Joni at The Botanical Gardens, Sheffield – 38 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

Joni at The Botanical Gardens -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 38 user ratings

The Botanical Gardens, Clarkehouse Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2LN, United Kingdom

💬 What Students Say

Joni at The Botanical Gardens is a delightful café located within the scenic backdrop of Sheffield's Botanical Gardens. Known for its inviting atmosphere, this venue serves as an ideal spot for students looking to unwind with friends or catch a break between classes. The café offers a menu filled with breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, complemented by a selection of delicious coffees and pastries. It’s a place where you can enjoy a leisurely meal while soaking in the beauty of the gardens surrounding you.

The vibe at Joni is widely described as relaxed and chill, making it a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of university life. Students frequently mention that it’s not the liveliest spot in town, but that’s part of its charm. The café attracts a friendly crowd, often made up of fellow students who appreciate the laid-back atmosphere. Many reviews highlight the good energy that fills the space, with music that adds to the enjoyment without overwhelming conversation. This makes it a great venue for both low-key gatherings and casual catch-ups.

One of the standout features of Joni is its value for money. Students often rave about the reasonable prices for drinks and food, which is a significant plus for those on a budget. The café is highly rated for its value, with many patrons noting that they can enjoy a satisfying meal or drink without breaking the bank. This affordability, combined with the quality of the offerings, makes it a popular choice among the student population.

The crowd at Joni is typically described as relaxed and friendly, which contributes to the overall welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can easily strike up a conversation with someone new or enjoy a comfortable meal with friends. Students appreciate that the crowd is generally there to enjoy themselves without any pretentiousness, making it easy to feel at home. While it can get busy during peak hours, many reviews suggest that the café maintains a pleasant buzz without feeling overcrowded.

When it comes to the drinks, the café offers a solid selection that students enjoy. From quality coffee to refreshing beverages, the drink prices are often highlighted as a positive aspect in reviews. Patrons mention that the drinks don’t put a strain on their wallets, allowing them to enjoy a few rounds while socializing. This affordability makes it an attractive option for students looking to enjoy a night out without the hefty price tag that some other venues might carry.

While Joni is a beloved spot for many, it’s important to note a few downsides as well. Some students have mentioned that it’s not the most exciting venue in terms of nightlife. If you’re looking for a high-energy party scene, Joni may not meet those expectations. Instead, it serves better as a place to relax and enjoy a more subdued atmosphere. Additionally, a few reviews have pointed out that the queue can sometimes be a bit slow, which might be a drawback during busy times. However, many agree that the staff are generally chill and accommodating, helping to mitigate any frustration related to waiting.

Ultimately, Joni at The Botanical Gardens stands out as a unique café that caters well to students looking for a friendly and affordable place to hang out. It suits those who appreciate a more laid-back vibe, where the focus is on enjoying good food and drink in a pleasant environment. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee or planning a relaxed meal with friends, Joni offers a special charm that keeps students coming back. It’s a great spot for anyone who values good company and a welcoming atmosphere over a high-energy nightlife experience.

In summary, Joni at The Botanical Gardens is a café that combines quality offerings with a friendly atmosphere, making it a popular choice for students at the University of Sheffield. With its reasonable prices, relaxed vibe, and beautiful surroundings, it’s easy to see why many students have made this their go-to spot for unwinding after a long week or catching up with friends. Whether you’re a first-year student or a seasoned local, Joni is definitely worth a visit.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Charming café atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
  • Highly rated for value, with affordable food and drink options.
  • Friendly and relaxed crowd, making it easy to socialize.
  • Good quality coffee and a variety of drinks available.
  • Pleasant surroundings within the Botanical Gardens.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Not the most lively spot for nightlife; better for chill gatherings.
  • Queue can sometimes be slow during busy hours.
  • Some students feel it lacks excitement compared to other venues.
  • Can get crowded, but generally maintains a pleasant buzz.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a laid-back café to relax and socialize with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Located within the beautiful Botanical Gardens, offering a serene setting.
  • Great for breakfast, brunch, or a casual lunch with friends.
  • Expect a friendly atmosphere, perfect for meeting new people.
  • Check the opening hours; it’s open daily, but hours vary slightly on weekends.
  • Ideal for students on a budget, with reasonable prices for food and drinks.

❓ Common Questions

What is Joni at The Botanical Gardens like?

Joni is a charming café offering a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying coffee and meals in a beautiful setting.

Is it good value?

Yes, Joni is highly rated for its affordability, making it a great choice for students.

When do students go to Joni?

Students typically visit Joni for casual meet-ups, especially during the day and early evening.

What kind of food and drinks does Joni offer?

Joni offers a delightful menu of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, along with a selection of coffee and pastries.

Is the atmosphere lively?

The atmosphere is more relaxed and chill, making it suitable for low-key socializing rather than high-energy nightlife.

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 38
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Rainy saturday afternoon turned unexpectedly bright when our group stumbled into Joni. felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket of chatter and mellow tunes, a stark contrast to the dreariness outside and the usual bustle of student life.
By user708773 on Apr 20th 2026
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Expected something more lively but it's chill enough for a quick catch-up between classes.
By user783885 on Apr 15th 2026
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Music had more variety here than at other cafes I've been to, which was refreshing. while it's not the cheapest place around, the older crowd means you don't have to shout to talk with your mates.
By user182747 on Apr 11th 2026
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Felt a bit overcrowded, especially during peak hours, making it hard to find a good spot to sit. would’ve enjoyed the experience so much more if there was a bit more room to breathe and relax.
By user228924 on Apr 6th 2026
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Found the atmosphere more laid-back than most places around town, which was refreshing. compared to busier spots, it felt like a secret escape right next to the greenery.
By user973281 on Apr 4th 2026
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Catching some sun on the patio with mates was just perfect 😊.
By user845159 on Apr 3rd 2026
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Joni is nestled right in the botanical gardens, making it a cool escape from campus bustle. their prices are student-friendly and you usually don't have to queue up for long to get your drink.
By user977685 on Mar 31st 2026
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Wandered in on a sunny afternoon, and ended up spending hours there just chatting with other students. super laid-back spot and perfect for impromptu meetups 😊
By user670774 on Mar 30th 2026
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Noticed people actually bring their dogs to joni at the botanical gardens, which adds an unexpected bit of life to the place. makes it feel like more than just a café when everyone's chilled out with their four-legged pals. definitely made my coffee break more memorable, and it gave me a chance to chat with someone over a cute pup 😊
By user669001 on Mar 25th 2026
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Remembering that afternoon at Joni's always makes me smile 😊. hanging out at the café surrounded by the beautiful gardens was such a peaceful escape, especially after those intense morning lectures. the atmosphere was so laid-back, and it was surprisingly easy to find a cozy corner to chat with friends , one of those simple, perfect student moments.
By user581114 on Mar 20th 2026
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Noticed a mix of students and locals sharing tables and conversations, making the café feel lively but relaxed. everyone seemed to be in good spirits like it's a shared little escape from the everyday rush. didn't expect Sheffield to have such a chill spot nestled within nature.
By user485747 on Mar 15th 2026
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Always enjoy returning for the relaxing garden views and chill atmosphere and it's perfect for taking my mind off assignments.
By user405669 on Mar 9th 2026
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Way more chill than some other cafes nearby, which makes it perfect for decompressing after lectures. the setting inside the botanical gardens gives it a peaceful vibe that's hard to find elsewhere in the city.
By user466355 on Mar 8th 2026
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Sitting under the trees just outside the café with a latte felt like hitting pause on life for a moment. the chatter and laughter around mingled perfectly with the breeze and made all thoughts of impending deadlines fade away.
By user698844 on Mar 6th 2026
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Felt immediately relaxed walking through the doors into the lush surroundings of Joni at The Botanical Gardens. there's a sort of peaceful energy that makes you forget the stress of studies for a bit.
By user258250 on Mar 5th 2026
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Expected it to be just another café, but it surprised me with how welcoming and relaxed it felt, even on busy days. i ended up spending more time there than planned, just soaking in the laid-back vibe with some mates. definitely turned into a regular spot for in-between class breaks or just catching up.
By user927672 on Mar 4th 2026
