Get work done at these top 10 cozy cafes in Belfast
Working from home can feel like a double-edged sword. Sure, you get to skip the commute and work in your pajamas, but the couch and bed always call your name, making it too easy to lose focus and procrastinate.
I often find myself getting comfortable, thinking, “Just a quick nap,” only to wake up hours later with a looming deadline! That’s why I’ve been on a mission to find the best cafes in Belfast to get stuff done.
I’ve braved the crowds, sampled the coffee, and scoped out the Wi-Fi so you don’t have to. Keep reading to discover my top cozy cafe picks for ultimate productivity!
1. Established Coffee
– Media credit: establishedcoffee
Website: http://www.established.coffee/
Address: 54 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442890319416
Operating hours: 7 AM–4:30 PM
Pricing: $
If you’re near the Cathedral Quarter, you can work at this gem called Established Coffee. I love working from this cafe because it has a relaxed atmosphere that’s just different from the hustle and bustle of Belfast.
I love the seating arrangement here. There are cozy nooks for reading books and enjoying coffee and communal tables for quick meetings or catching up with friends.
Coffee is important for getting the job done, and here, you’ll enjoy brews from their specialty collection, which includes brews from all over the globe.
My go-to coffee is their single-origin Ethiopian brew. It’s fruity and bright, keeping me up for a long day ahead.
| Pro tip: Ask about their “Coffee of the Day” special, which often features unique blends at a discounted price. It’s a great way to explore new flavors without breaking the bank! |
2. The Dock Café
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Website: https://www.the-dock.org/cafe/
Address: 2K Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9DT, United Kingdom
Operating hours: 11 AM–4 PM
Pricing: $
If you like natural noise while working, I recommend The Dock Café. It’s by the waterfront, so you’ll enjoy the docks’ charm and the water’s noise as you work and sip your tea or coffee.
Inside, they’re on theme with all the maritime memorabilia from ropes, oars, and other quirky dock-themed decor. They also have fast Wi-Fi and a lot of sockets scattered around. The best part is their pricing because they operate on a donation basis!
I love that their menu is a haven for those with a sweet tooth or who crave comfort food. My go-to orders here are hearty tomato and basil soup and homemade chocolate cake.
| Pro tip: You shouldn’t miss their freshly baked scones. Don’t forget to pair it with their homemade jam and cream. |
3. Linen Hall Cafe
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Website: https://www.linenhall.com
Address: 17 Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GB, United Kingdom
Operating hours: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Pricing: $
Linen Hall Café is another hidden gem in Belfast. I love working from this place because of the plush chairs, which make for less backache from long working hours. The decor also pays homage to the Linen Hall Library, which sets me up for work mode.
This cafe also has many sockets and solid Wi-Fi so that you can finish your work here. I’m so thankful for their all-day menu, which allows me to eat whatever strikes my mood, like a traditional English breakfast for lunch.
The cafe’s vibe is so chill. It’s perfect for friends who want to catch up or for workaholics like me who need a fantastic cup of coffee while working. The staff members also always smile and are happy to share stories about the place’s history.
| Pro tip: The café’s signature Irish stew is a must-try, often hailed as one of its bestsellers. It also offers a selection of delicious homemade cakes that pair perfectly with its expertly brewed coffee. |
4. General Merchants
– Media credit: generalmerchants
Website: http://generalmerchants.co.uk/
Address: 35 Donegall Pl, Belfast BT1 5AD, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442890291007
Operating hours: 7:30 AM–4:30 PM
Pricing: $
Working can make you hungry, but you don’t have to worry about that when working for General Merchants. It’s a great brunch spot with a relaxed Australian cafe vibe.
The decor is rustic and modern, and the rooms are filled with comfy seating, little nooks, plush chairs, and couches. I love staying in their cozy corners to secure a Wi-Fi connection and plug in all my gadgets as I work.
They have an all-day breakfast menu. My go-to dishes are poached eggs and avocado toast, which they nail every time. They also serve fresh brews from local producers, which help keep me up while working.
| Pro tip: The coffee at General Merchants is a standout feature when ordering. Their flat whites are particularly popular and highly recommended, and they are paired with their signature “Big Brekkie,” which has become a bestseller among regulars. |
5. TRAIT Coffee
– Media credit: traitcoffee
Website: https://www.traitcoffee.co.uk/
Address: 14 College Square E, Belfast BT1 6DD, United Kingdom
Operating hours: 8 AM–3 PM
Pricing: $
TRAIT Coffee is a great working spot around College Square. It’s like a cozy living room with all the warm lighting and light chatter from fellow students and workers. It’s the perfect spot to settle down with your laptop or to read a book.
TRAIT is known for its fresh brews. It sources its beans from around the globe, so every sip has a different flavor. Recently, I got hooked on its single-origin espresso with hints of chocolate.
