Bodleian Cafe in Oxford - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Tasty bagel with salmon, amazing spinach quiche, pretty good falafel wrap

It was disappointing to be told off by a member of staff that I shouldn’t use my laptop here because (they say that) by keeping a table for too long I’m causing them to lose money!! As a loyal customer, I come here and buy here almost everyday and I only stay in the mornings. What’s more, whenever a friend or client visited me in Oxford, I always invited them here because I liked the coffees and the atmosphere. Therefore, asking an everyday customer to leave just because they are using my laptop in a Cafe “located in a university library” is quite unreasonable. It was also shocking to hear the member of staff saying that they want me to leave because they want to earn more money. That’s totally off-putting, offensive and disappointing. And I really doubt this is a good business mindset… A cafe should always welcome people who like working in a cafe. It’s the first time I’ve met such policy. That’s said, actually only just the one member of the staff keeps doing this. All the others are pretty chill and wouldn’t bother to disturb customers who are on their laptop and enjoying their time.

If you're visiting Oxford and need a quick pick-me-up, the Bod's Cafe in the Weston Library is worth patronizing. The sweets are fine, and the coffee and tea is typically overpriced but well worth it if you need a sit down or clean facility. Support the Bod and it will continue to support scholarship ... and tourists alike.

Environment delightful; food good; signage insufficient; service very poor. The staff need training in not being abrupt to the point of being rude and abusive. I had such a bad experience I felt I had to leave without having my coffee and cake despite having paid for them. On previous visits (summer 2023 and before) I have not encountered this problem.

THE BEST CHAI LATTE IN OXFORD!!!! Also really nice soup and good workspace

I’ve come here everyday for almost a year and spend so much money and time here and was just asked to leave as there’s a no laptop policy after 11:30 ? Make it make sense introducing a no laptop policy when you’re a coffee shop in the lobby of an Oxford University Library- I am a student who wishes to work outside of the library. I wish you would advertise it publicly- then I would have never come here in the first place. Also funny enough that I was on my laptop when the waitress brought my food and another waitress picked up my empty plate. You definitely have lost me as a client- what a waste of money and time.

Lovely place to sit and service is fine. Food though is very average and as a result expensive for what is on offer. We shared a ham and cheese toasted flat bread which had cheap ham and minimum of filling, a cinnamon roll which was very doughy and unimpressive and a chocolate croissant which had seen better days. They gave the impression of not trying too hard on the quality. Coffees were fine though.

The place is fine, but in the middle of the cafe visit the member of staff introduced a new policy: a tablet cannot be used after 12:00. They told me so by approaching me when I was reading a text on my tablet. I was aware of their old policy: no laptops on tables, and didn't possess a laptop. I asked if it was a new policy their are enforcing and they confirmed so. It is disappointing that such an important turn in the cafe usage terms was not published anywhere and I couldn't reconsider using this place. [As you can see on the picture, the published terms say nothing of tablet computers ]

The place is fine, but in the middle of the cafe visit the member of staff introduced a new policy: a tablet cannot be used after 12:00. They told me so by approaching me when I was reading a text on my tablet. I was aware of their old policy: no laptops on tables, and didn't possess a laptop. I asked if it was a new policy their are enforcing and they confirmed so. It is disappointing that such an important turn in the cafe usage terms was not published anywhere and I couldn't reconsider using this place.

Rip off café with dour and disaffected staff. Go to the vaults instead! There you have a truly historic setting and decent quality food, not a cheap franchise selling overpriced tasteless coffee and sandwiches.

The spirit of the library already makes the place.special. What I liked is the bar with cakes that you can self serve. The sandwiches and soup were delicious. The cappucinos served in big mugs. We felt somehow at ease. No pressure in the large open space.

Had the absolute best carrot cake I've ever eaten.

I attended a talk hosted at the Bodleian where my friend and I decided to have lunch here. The cafe, located inside the Weston Library had a tiny sign to ask staff for options if you have any dietary requirements. So, I asked if they had anything gluten free, I received a shrug and a 'nope'. Hardly the reply or limited menu I expected from a cafe in the heart of Oxford. Very disappointed.

We ordered soup with bread. Our courgette and potato soup was thin and tepid and tasted only of black pepper while the bread amounted to one small thin slice of white bread. Won’t be returning.

