Restaurants with Student Discounts in Loughborough (Cafés, Takeaways & More)

Being a student isn’t cheap, but eating well and staying social doesn’t have to break the bank. Loughborough is a dedicated university town, which means most businesses in the town centre and on campus offer genuine perks for students. If you’re planning your budget for the year, see our student living costs guide.

From quick coffee fixes to hearty meals after a long day in the library, here is your guide to eating for less.

Quick Guide to Saving Money on Food

Before you head out, remember that student offers are dynamic. National chains frequently update their promotions, especially during "Freshers" or "Exam Season."

• Check the "Big Three" Apps: Student Beans, UNiDAYS, and TOTUM are your essentials. Always search for the restaurant in these apps just before you pay to see if the discount has been "boosted" for the week.

• The MiXR App: Essential for local student pubs like The Phantom. It provides "live" drink and food deals specifically for student cardholders.

• University Rewards: If you eat on campus frequently, use the Loughborough University Reward Club to earn points and savings at campus-run outlets.

Top Spots to Save: Where to Eat and Drink

From the heart of campus to the town centre, these are the most reliable spots in Loughborough for student-friendly pricing. While specific offers can change seasonally, these venues are well-known for supporting the student community year-round via the major discount platforms.

Cafés & Coffee Shops

Whether you need a caffeine boost or a quiet spot to revise, these Loughborough favourites offer consistent student support:

• Caffè Nero (Market Street): A high street staple that offers exclusive discounts on barista-made drinks.

  🏷️Where to find the deal: Student Beans app.

• Cognito (LSU Building): Located right in the heart of the Students' Union, this café is designed for students. Prices on paninis, coffee, and snacks are lower than high-street equivalents by default.

  🏷️Where to find the deal: LSU Food & Drink website or in-store with student ID.

Takeaways & Fast Food

Late-night studying or a quick lunch? These active Loughborough spots have your back:

• Plan Burrito (Ashby Square): A multi-award-winning local favourite located just off the town centre. They are well-known for offering student-specific pricing for those who show a valid ID.

  🏷️Where to find the deal: In-store with Student ID or via their official social media pages.

• Domino’s Pizza (Ashby Square & Epinal Way): A campus classic for a reason. They offer significant student-only discounts on pizzas and sides for both delivery and collection.

  🏷️Where to find the deal: UNiDAYS, Student Beans, or TOTUM.

• Subway (Market Place & LSU Building): Perfect for a quick lunch. You can usually find student-exclusive combo deals or percentage discounts.

  🏷️Where to find the deal: Student Beans or by scanning your Subway Rewards app.

Restaurants & Casual Dining

For a more relaxed meal or a society social, these spots offer great atmosphere without the high price tag:

• Grounded Kitchen (Baxter Gate): Famous for healthy, Korean-inspired "Feel Good" bowls. They are very student-friendly and offer one of the most consistent discounts in town.

  🏷️Where to find the deal: Student Beans or UniDAYS.

• The Jam Garden (Bedford Square): A vibrant craft pub known for its pizzas and legendary beer garden. They are highly student-focused and offer some of the deepest discounts in the town centre, including significant savings on food during the week.

  🏷️Where to find the deal: Show a valid Student ID in-store at the bar (they also have a student-only mailing list on their website for extra perks).

• The Phantom (Leicester Road): The quintessential Loughborough student pub. It’s part of the Stonegate group, which offers exclusive student pricing on both food and drink.

  🏷️Where to find the deal: MiXR App (register with your university email).

Living Close to Loughborough’s Best Student Spots

Many of the town’s student-friendly cafés, restaurants, and takeaways are within easy reach of popular student areas such as Kingfisher Estate, Ashby Road, and Forest Road. Choosing accommodation nearby saves time, reduces spending on transport, and keeps you close to campus and the town centre.

Find the ideal location for your lifestyle in our best areas to live in Loughborough guide, or explore our student houses in Loughborough to see properties conveniently located near your favourite spots.

Tips for Maximising Savings in Loughborough

• TooGoodToGo: Download this app to find "Magic Bags" from Greggs (Market Place) and other local bakeries. You can often get a massive amount of food for around £3-£4 at the end of the day.

• LSU: Many of the convenience stores and food outlets within the Loughborough Students' Union aim to price-match or beat supermarket value ranges.

• Ask for "The Student Price": Many independent shops near the Rushes or Ashby Square don't have massive posters, but they will often apply a "Lboro Discount" if you ask politely and show your card.

Bottom line: Eating well in Loughborough doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Keep your student apps updated, check the campus outlets first, and enjoy the variety of the town’s real food scene!