Food and drink
Cornwall
Time for a coffee? Falmouth’s best cafés
Whether you’re going for a chat with friends, looking for a quiet place to do work, or just wanting a place to relax and enjoy a drink, Falmouth’s cafés have got you covered.
My personal favourite is Lawrance’s Bakery & Bar. The staff are so friendly, the interior is stunning and the cakes are to die for – I usually buy one to eat there and get an extra to take away!
Another favourite of mine is Good Vibes Café. They have a lovely selection of teas, coffees, smoothies and all-day breakfasts, sourced locally and with a wide range of delicious vegan options. It is also the perfect place to take your laptop and get a bit of work done.
If you enjoy the outdoors, take a stroll from Gylly Beach to Swanpool Beach and treat yourself to a hot chocolate at Swanpool Beach Café. You can sip your drink looking out to the boats and glistening sea and take in the beautiful scenery.
Written by Ella, BSc Zoology, Penryn Campus.
Three restaurants you need to try in Falmouth
#01
Without a doubt, Falmouth’s restaurants are among the best in Cornwall. If you’re looking for a Sunday roast, I recommend The Greenbank Hotel. They do vegetarian and vegan roasts, and you can take part in their weekly quiz. Make sure to book ahead as it is very popular!
#02
Falmouth’s restaurants serve a range of cuisines, with delicious Chinese, Indian, Italian and South African eateries, among others. My favourite is Ploy Thai, a family-run Thai restaurant just off the high street. The menu is broad and reasonably priced, and the staff are lovely. Whoever you are and whatever you enjoy, Falmouth’s restaurants will have something for you.
#03
For a more low-key meal, Palacio Lounge is ideal. The menu is vast and can cater for all allergies and dietary needs, and it is perfect for eating out on a budget – you can get soup and a panini with their lunchtime deal, or a free drink or pudding with a meal on a Monday.
![A piece of cake and coffee on a table at Palacio Lounge.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/palacio_megan_polaroid.05682a4288d6.png?)
Written by
Ella
Ella, BSc Zoology, Penryn Campus.
Falmouth harbour.
Five foodie hotspots to hit in Cornwall
One of the best things about living in Falmouth is the incredible amount of cute little independent cafés and restaurants. If you are a foodie or coffee lover, Falmouth will definitely not disappoint. There is everything from artisan coffee shops, cute bakeries, cafés of all different cuisines, restaurants with a sea view and of course the best pasties you can get your hands on!
![Spinach and strawberry salad on a plate.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/good_vibes_nicolette_polaroid.d06f5c5724c8.png?)
#01 Good Vibes Café
So this place is my absolute go-to breakfast and lunch spot! It’s a really nice atmosphere to go for a coffee or study session with friends or breakfast / lunch when you are out in town. Everything is cooked fresh and the menu changes throughout the year, so there is always something new to try!
![Sausage roll on a plate in Espressini.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/espressini_aurora.034d7ff5e924.png?)
#02 Espressini
Another one of my favourite places in Falmouth. Located just along Killigrew Street, this adorable shabby-chic inspired café is not only another lovely place to come study, but a must-try brunch and coffee spot! They have been awarded to have the ‘Best Coffee in the South West’ so give it a try while in town!
![Exterior of Amanzi restaurant.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/amanzi_aurora_polaroid.8cbe95c45244.png?)
#03 Amanzi
Fancy some African cuisine for dinner? Head over to Amanzi (although try and book because it fills up very quickly) for incredible and Insta-worthy food and some funky drinks!
![Iced coffee and Guinness cake on a table at Beacon.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/beacon_aurora_polaroid.7e7ba4aa27e3.png?)
#04 Beacon
This is one of Falmouth’s beloved newcomers to the high street. Since its opening it has become one of the most popular coffee shops to stop into or hangout in (although it is also one of the smallest). They also have a delicious selection of some sweet treats, I personally recommend the ‘Lumberjack Bar’.
![Dark blue exterior of Fives.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/fives_aurora_polaroid.0d02abd38221.png?)
#05 Fives Cyderhouse
You will get to know Fives on nights out, but did you know they also have a restaurant upstairs that does everything from salads to burgers, to drinks and more? They have really nice sweet potato fries – 10/10 recommend!
Devon
Love local: Exeter’s top five independent coffee shops
*Cafés offering student discount.
#01 Grow Coffee House*
A brilliant place to study! Grow has great, groovy music to keep you motivated, comfy sofas and incredible latte art. It is also out of town and on the way to the quay; lovely if you fancy a change of scenery.