A spacious area to take a breather after inhaling all those books. Or to escape the temperamental English weather (like today). Takes student discounts. So do ask, unless you’re not a student. Or if you want to pay more. Might be marginally noisy when school kids and tourists rendezvous at the open space beside the cafe.

The food is goody and the location is nice, but in my last two visits I was wrongly charged. First time I got home and noticed that the two cakes we’d had were both billed as the same thing, but not what we’d eaten and not the same price. Don’t know if I lost out or if the cafe did on that one. This time I was overcharged and they told me they couldn’t do cash or card refunds. They offered me some stamped loyalty cards which are no use to me as I’m not local so don’t often visit. I’m now awaiting the head office to refund by bank transfer. The cafe manager said it happens a lot. I won’t be going there again. I also won’t be going to the other branch in the Ashmolean where the same trick of charging randomly for cake happened again. About time this company got its act together and stopped putting its staff in such an awkward position - it’s not their fault.

Call the chocolate cops - there must be a shortage in the Western Library cafe. Hot milk (watered down possibly) with a hint of brown - barely tasted anything chocolatey.

Stopped in for a coffee. I’m not sure what I was served but it sure as hell wasn’t a double espresso. The staff were more interested in talking to their friends and the woman on the till was wiping marks off cups with her fingers and then putting them back to have drinks made in. If you’re thinking of coming in here keep on walking.

Great coffee, reasonably priced.

The Bod cafe provides stunning surrounds. The staff are generally friendly and welcoming. What really lets it down is its food, and in particular, its sandwiches. Simply put, the bread used is stale - either that for baguettes or ciabatta sandwiches. Perhaps the assumption is that they are intended to be heated/toasted but they are presented either way. Second, it’s ‘(economically) dumbed down’ by complete removal of the large table which in the past presented impressive arrays of cakes/bakes/puddings/sweets/ - no doubt argued for (crazy) ‘covid’ reasons but actually of course to reduce costs. Hope it can be improved…

Petite pause en venant voir l exposition de la bible de gutinberg qui n est exposée au public qu une fois par an.

Spacious cafe, great place to take a break when exploring Oxford and the Bodleian Library itself

I like this cafe very much, but today it was really disappointing. Not only had most of the food sold out before 1.30pm, but they couldn’t even provide salt…. How pathetic is that?

Basic café, but in a great building which is truly one of a kind. If in the area, this is a good spot to grab a coffee.

Large, open and airy space in a peaceful, studious setting

Выпить чашечку кофе или чая в знаменитой библиотеке? Почему бы и нет!

Nice enough cafe, but located at the epicentre of tourism for Oxford, so it heaved with visitors: students, locals, and especially tourists. Fine teas and nice cakes.

Alway go here when in Oxford.Quick service, lots of lovely yummy cakes, and buns. Toilets well maintained and clean. You can also look around the ever changing exhibitions.

Wonderful place to sit, work, chat or just read. Huge space making it unique with all the books on a different level. It may become quite busy as time goes by but it was really special. Good snacks and extremely hot coffee, which was great. Too often coffee is not hot enough and a few minutes into a conversation it is lukewarm.

Excellent Earl Grey tea and good value lunches and salads

A very relaxing place to end a work day, having a cup of Coffee.

Good good if pricey. Loos good. Access good. A cold winter day and the air conditioning was on! Triggered my asthma. Not very green.

The food is really quite good. Excellent coffee. One of the best things is that (unlike most restaurants or cafés these days) the acoustics are perfect to have a quite conversation. I always make a point of coming here when I'm in Oxford.

I enjoy their soup for a lunch at the Weston library - a bit pricey for self service but good. Sandwiches could have more variety. I was also surprised to see people eating their own lunch at the tables which I would not dream of doing.

Lovely airy place to have a drink and snack

Management need to look at staffing. I had to clear two trays of used plates, other tables similarly neglected. No milk, no forks. Staff either exhausted or not interested by 4pm. Cake was mediocre but tea was good. Given that this is a tourist trap please treat us with respect not distain. Won't return now.

Nice choice of salads and sandwiches, with good coffee.

Great location but not many tables. Don't use your laptop etiquette.

