Why the Coliseum Coffee House in Aberystwyth Is the Town's Best Hidden Gem

The Coliseum Coffee house in CEREDIGON MUSEUM

Amgeuddfa Ceredigion Museum is a well-frequented spot in Aberystwyth, and now stands as a place of great history.

The Coliseum inside has entertained the residents of Aberystwyth and the surrounding area with stage performances, films, Eisteddfodau, and concerts throughout the years. For generations, my mother, grandmother, and extended family members attended the museum when it was used as a picture house and witnessed the debut of “talkies” (now referred to as non-silent films).

In the present day, the Coliseum functions as a major archive of Amgeuddfa Ceredigion, and remains a place that my family have been connected to for generations. My family legacy still lives on in the space now used for Ceredigion relics and an archive of local tradition. As a teenager, my daughter spent time volunteering at the museum, and my great-aunt often donated our family heirlooms to the museum. I was working on a project with the museum a few years ago and discovered that my own third great-grandmother owned the set of lapidary jewellery I’d picked out as inspiration and used in a collaboration project with the museum.

The preserved Edwardian theatre now stands in the centre of the Ceredigion Museum, situated next to the Gift Shop and Coliseum Coffee Shop. The interior was part of a refurbishment that paid attention to the building's heritage: the extension for the museum, café and bar included a new interior fit-out that “reflected the memories of the Coliseum Music Hall” in the building next door.

The interior of the Coliseum Coffee House in Aberystwyth is bright, airy, and welcoming, blending heritage architecture. The well-lit, rounded space combines teal hues and vibrant tiling, a subtle Art Deco touch reminiscent of the Welsh seafront on a bright day.

This Aberystwyth café offers a unique mix of historical and contemporary style, making it a popular spot for great coffee, homemade cakes, and a friendly, spacious environment. Located inside the Ceredigion Museum, it features craft-inspired décor, ceramic tiles, mosaics, and ample comfortable seating, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for coffee, lunch, or families with curious children eager to explore Welsh gifts in the shop below, or discover the traditional treasures of Ceredigion at the museum.

I’m especially excited to announce my festive-themed Paint Your Own Bauble collaboration with The Coliseum Coffee House, taking place on the 6th of December at 6 PM.

Secure your place here, or explore my other events in Aberystwyth and the surrounding area.