Academy is a family owned group of coffee shops and bars with a 'European café bar' vibe.

Originating at The Pumphouse in Barry, our venues are now spread across South Wales, and include café bars in Barry, Cardiff, Newport and Swansea. Each venue has their own individual look and feel; from Victorian industrial brickwork to modern shipping containers, but all offer the same Academy high levels of food and drink quality and friendly hospitality. 

All our coffee comes from an independent Welsh roastery - Coaltown Coffee.

We’ve partnered with Coaltown Coffee to create a bespoke, delicious and rich house coffee sourced from Brazil. Our team is always happy to share the story behind your cup and the journey from bean to brew. 

When the sun goes down and the weekend approaches, our Academy venues come alive as a cool evening setting for your night ahead.

Whether you still need a caffeine fix or you want to indulge in our cocktails, fine wines or our beers, the choice is yours! Spend your weekend evenings relaxing with a tailored range of speciality drinks. 

If it’s food you’re after, we’ve got you covered.

Alongside our extensive daytime menus across all Academy venues, you can now enjoy an evening small plates menu at Academy Espresso Bar, Barry, perfect for sharing, grazing, and pairing with your favourite glass of wine or cocktails. 

Academy X Food Halls are more than places to eat. 

Think buzzing spaces, bold flavours, local talent and that signature Academy energy. From early-morning espresso to late-night plates, independent traders and feel-good dining. Join us for the coffee, stay for the cocktails, and explore the best food South Wales has to offer.   Find us in:   Albert Hall, Swansea - Newport Market - Goodsheds, Barry. 

December 2025, Academy celebrated turning 10 years old. 

From serving the people of Barry from our first Academy site in The Pumphouse in 2015, to opening new locations across Barry, Cardiff, Newport and Swansea.

Read more about our 10 year celebrations here.

Pups need coffee dates too! (Well, puppuccino dates…)

Bring your pup to any Academy site and they will be treated like the little legends they are! Free puppuccinos for all furry friends is the Academy standard.

Our weekly quizzes are all about the dogs too, with all money raised going to our friends at The Rescue Hotel; a passionate, volunteer-led charity dedicated to supporting the dogs at Cardiff Dogs Home. Our quizzes run weekly at Whitchurch Road, and every other week in Barry. Check our socials for dates.