図書館の大きな吹き抜け、その脇にあるカフェ。図書館を訪れた際の休憩時間にピッタリの休憩スペース。食堂のような押し込められ た場所で無く、図書館で得た知識をゆったりとした場所で自由な発想で広げていく、そんな空間になっています。

Quiet cafe, ideal for a quick stop after visiting the museum. They offer lots of different cakes, dairy-free options and take away or sit-in.

Nothing wrong with this cafe at all, and it's a decent haven from the bustle of Oxford. However don't expect intimacy as you are effectively in the corner of a giant warehouse of a building, albeit a very well appointed one. Standard cafe, standard fare, but the cakes are probably a bit above average.

Great place for a cake and a coffee. My only complaint is that the toilets seem to be used excessively by tourist groups, and they are a little disruptive to the experience.

Enjoyed the no Labtop rule from noon to 1700. The food was good and the service was what one expects in England.

This is located in the lobby area of the Weston library. The coffee was decent and they have a lot of breakfast items out in the mornings. Its a quiet place for a chat or a meeting.

This little cafe is a haven in the bustle on Oxford, serving a small but tasty selection of wraps and sandwiches, plus quiche and soup of the day, scones and tray bakes and hot and cold drinks. Friendly and helpful staff, self service, free tap water, light and airy, well worth a visit. The only downside is that at busy times tables are occupied - often by just one or two people on a table for four. Having some small tables for two would ease congestion.

Really friendly. Nice cakes and plenty of tables In a busy city

WESTON　LIBRARYの入口を入ってすぐ左側にSHOPと併設してありました。二階が図書館になっています。街全体がクラシカルなのに対してちょっと現代的な作りだからか、雰囲気はショッピングビルの休憩所を感じさせます。東京駅KITTEショップ棟1階にある休憩椅子を思い出しました（笑）

図書館を訪れた際、コーヒーを飲むために立ち寄りました。イギリスらしく、紅茶も飲むことができます。図書館の入り口近くなので、冬場は寒いですが、少し休憩するのにはぴったりです。

A nice spacious cafe. We only had hot drinks so I can't comment on the food, but the drinks were fine and the menu looked nice and simple.

Nice idea sitting with all the books, but your not. The cafe is in the entrance hall and the books are above and covered. It was rather cold and the food was OK but a bit pricey. OK experience.

The coffee here is good. Food and cakes looked inviting, but we didn't try them. Prices on the high side. My main problem with this cafe was the state of the floor. It looked dirty and in need of a good mop. Disappointing and a let-down in this lovely building.

Lovely space. A few options for food. Overpriced.

just had a pot of tea but nice snacks and friendly staff in a nice relaxed atmosphere! right inside the Weston library which was hosting the Tolkien exhibition!

Waiting for our son to finish his Matriculation into Oxford, we decided to have a coffee in the Bodleian Cafe , What a treat it was , staff were excellent , coffee and sandwiches were exquisite. A clean well run Cafe-in the new Bodleian .

The self service cake table is brilliant. I asked for an Americano with a very small amount of milik but the coffee/money lady couldn’t remember this milk request after the coffee was brewed. She was friendly and helpful but I have to knock off a star for this.

The Bodleian Café (by Benugo catering) is a nice place to grab a drink or a small bite to eat. It's not too loud, considering it's in the atrium of the Weston, and toilets are directly adjacent. There's a relatively good selection, and the coffee is palatable. I didn't find the staff rude, but they weren't particularly friendly either, not that it matters when you're just ordering a coffee.

If you are near Weston Library, looking for a place for a snack, the Bodleian Cafe is a quick option. Great view of the literary collection from the tables!

Crockery was very dirty as was the tea pots, had to ask for clean ones, which was met with rude comments from staff.

This is a good place to stop and refresh yourself in central Oxford. It is in the large foyer area of the Weston Library. You can get light meals and coffee. Some people sit and study here, but you are discouraged from doing so during lunch times

.....but renovated and developed into striking modern architecture with views of the book stacks and minor exhibitions. Great coffee, cakes, sandwiches and the like for a light lunch or snack any time. Ideally situated at the east end of Broad Street opposite the Sheldonian, next to Trinity College, round the corner from the King's Arms.

Habe hier am späteren Morgen "gefrühstückt ". Die Schokolade und das Essen gluschteten mich richtig. Danach gestärkt die Ausstellung ansehen.