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Felt immediately relaxed the second i walked into joni at The Botanical Gardens. the staff had this easygoing, genuine vibe that made everything feel more like hanging out in a friend's living room than a café. plus, being surrounded by lush gardens just made it all a bit magical.
By user993379 on Feb 26th 2026
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Stumbled upon this gem while wandering through the botanic gardens. didn’t expect to find such a chill spot for studying with a really relaxed vibe and just the right amount of buzz from folks catching up over coffee.
By user839829 on Feb 12th 2026
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Would definitely swing by again since it's such a relaxing spot to chat with mates amid all the crazy busyness of uni life
By user718542 on Feb 5th 2026
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Found it surprisingly peaceful considering its location, with the sound of rustling leaves mixing gently with the chatter of students relaxing nearby.
By user490696 on Jan 30th 2026
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Feels like you can actually catch your breath here. nestled right in the botanical gardens, it’s where i go to relax with mates or even just with a book.
By user317126 on Jan 25th 2026
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Grab a coffee or snack here and forget your worries amidst the gorgeous garden views. it's got that easygoing feel which makes it perfect for a quick escape between lectures without any fuss.
By user262959 on Jan 20th 2026
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Expected a basic café, but the setting and atmosphere were much more inviting.
By user602307 on Jan 16th 2026
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People there seemed to be a mixed bunch from all walks of uni life, just like the many different plants 🙂. nobody seemed out of place and everyone kinda blended in.
By user471383 on Jan 12th 2026
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Never expected to feel that chill in the middle of the Botanical Gardens. other spots around Sheffield can feel a bit too busy but Joni's space is more laid-back and relaxed. definitely a step up from the usual campus cafe experience.
By user676307 on Jan 7th 2026
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Walking into Joni at The Botanical Gardens felt like stumbling upon a tiny oasis of calm in the middle of the city chaos. 😮 soft chatter mixed with the gentle rustle of the garden's greenery instantly made my stress levels drop , just what I needed.
By user306878 on Jan 3rd 2026
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Walked in needing a breather, and the peaceful vibe of Joni's felt like a warm hug. you just sort of melt into their inviting atmosphere, perfect when you need an escape from uni stress
By user794946 on Dec 30th 2025
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Always find it a bit puzzling that the service can be so slow, even when it's not busy. you're there for ages just waiting on a simple order. it doesn't ruin the visit, but it's not what you'd hope for when just looking to chill amidst such a pretty setting.
By user814299 on Dec 25th 2025
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Walking into joni feels almost surreal, like stumbling upon a hidden nook amidst the greenery. wasn’t expecting to find such a relaxed and welcoming meeting place within the gardens themselves
By user505992 on Dec 20th 2025
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Getting familiar with joni at the botanical gardens took some time, but now it feels like a home base. there's something comforting about knowing it'll be there for a laid-back afternoon coffee or a quick study break.
By user619915 on Dec 16th 2025
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Walking in felt like stepping into a serene oasis away from the bustle of uni life. the friendly faces and warm atmosphere make it immediately welcoming. it's the sort of place that just puts you at ease right from the start.
By user671419 on Dec 11th 2025
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Noticed a mix of students and locals chatting away, sharing a laugh under the leafy canopy. it’s the type of place where everyone seems approachable and relaxed.
By user666230 on Dec 4th 2025
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Slowly became my go-to for a breather between classes. people are always milling about, and it feels like everyone knows everyone here.
By user650216 on Nov 29th 2025
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Sipping my coffee, i watched people wander through the gardens, feeling peaceful.
By user486808 on Nov 25th 2025
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Staff here always seem genuinely happy to chat with everyone, which honestly makes such a difference. even when it's busy, they're relaxed and fun to talk to.
By user428329 on Nov 18th 2025
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Usually quite chilled, but one afternoon a squirrel boldly perched right on the table next to us. it was an unexpected visit and definitely entertained us more than our usual chats over coffee.
By user905391 on Nov 11th 2025
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Not sure if it was the fresh air or the lively vibe, but the conversations seemed to flow effortlessly here. chatting with strangers felt natural, and somehow, every visit led to meeting interesting people.
By user804967 on Nov 3rd 2025
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By user524334 on Dec 4th 2024