Academy Espresso Bar
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Academy Espresso Bar

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A stylish coffee shop and cocktail bar set in a former pumphouse, offering a unique blend of daytime caffeine fixes and evening libations.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Academy Espresso Bar

Academy Espresso Bar

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stylish coffee shop and cocktail bar set in a former pumphouse, offering a unique blend of daytime caffeine fixes and evening libations.

"Great atmosphere for a coffee and cake stop, and the staff are friendly and live up to their team slogan."

TIP

App Order Delays

If using the app, monitor your order status closely to avoid waiting.

Bar Service

Consider ordering directly at the bar for potentially quicker and easier service.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 6PM

Cuisine

Coffee shop, Cocktail bar

Price

Mid-range

Address

The Pumphouse, Hood Rd, Barry CF62 5BE, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Pumphouse Ambiance

Historic Pumphouse Ambiance

Savor exceptional coffee and cocktails in a stunning, repurposed Grade II-listed pumphouse.

Explore the Vale of Glamorgan: the top things to do, where to stay and what to eatThe definitive guide to eating out in Barry to suit all tastes and occasions
Vibrant Evening Cocktails

Vibrant Evening Cocktails

As the sun sets, enjoy espresso martinis and a sophisticated array of craft cocktails.

TikTokExplore the Vale of Glamorgan: the top things to do, where to stay and what to eat
Lively Events & Street Food

Lively Events & Street Food

Experience exciting events like open mic nights and diverse street food pop-ups.

TikTokThe definitive guide to eating out in Barry to suit all tastes and occasions
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This hobby of trying coffee shops has hit a different level this time 🤣 @Academy Espresso Bars 😍☕️ #cardiff #cardiffcoffee #thingstodoincardiff #cardifffood #cardiffcafe
@lia.joness
1.7K likes • 34.9K views

App Order Delays

If using the app, monitor your order status closely to avoid waiting.

Bar Service

Consider ordering directly at the bar for potentially quicker and easier service.

Cullinary Magic at the @academyespressobars & @__theitalianjob__ 🥩☕️ 📍Crwys Road, Cardiff #foodreview #food #steakandpasta #coffeandcake #FoodReview
@the.central.club
574 likes • 19.1K views
The passion for trying coffee shops just went up a notch📈🏃🏻‍♀️☕️ @Academy Espresso Bars #cardiff #cardiffcafe #cardiffcoffee #runninggirls #cardiffrunning @Cardiff Life Magazine @cardifflovelist @cardifflovelist__ favourite things to do in Cardiff @CaiMeurig 🏞️
@lia.joness
222 likes • 5.2K views

Parking Details

Remember to register your car for up to 3 hours of free parking.

Another amazing local dog-friendly place for us to enjoy with Papi 🐶🥯 If anyone is in/around Cardiff I'd recommend checking out @academyespressobars on Whitchurch Road ☕ #dogfriendlycardiff #academyespressobars #thingstodoincardiff #cardiffblogger #cardiffcontentcreator
@bethanfry
34 likes • 2.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

App Order Delays

If using the app, monitor your order status closely to avoid waiting.

Bar Service

Consider ordering directly at the bar for potentially quicker and easier service.

Parking Details

Remember to register your car for up to 3 hours of free parking.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Academy Espresso Bar offers a unique atmosphere in a historic building, praised for its coffee and evening cocktails. However, some patrons have noted inconsistencies in service and drink quality, with occasional complaints about staff attentiveness and efficiency.

"Great atmosphere for a coffee and cake stop.

All back to normal now (post pandemic), which is nice. Digital ordering from tables has been retained, which can be quite handy, in addition to usual counter service.

Great outdoor space; nicely covered so can still sit out in the fresh air when it's raining.

Coffee's still really good, and cake selection always a joy. Folks always friendly and live up to their team slogan "Work hard and be nice to people".

Dog friendly, and puppuccinos often offered :)

Parking system has changed (2024) so no more reg entry on tablet at door. Just keep an eye on time spent; max 3 hours."

Frank Haschka

"This is a favourite haunt of mine! Always delicious food and coffee and the staff and atmosphere is always spot on!"

Gwalia Howells

"The coffee is okay, albeit a mild flavour. The piccolo was made with a double shot and 200ml of milk, which is a flat white, not a piccolo. Any coffee bar should know that: putting academy in the title raises my expectations, which were not met on this occasion."

Bob Noise

What People Like

Historic building ambiance
Quality coffee and cocktails
Dog-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service
Occasional drink quality issues
Early closure of amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

It's housed in a stunning Grade II-listed building, formerly a working pumphouse, offering a modern and sophisticated atmosphere with industrial/rustic elements.

Explore the Vale of Glamorgan: the top things to do, where to stay and what to eat

By day, it offers coffee and food. At night, the focus shifts to espresso martinis and other cocktails, with occasional street food events.

The definitive guide to eating out in Barry to suit all tastes and occasionsGoogle Review

Yes, it is a dog-friendly bar, making it a great spot to visit with your canine companions.

TikTokGoogle Review

You can get up to 3 hours of free parking by registering your car registration upon entry.

Google Review

Yes, they host lively events like open mic nights and quiz nights, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Digital ordering from tables is available, but some customers suggest ordering at the bar for easier service.

Google Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

loveexploring.com

Explore the Vale of Glamorgan: the top things to do, where to stay and what to eat

Right across from Goodsheds, an imposing building embodies every caffeine aficionado's dream. Academy Espresso Bar is situated in a wonderful Grade II-listed building that was formerly a working pumphouse. During the day it serves exceptionally good coffee and food, and at night, you can switch the latte for an espresso martini or some non-caffeinated cocktails.

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Wales Online

The definitive guide to eating out in Barry to suit all tastes and occasions

Situated in a Grade II-listed pumphouse Academy Espresso Bar serves both coffee, cocktails, brunch paninis, and cakes. But it’s their changing line-up of street food vendors which is particularly exciting. From Thursday to Saturday nights the food on offer includes the likes of pizza from Flour'd Up, Posh Fish and Chips, and more.

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visitthevale.com

Goodsheds | Visit The Vale

Junction drive thru is the sister to nearby bustling Academy Espresso, serving all your favourite snacks, drinks and coffees brewed exclusively with the freshest beans from Clifton Coffee on the go!

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cake-shop-high-street-barry-idid-25308030.finnannynew.net

since this time the company and brand has grown into a name that people can trust and are renown for our … Barry High Street WebMar 3, 2023 · Academy Espresso Bar. #43 of 106 Restaurants in Barry.

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sluurpy.co.uk

The best Breakfast in Barry

Lovely meal tonight at the lighthouse with our friends. Great service from bar and eatery..delicious food.. Will definitely be returning. Thank you.....

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Academy Espresso Bar (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide