The Beacon Cafe

Hanham Methodist Church, 26 Chapel Rd, Hanham, Bristol BS15 8SD, United Kingdom
+44 1454 300186
$$$ cafe
(22 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

If you’re seeking a warm and inviting spot to enjoy a delightful meal or a cozy coffee in Bristol, The Beacon Cafe nestled within the charming Hanham Methodist Church is a hidden gem that you shouldn't miss. This community-focused cafe embraces a truly unique ‘pay as you can’ philosophy, making it an inviting place for everyone, regardless of budget. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, filled with the chatter of locals and the laughter of families—truly a place where you can feel the heartbeat of the community.

The menu at The Beacon Cafe is modest but offers an array of comforting choices that cater to various taste preferences. Start your day right with their scrumptious Bacon Sarnie, a mouthwatering sandwich guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Or if you're in the mood for something lighter, the Beans on Toast provides a simple yet hearty choice that is utterly delightful.

Throughout the day, you can enjoy other tasty offerings such as Ham & Cheese or a delightful Vegan Sausage & Cheese option that will please even the most discerning palates. For cheese lovers, the Cheese & Red Onion sandwich is a must-try, providing a perfect balance of flavors that lingers on your taste buds. A variety of fillings like Tuna Mayo & Cheese, Beans, and Sweetcorn contributes to a menu that feels both diverse and comforting.

The café’s welcoming spirit is underscored by heartfelt customer experiences, as highlighted in numerous rave reviews. Emma Marlborough notes, “It's always a lovely atmosphere and has a real community feel,” which speaks volumes about the warmth and camaraderie one can expect when stepping through the doors. Customers like Jack Ambler celebrate the café for its “lovely coffee and cake” as well as its fantastic environment for families with toddlers, making it a splendid choice for gatherings and casual meetups alike. Also, Jackson Tucker, a volunteer at the cafe, mentions how “the food looked and tasted incredible,” showcasing the dedication of the team behind the scenes.

Whether you need a cozy corner to sip on a rich cup of java or a cheerful atmosphere to celebrate a small milestone, The Beacon Cafe comes highly recommended. The enchanting blend of tasty food and a community ethos provides guests with not just a meal, but a lovely experience that uplifts and nourishes. So gather your friends or come by yourself and immerse yourself in the heartwarming environment of The Beacon Cafe—you’re sure to leave with a smile and a satisfied appetite!

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Free water refills
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

22 Reviews
Emma Marlborough

29 Aug 2025

I come here regularly with a group they were full so they went out of their way to accommodate us. It's always a lovely atmosphere and has a real community feel.

Rachael W

26 Aug 2025

What an original and generous idea! Very friendly service, lovely coffee, absolutely deliciously rich tiffin. Contribute more if you want others to benefit or less if you can't. Definitely recommend a visit.

Jack Ambler

23 Aug 2025

Absolute gem of a place to come. Lovely coffee and cake, super friendly volunteers, and a great space to bring a toddler. Has become a regular place for us to go to. Pop in if you’re nearby, you’ll be pleased you did.

Jackson Tucker

01 Aug 2025

I volunteered there. And enjoyed every second of it. The food looked and tasted incredible, the staff are absolutely lovely. And I loved the "pay-as-you-can" method. Really REALLY lovely. Would recommend without a shadow of a doubt

Steve Wood

31 Jul 2025

Went there to celebrate someone's birthday. Lovely venue for a quiet, family celebration. Plenty of room and seats and private, off-road parking

Emma Westlake

21 Jul 2025

Lovely little cafe with the best ethos. Visited for the babygroup on a Friday and it was a lovely place, free play for the kids, delicious coffee and cake. Highly recommend :)

Lynne Archer

11 Jul 2025

A little gem of a café, run by some very friendly staff. We popped in for cake and tea this morning and struggled to decide which cake to have! All homemade and very tasty. A great choice of teas too. The menu was really varied and we'll be back again soon. Thank you

So Louise

22 Jun 2025

We found ourselves caught in the rain today with our dogs and thankfully the staff allowed us to take refuge, even though they were technically closing. We were able to warm up in a lovely warm and welcoming environment with some yummy hot chocolates, complete with cream and marshmallows, as well as some delicious cakes!! Really lovely atmosphere and the afternoon tea looked absolutely delicious! The cafe is well decorated and is made to feel like a nice rustic and stylish cafe. Fantastic fantastic fantastic! They operate a pay as much as you can ethos which is very heart warming to see, especially for those who may not be in a fortunate position. The people were great and had 5* customer service skills making sure everyone was ok. What amazing people! Thank you thank you!

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