On the opposite side to the old Bodleian, the new Weston Library has in the entrance hall a cafe run by Benugo. Everything you would expect from Benugo who I find are consistently good. They have sandwiches and salads all fresh and reasonably priced. My favourite is a flat white, strong, not bitter and one those Portuguese custard tarts. Good seating and they have signs on the tables that laptop users can't hog the tables between certain hours - a problem in Oxford. Very pleasant atmosphere, very good shop to one side for presents and great loos. There is a section outside for disabled parking and a slope up to the building.

Nice cakes and large mugs of hot drinks in the fabulous Blackwell Hall. Beware the "no laptops" policy in the afternoon, though: they're militant about policing it!

We had a nice lunch here, but the choice of sandwiches wasn't great. The salads looked nice, but I only waned a small lunch. There is a really good selection of cakes though!

Came here for lunch and to sit down!! Light and airy, bit echoey as it is a large open space. The wraps are excellent.

The cafe is in the Weston Library and great to take a break from sightseeing. There a daily hot options as well as a huge selection of desserts and cakes that are beautifully presented on a table in front of the bar - so you can look and choose without slowing down the queue because you cannot decide.

After visiting the displays inside the new Bodeleian Weston wing, we sought a snack. The cafe in the Lobby was just the answer. We shared tea and scones and enjoying the relaxing time. Excellent food.

This is such a lovely spot to stop and have a hot drink and something to eat. Difficult to beat such a venue.

吹き抜け上部には美しく揃えられた書籍、同じフロアには古い印刷機が展示されていて広い気持ち良い空間にあります

Large number of tables and convenient location. Cannot mess up tea. The cakes were largely depleted by tea time so I assume this place has no problem getting custom.

I had coffee here twice with friends recently expecting something special. Alas, it disappointed. The staff were not very friendly and the coffee was nothing special.

I asked for some more milk for my tea as the thimble full I was given wasn't enough. The guy behind the counter rolled his eyes and then proceeded to moan to his colleague about my request. I asked him if there was a problem but he didn't have the decency to tell me what the issue was. Feedback for the 'gentleman' who served me today: 1) Customers can hear you when you are complaining about them; 2) If you do feel the need to moan about a customer, have the guts to say it to their face!

Have a cup of coffee, meet a friend for lunch, take a break from sight seeing, answer your emails (there's free wifi) along with undergraduates and other university members. Nice food, but my cappuccino was a bit cold!

Localizado dentro da Weston Library, eh um ambiente agradavel. Poucas opcoes de salgado (pelo menos no horario que eu fui), e um pouco caro. Mas tudo gostoso.

We had a very nice stop here on a cold day for some mulled wine and a piece of cake. Make sure you go to the gift shop as well.

And did I mention it's food served by less-than-courteous staff?

The cafe does good wraps and baguettes, an excellent selection of tempting cakes and a decent cup of tea. However, beware of the salad if offered it as an accompaniment. We were dished up with a pile of leathery leaves of some sort, raw mange touts, raw green beans and raw peas in an insipid dressing. Hard work and profoundly unappetising. One hopes this was an experiment that won't be repeated because otherwise this cafe is OK. Just have a careful look before saying yes to the salad.

Had a lovely light lunch in the cafe before visiting an exhibition in the museum itself. Clean, with a good choice of food ranging from salads, soups and sandwiches. Not cheap but a good venue and a pleasant place to eat a good lunch.

On the recommendation of tye Bodleian library guide we had coffee & cake here which wasn't cheap but good quality. The building houses a Treasury where - predictably - treasures from the library are displayed - something for everyone - fine old manuscripts, ants stupefied with brandy to keep them still under an early microscope, Holst's scores, beautiful bindings. Also in this building the BL shop & all directly opposite the library itself.

Visited the Treasures Gallery in the Weston library and stopped at the cafe for a snack afterwards. Standard fare for a venue such as this. Service when I was there was efficient. Tables were bussed in a timely manner. A bright open space.

This is run by Benugo and they do an excellent job. Ate here several times during a recent stay in Oxford. The staff is very helpful. The cafe is popular with locals and tourists and can get crowded. It might help to eat a little earlier than usual. Coffee, food and pastries all very tasty.

