Cafe Ark

32 Oxford St, Swansea SA1 3AN, United Kingdom
+44 7944 100173
$$$ Cafe
(53 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Cafe Ark is a cozy coffee spot nestled on Oxford Street in Swansea, offering a friendly escape from the usual high street chains. The atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with a neighborhood vibe that suits anyone looking for a casual catch-up or a quiet corner to work or read. It’s the kind of place where locals drop in for their morning latte or stop by afternoon for one of their standout iced beverages.

The menu caters well to both coffee purists and those who enjoy a more eclectic drink selection. Regulars often recommend trying the iced strawberry matcha or the Korean citron drink, both of which bring a refreshing twist compared to standard café fare. The coffee itself is thoughtfully prepared—the flat white and cold brews come across as smooth and well-balanced, fitting nicely into the rhythm of a laid-back Swansea day.

Alongside drinks, Cafe Ark offers a modest but appealing range of sweet and savory treats. The coffee cake and Korean walnut pie are popular with visitors, offering something a bit different from the usual pastries and feeling just right to share. The paninis and montaditos add a light lunch option that pairs well with the drinks menu.

The setting inside is approachable and unpretentious, often described by visitors as friendlier and more personal than the bigger coffee chains nearby. It feels like an extension of the local community, with the owners’ warmth adding to the experience and even their dog making occasional appearances, which adds a touch of charm. This environment makes Cafe Ark particularly appealing during mid-morning or early afternoon, when the pace is relaxed, and the space isn’t too busy.

If you’re in Swansea and want a coffee break that supports a local business and offers a bit more personality than standard café chains, Cafe Ark provides a quietly satisfying spot to enjoy quality drinks, relaxed conversation, and a hint of local flavor.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
What they serve
Coffee
Quick bite
Best for
Lunch
Dessert
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

53 Reviews
Ella Atkins

22 Dec 2025

the strawberry matcha was sooooo good. matcha quality was great and the strawberries were fresh. had a lot of matcha and this is definitely one of the best ones!! <3

Jack Mills

21 Dec 2025

Lovely little spot for a coffee and a snack, I had a perfect flat white and a coffee walnut cake which was very light and large enough to share! The owners are very nice people, I encourage anyone to pop in and support this small business! ⭐

beanie dorsoduro1200

07 Dec 2025

Lovely warm friendly place, great ambience and so much nicer than the run of the mill coffee chains. Local business that supports other local business too, so if you want a good coffee and cake, give it a go, it won't disappoint

Daniella Golden

13 Oct 2025

Lovely cafe with friendly staff and the tastiest drinks. I had an iced Korean citron drink, which has bits of orange in and it was delicious. Will definitely visit again!

Blaze Roper

30 Sep 2025

Beautiful little cafe ran by a lovely man- I had an iced strawberry matcha which was delicious. Would highly recommend to everyone to stop by! His dog, was incredibly cute too!

Alyssa Walker

28 Sep 2025

Today I visited cafe ark due to the advertisement of their new summer range of strawberry refreshing drinks. Today I tried had the strawberry matcha iced drink and it was phenomenal! The price was reasonable when compared amongst other high street coffee shop specials, as was their other offerings, including their food range in which I tried their korean walnut pie. It was freshly made, and delicious - something you wouldn’t find at other cafes. A perfect balance of pastry, nuts & a sweet maple. The service here was fantastic too - extremely friendly and happy to offer suggestions. The seating area was quaint but clean and furnished beautifully. Can’t recommend more!

Uliana Goryashina

23 Sep 2025

Cafe Ark offers a cozy and charming atmosphere with its warm interior and friendly service. The coffee, however, is quite ordinary. If you’re just looking for a quick morning caffeine fix to kickstart your day, this place will do the job. But if you’re in search of really flavorful and high-quality coffee, you might want to explore other options. Overall, it’s a decent spot for a casual coffee break.

Nadia Parvin

17 Sep 2025

the service here was great, the owners were lovely! there were so many options for desserts and the decor was amazing too. a variety of prices - there’s something for everyone :) there was a very calming atmosphere and i will definitely be back!!

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