Now, when it comes to food, they’re big supporters of local producers. I tried their flaky almond croissant, which practically melted in my mouth. It’s great to know I’m also supporting the community by striving for these baked goods.
| Pro tip: When ordering, you can’t go wrong with their signature coffee blends. One of my favorites is the Mount Leinster Rarebit, which pairs wonderfully with their rich hot chocolate sourced from NearyNógs. |
6. The MAC
– Media credit: themacbelfast
Website: http://themaclive.com/
Address: 10 Exchange St, West, Belfast BT1 2NJ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442890235053
Operating hours: 9 AM–5 PM
Pricing: $
The MAC is another hidden gem in the Cathedral Quarter. You might never imagine yourself working at an art gallery, but this spot might be what you’re looking for!
The art-filled surroundings are just an inspiring atmosphere as you try to work. I’ve found myself losing track of time in this place. Besides its modern architecture, you should head to the cafe inside the gallery.
They serve the best brews and baked goods in town. I tried their flat white and a slice of their homemade cake. They also have brunch options too, like avocado toast. The best part is that every order you make helps fund the gallery’s art projects and events.
| Pro tip: If you visit during the holiday season, don’t miss out on their special Christmas menu—it’s a delightful treat! Every purchase helps support local arts initiatives, making your coffee break more meaningful. |
7. Foggy Brew
– Media credit: foggybrewcoffee
Website: https://www.facebook.com/foggybrewbelfast
Address: 66 Berry St, Belfast BT1 1FJ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +447510193652
Operating hours: 9 AM–4 PM
Pricing: $
If you want to stay in a place that feels like home while supporting the community, try Foggy Brew. It’s known for its commitment to sourcing local and vegan products.
Inside, the cafe has a rustic charm with reclaimed wood tables, vintage decor, and modern accents. I always stay in one corner of this cafe because it has a large window that gives more natural light for people-watching when I need a break from work.
They serve artisan coffee and freshly baked goods. They whip up these baked goods that are also up to vegan standards. Another unique thing about this place is their “pay what you think is fair” policy. It’s encouraging to support local businesses.
| Pro tip: When it comes to ordering, you can’t go wrong with their signature lattes or the Turmeric Latte, which has garnered quite a following among regulars. |
8. Northern Lights
– Media credit: northernlightsbarbelfast
Website: http://www.galwaybaybrewery.com/northernlights/
Address: 451 Ormeau Rd, Ormeau, Belfast BT7 3GQ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +447597466998
Operating hours: 12–11 PM
Pricing: $
I never thought I could finish work at a brewery, but Northern Lights proved me wrong. I remember visiting and seeing how it has a modern space with its cozy booths. The noise was minimal and tolerable, so you could still focus on working.
Of course, they have a stellar collection of local draft beers. My favorite is their fruity pale ale, refreshing on summer evenings. They also have great imports so that you can explore the globe with their beer selection.
They also serve small plates you can share with friends or co-workers. You’ll appreciate their fast Wi-Fi and plug sockets if you bring your laptop. So, you won’t have to worry about losing connection as you enjoy your drink.
| Pro tip: If you visit on Thursdays, you can enjoy their quiz night while enjoying great discounts on select drinks—a must-try experience! |
9. Bullitt
– Media credit: bullittbelfast
Website: http://www.bullitthotel.com/
Address: 40a Church Ln, Belfast BT1 4QN, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442895900600
Pricing: $$
Working in Bullitt’s lobby is a great life hack. The comfortable and chic couches and seats perfectly balance the stylish urban decor. Trust me, it’s not just a waiting area—it’s a productivity nook, too.
Don’t you just love the relaxing hotel lobby white noise? I usually stay in one little corner and order some cappuccino while diving into work. The Wi-Fi is also lightning-fast, and there are shops if you need to finish a quick errand.
And during your work break, you can go to their courtyard and enjoy the greenery. It’s also a great second choice for a work seat if you want a change of scenery. You can enjoy a cold drink under the sun and continue working.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on their signature Bullitt brew coffee; it’s the perfect pick-me-up you won’t find anywhere else in the city! |
10. Ground Espresso Bar
– Media credit: groundespresso
Website: http://www.groundcoffee.net/
Address: 44 Fountain St, Belfast BT1 5EE, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442890328226
Operating hours: 9 AM–5 PM
Pricing: $
Ground Espresso Bar is my go-to spot when I need caffeine to fuel me as I try to finish a mountain of work. It’s family-run, so you can be sure it’s warm and welcoming.
I usually choose between their espressos and cappuccinos to fuel me.
The space is filled with natural light. It also has spacious tables, so I can easily distribute the paperwork during intense work sessions. Finally, there’s always a socket near me, so I don’t have a problem with dead batteries.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on their loyalty program—buying ten coffees gets you one free! It’s a sweet deal that keeps me coming back for more. |