good spot to start the night with mates.
By user148972 on Mar 30th 2026
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Entry was easy and the vibe was chill. drinks were reasonably priced and the music was on point. would come back to Specialty Coffee & Eatery for another night out.
By user878461 on Mar 27th 2026
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Smoking
There's usually a lot going on to keep you entertained. not a big deal if you're looking for a good time.
By user436322 on Mar 21st 2026
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Felt really friendly when I walked in, everyone was just open and having a laugh.
By user497535 on Mar 15th 2026
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You’ll keep running into people you know. it feels like everyone’s here at some point.
By user884317 on Mar 4th 2026
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Staff were super friendly, made the night way more enjoyable. didn't want to leave 🍵
By user668499 on Feb 25th 2026
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Prices are reasonable and the place has a chill atmosphere. really sets the tone for a good night out.
By user960502 on Feb 24th 2026
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Friendly faces made the place feel warm but the atmosphere could use a bit more energy. small detail in the bigger picture
By user973672 on Feb 23rd 2026
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Not the cheapest but the atmosphere makes it worth it. you’re paying for more than just drinks.
By user581310 on Feb 22nd 2026
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Music gets everyone up and dancing but it's a bar so that's kind of the deal
By user879250 on Feb 21st 2026
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A good mix of people and the atmosphere felt friendly. little things like that make a difference when you're out.
By user425212 on Feb 20th 2026
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Got in and the music was already hitting right. crowd felt like they were all into the same tunes.
By user865935 on Feb 19th 2026
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Found this spot to be a chill hangout with friends, always had a good time when we went. it’s got a vibe that’s hard to beat
By user428504 on Feb 18th 2026
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Other places are around but this one just hits different. it’s the spot everyone seems to love for a reason.
By user940328 on Feb 17th 2026
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A solid spot to catch up with mates before hitting the next place. it's got a chill atmosphere that works well for a pre-night out.
By user922489 on Feb 16th 2026
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Nights at the Specialty Coffee & Eatery were all about good energy and people just enjoying themselves. that place really set the mood.
By user394395 on Feb 15th 2026
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There's always something going on at Specialty Coffee & Eatery, so you won't get bored. that's what keeps me coming back.
By user707993 on Feb 14th 2026
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Good mix of people and the music was top quality.
By user498539 on Feb 13th 2026
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Lots of friendly people make it a good spot to hang out. just feels like a better place to be.
By user360338 on Feb 2nd 2026
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It's a chill place for a night out but it can get a bit crowded depending on the crowd.
By user195415 on Jan 22nd 2026
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Lighting's pretty cool and the music's always decent. met some nice people too, so it feels like a good spot to hang.
By user428251 on Jan 14th 2026
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The atmosphere was really enjoyable and had a good energy. small details could be improved but it was a nice experience.
By user117809 on Jan 5th 2026
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The type of place that instantly puts you in a good mood.
By user890433 on Dec 28th 2025
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Music's always a banger, can't wait for the next night out.
By user242404 on Dec 19th 2025
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The atmosphere is pretty lively and everyone seems really friendly, so it’s a good place to hang out.
By user976629 on Dec 10th 2025
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The atmosphere was lively and energetic, which made for a good night. it's a small detail but it really adds to the experience.
By user246091 on Nov 30th 2025
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The energy in the room was unreal — loved it.
By user464457 on Nov 19th 2025
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Not the most glamorous spot but it works for student nights. good atmosphere and prices are okay for what you get.
By user554882 on Nov 4th 2025