Tough Mary’s bakehouse, Nottingham – 17 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

Back
add_circle Add your night out listing

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

Tough Mary’s bakehouse -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 17 user ratings

70-72 Derby Rd, Nottingham NG1 5FD, United Kingdom

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: Closed, Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM, Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM, Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM, Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM, Sunday: Closed

💬 What Students Say

Tough Mary's Bakehouse is a charming bakery and café located near Nottingham Trent University, making it a popular spot for students seeking a cozy atmosphere to unwind. Known for its artisanal bread, pastries, and excellent coffee, this venue provides a warm and inviting environment that’s perfect for both a quick bite and a leisurely coffee break. The ambiance is described as laid-back and friendly, making it a great alternative to the more hectic nightlife options in the area. Students often appreciate the vibe, which strikes a balance between lively and relaxing, allowing for enjoyable conversations with friends or a quiet moment with a book.

What students particularly enjoy about Tough Mary's is the quality of the food and drinks. The bakery is celebrated for its sourdough loaves, which are a standout item, alongside a variety of sweet treats such as doughnuts, croissants, and sticky pecan buns. Many reviews highlight the reasonable prices, making it an accessible choice for students on a budget. The café's coffee is also frequently praised, adding to the overall experience of enjoying a delicious treat in a comfortable setting.

The student crowd at Tough Mary's is generally described as laid back and friendly. It’s a place where students can easily meet up with friends or make new acquaintances. The venue tends to attract a diverse mix of people, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages social interaction. While it’s not the most exciting nightlife venue, it serves as a solid choice for those looking to relax and enjoy a chill night out. The café is particularly popular during the afternoons and early evenings, when students are likely to gather after classes or before heading out to other activities.

One of the standout features of Tough Mary's is its ability to provide a comfortable and enjoyable space without the overwhelming crowds often found in more traditional nightlife spots. Reviewers mention that it’s rare to encounter long queues, allowing for a more relaxed experience. The music played adds to the ambiance, with many students noting that it enhances the vibe without being too loud or intrusive. This makes it an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy a nice evening out without the pressure of a typical bar or club environment.

However, it’s important to note that Tough Mary's may not be for everyone. While many appreciate the chill atmosphere, those looking for a more vibrant nightlife experience might find it lacking in excitement. Some reviews mention that it’s not the cheapest option available, although the quality of the food and drinks justifies the prices for many patrons. Additionally, while the venue is generally well-received, a few students have pointed out that it can feel a bit too quiet at times, especially if you're in the mood for a more energetic night out.

In terms of who Tough Mary's suits best, it’s ideal for students who enjoy a relaxed, friendly environment where they can unwind with friends over good food and coffee. It’s perfect for those who want to take a break from the rigors of student life, whether they’re looking for a casual meet-up spot or a cozy place to study. The bakery’s inviting atmosphere makes it a great choice for both socializing and solo time, catering to a variety of student needs.

Overall, Tough Mary's Bakehouse stands out as a beloved local spot that offers a unique blend of quality food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere. While it may not be the go-to destination for a wild night out, it certainly holds its own as a fantastic place to enjoy a delicious meal or catch up with friends in a cozy setting. Many students leave feeling satisfied and eager to return, which speaks volumes about the experience offered at this charming bakery and café.
▼ See more

✅ What Students Love

  • Cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxing with friends.
  • High-quality artisanal bread and pastries, especially the sourdough.
  • Friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming vibe.
  • Good value for money with reasonable prices on food and drinks.
  • Decent music that enhances the experience without being overwhelming.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Not the most exciting nightlife option for those seeking a vibrant scene.
  • Can feel a bit too quiet at times, depending on the crowd.
  • Some students find it not the cheapest option available.
  • Limited opening hours may not suit everyone’s schedule.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a cozy place to unwind with good food and coffee.

💡 Things to Know

  • It’s a bakery and café, not a traditional nightlife venue.
  • Expect a friendly and laid-back crowd, ideal for socializing.
  • Visit during the afternoon or early evening for a more vibrant atmosphere.
  • Check their opening hours to plan your visit, as they are closed on Mondays and Sundays.