Called in here for a cuppa and some of the lovely red velvet cake, a rather large portion.... whilst in the Weston library. Located on the ground floor, quite spacious, serves all sorts of delicious cakes, scones, pastries etc.It does cost a little more than some places, but still worth it. Handy for toilets as well

This is a lovely quality cafe in a spacious and light modern setting. They have hot snacks, coffee and cakes. A great place for a pit stop, not cheap though.

Good for a quick light lunch. Open and light, reasonable choice quickly served. Conveniently situated in central Oxford. Good toilets.

This cafe is within the new Weston library which is part of the Bodleian. It is situated in the central hall of the building. Lovely snacks and salads, cakes and pastries and excellent coffee. Recommended.

Vi både fikade och åt lunch här då läget är centralt och utbudet är bra. Mycket fräscha toaletter vilket är ett stort plus. Lunchen med sallad var verkligen utmärkt! Passa gärna på att gå in på gratisutställningen där bla ett exemplar av Magna Carta finns utställt.

We enjoyed great scones with tea and coffee at Bodleian Cafe. Great variety of cakes and sandwiches was also available. Facilities are new and in good condition. We recommend this place for afternoon break.

Questo è il bar della Weston Library, la nuova biblioteca oxoniana. E' posto in posizione strategica e offre una varietà di piatti, panini e dolci. L'ambiente è fantastico e il personale gentilissimo. Ci voleva!

Roomy and comfortable seating, right on Broad Street. The free Treasures exhibition is across the hall and well worth visiting, especially if a full museum is too much for you. The cafe staff were pleasant and helpful, lovely Florentine and good coffee.

The food is great after visiting the history tour of the Bodleian Library. It was such a clean atmosphere making new friends along the way.

We stopped for lunch here after our walking tour. The choice isn't extensive, but the food is good and you're on site so have a look at the free exhibitions. The Treasury is amazing.

Having been to the Bodleian Library we crossed the road to the new Weston Library part of the Bodleian. A great airy venue with good and efficient staff. They even had Decaf for me. The coffee and and cake were very good and very reasonably priced.

Very disappointing as in a beautiful and interesting space. The baguettes had obligatory mustard in them along with the salmon salad which again was dribbled in mustard. When I asked for salad dressing for the mixed leaves I was told there was none, not even balsamic dressing - just normal vinegar. The staff were doing their best but it seemed somehow inept.

This is across the street from the Bodleian (in the Weston). The Weston is apart of the Bodleian. I do believe when I first started at the University of Oxford I must have had a cappuccino per day at this cafe. I didn't know where else I could go that wasn't a tiny space. I love this cafe and the workers! When I brought my MIDWESTERN dad to the Bodleian Library it was the VERY best place to stop, rest, and relax our feet while sipping a cappuccino (he had a coke). I say this because the seats were wide, the BATHROOMS ARE THE BEST for American Midwesterners (BIG & Clean).

Stopped here for a latte, got 10% off as student, cakes and wot not all looked really tasty - not cheap, but looks well made. Staff are friendly and venue itself is very impressive!

Library cafes don't have a great reputation, but this one is exceptional. The hugely expensive renovation has created an open space, and the management have hit upon that perfect combination of appealing menu and friendly staff. The ever-changing choice of soups is great and the sandwiches are generous and tasty. As a free bonus, there is a programme of free exhibitions nearby on the same floor to amuse you before or after your meal. A great place to meet friends.

Very busy when we visited and struggled to find a seat. The menu is simple, rolls, soup etc. We had soup and rolls which were excellent although not cheap. The cafe is in the lobby of the new library building, and the exhibition is also well worth a visit.

The Bodlean Café is right across the street from the Bodlean housed in the Weston Library, to the left of the lobby. The café offers coffee, tea, hot chocolate, sandwiches and pastries. There is a table to the front of the coffee line with pastries (they looked yummy). Tea was good, strong. It's great spot to take stock of the day, and plan the afternoon - or to meet friends.

The front of this building has been opened up and is now glass fronted which gives a view of the Sheldonian theatre. There is a modern, clean cafe serving lovely fresh food. I had mushroom soup which was really tasty and the bread was really fresh and enjoyable. I was surprised by the amount of choice of hot and cold food. The salads and cakes looked lovely.