#02 The Undergrad Café*
I love this place for its incredible interior and buzz! If you love plants, it is a must (and there’s a plant shop next door!) and their staff are so friendly.
#03 Artigiano
The best place in Exeter for an evening study session; it doesn’t close until late! It changes from a calm café to a cool cocktail bar, so whatever the hour you are sure to be able to be served here.
#04 Pura Vida
If you’re in the market for brunch, this is the place for you! Not only is it super affordable, but they also have some delicious dishes. Mine must be the bacon pancakes…
#05 The Glorious Arthouse
Nothing but fun vibes here! They do the most incredible hot chocolate with all the trimmings. Perfect for a fun friend outing or a post-exam treat!
Top restaurants in Exeter for students
![A mixture of dishes at the Comptoir Libanais.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/comptoir_libanais.351e6797ffe5.jpg?)
Not only is the food super fresh (the best hummus I’ve ever tasted), but the décor inside is just stunning!
![A Franco Manca pizza.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/franco_manca.18a6059a6e69.jpg?)
The pizzas here are to die for! Sourdough base makes all the difference... I would wholeheartedly recommend the lemon cake for dessert.
![Roast dinner on a plate at Toby Carvery.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/toby_carvery.70c0b66362b3.jpg?)
A little drive or train ride out of town, but so worth it if you’re craving a roast. Amazing value for money too!
Written by
Lydia
Lydia, BSc Management and Marketing, Streatham Campus.
#01
they offer a variety of Indian food, especially South Indian food. My favourite is Ghee Masala Dosa.
Price – Slightly high £££.
Taste – Amazing ★★★★★.
![Ghee Masala Dosa on a dish.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/namaste_natesh_polaroid.866be9999740.png?)
Four best places to eat Indian food in Exeter
#01
They offer a variety of Indian food, especially South Indian food. My favourite is Ghee Masala Dosa.
Price – Slightly high ££.
Taste – Amazing ★★★★★.
#02
They offer a variety of Indian food especially spicy North Indian food. My favourite is Aloo Tikki Chana Chat.
Price – Budget-friendly £.
Taste – Good ★★★.
#03
One of my favourite places to eat Indian food. I like almost everything on their menu.
Price – Budget-friendly £.
Taste – Amazing ★★★★★.
#04
Their food is just like their name! My favourite dish from this place is Mint Haryali Tikka.
Price – High £££.
Taste – Good ★★★.
![Various Indian meals displayed on dishes.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/natesh_restaurants_polaroidsx4.9a0aee09cf67.png?)
Pictures by Natesh.
Pictures by Natesh.
Written by
Natesh
Natesh, MSc Digital Marketing, Streatham Campus.
Eat in or eat out?
You decide!
Off campus, my favourite places to eat are Nando’s, Wagamama and Turtle Bay.
Eating is a social activity for many students, but it doesn’t just have to be out. With friends and flatmates in my first year at East Park, we frequently cooked together in our accommodation.
The most fun time was Pancake Day where we made pancakes with a few failed attempts along the way...
![Strawberry and Nutella pancakes on a cafe table.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/panacake_caitlin_polaroid.cd7c8d90f82e.png?)
Written by
Caitlin
Caitlin, BA English and Communications, Streatham Campus.
Five places to eat on Streatham Campus
![Selection of fillings available at Comida.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/comida_lydia_polaroid.42e0c6af777a.png?)
#01 Comida
Their lunches are to die for! It’s basically Subway but for tortilla wraps. I love that you can personalise your dish.
![Wooden doors leading to the Ram bar.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/ram_lydia_polaroid.080b1b521c4e.png?)
#02 The Ram
If you haven’t tried their curly fries, you’re missing a trick! I love coming here after a long day at uni to catch up with friends over food and drink.
![Exterior signage of Starbucks on the Streatham Campus.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/starbucks_lydia_polaroid.cc89d35c3108.png?)
#03 Starbucks
New this academic year! I love the seasonal drinks on offer here. My personal favourite was the eggnog latte at Christmas time!
![External signage of Pret A Manger on the Streatham Campus.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/pret_helen_polaroid.448d164aad7e.png?)
#04 Pret a Manger
Whatever food mood I am in, I know there will always be something appealing here! From pastries to popcorn, they really do cover all bases!
![Three students having a coffee in front of the Queen's Building water feature.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/2944.1072171e2321.jpg?)
![Camper serving area in Queen's with a selection of cakes.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/15494/comida_lydia_polaroid.d07cace9120e.png?)
#05 Camper Coffee
If you have a sweet tooth like me, this is the place for your afternoon pick-me-up. I adore their brownies! Even better, there are two on campus; one in Amory and one in Queen’s!