❓ Common Questions

What is Tough Mary's Bakehouse like?

It's a cozy bakery and café known for its artisanal bread, pastries, and friendly atmosphere.

Is it good value?

Yes, students find the prices reasonable for the quality of food and drinks offered.

When do students go to Tough Mary's?

Students often visit in the afternoons and early evenings, especially after classes.

What type of atmosphere can I expect?

The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, perfect for relaxing or socializing.

Are there any downsides?

Some students feel it can be too quiet at times and that it’s not the cheapest option.

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 17
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Staff made it feel like a little community spot. great for relaxing and catching up with friends after lectures. coffee's well worth a mention too
By user194359 on Apr 14th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Staff could be a bit quicker on the weekends, especially when it gets a bit busier. waiting for a coffee while juggling coursework deadlines isn't ideal. aside from that, the place has a really inviting vibe that's easy to enjoy, and it's just a short walk when you need a break from studying.
By user570360 on Apr 3rd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Bit of a wait for coffee during busy times, which is a bummer when you're in a rush between lectures. still, once you're settled in, it's a nice spot to relax and catch up with mates over some quality pastries.
By user238433 on Mar 30th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Artisanal bread here is honestly next level and it always smells amazing inside, balancing fresh bakes and a relaxed vibe 😅. a nice place where you don't feel rushed like other cafes nearby.
By user909853 on Mar 24th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Staff just let us do our thing, which made it super chill. it’s ideal for getting some work done or just relaxing over a coffee without any interruptions. plus, when i did have a question about what to try, they were quick to suggest something great.
By user675529 on Mar 16th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Staff here really make a difference. they've got a knack for making you feel at home, remembering your name after just a couple of visits. it’s also great being so close to uni when you want a cozy spot to chill with friends.
By user948203 on Mar 11th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Tough mary's always feels warm and familiar, which is something you don't find in all cafes around here. the staff seem to genuinely chat with regulars and make you feel part of a little community. somehow, that personal touch makes grabbing a cup of coffee or a pastry feel like a small moment of home.
By user295567 on Mar 9th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Honestly, didn't expect Tough Mary's to be so much more than just a bakery. found myself staying much longer than planned, just enjoying the atmosphere with other students and sipping on surprisingly good coffee.
By user972467 on Feb 4th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Walking into Tough Mary's, i was surprised by just how peaceful it felt inside.
By user325185 on Jan 23rd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Sitting there with a coffee and a piece of cake while procrastinating was oddly comforting. the smell of fresh bread made it hard to focus on work, but it might just be worth the distraction.
By user789323 on Jan 14th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Grab a coffee and one of their awesome pastries and just hang out,it's the perfect escape spot when you need a break from uni life.
By user574679 on Jan 7th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Walking in with friends on a friday afternoon, it felt like the whole place was our secret hideaway 😅. comforting chatter and the smell of fresh pastries made it impossible not to relax and let the week slide away.
By user548334 on Dec 30th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
People here seem to really enjoy their time without the fuss. lots of students chatting, working on laptops or just chilling with their mates, and it just feels comfortable. you get the sense that no one's in a rush and it's easy to fit right in.
By user517789 on Dec 20th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Had heard good things, but the cozy vibe and brilliant espresso really exceeded what I imagined. felt genuinely relaxing despite being busy.
By user225431 on Dec 11th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Staff here are way more welcoming than most other cafes i've tried, and it genuinely feels like they remember me every time. 😊 pastries are on another level too.
By user802002 on Dec 1st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Really dig the laidback vibe at tough mary's bakehouse compared to the usual hustle of city cafes. you can chill here with a coffee, and it feels more like a friend's cozy kitchen than a business-focused spot.
By user486592 on Nov 21st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Initially dropped in just for the coffee, but now it's become my go-to spot for unwinding. the warm environment and the camaraderie with other frequent visitors make it feel like a second home. honestly, can’t help but linger a bit longer each time.
By user662819 on Nov 7th 2025