Food glorious food. Cakes, beers and pop-ups. We round up some of the best foodie delights Wales has to offer.
TEAS AND COFFEES
Compiled by ELOUISE HOBBS
LITTLE MAN COFFEE
Bridge Street, Cardiff
The Little Man Coffee Company is a local cafe with big ideas; it specially selects its coffee from around the world and they always have loads of varieties to suit every taste, from strong Ecuadoran beans to medium beans with a hint of chocolate from Chile. Apart from the coffee, the next best thing about this place is the atmosphere. You can sit and relax with your laptop, whilst enjoying local artists’ work hung on the walls, which is available to buy. They have comfy seating and you always feel like they have space for you, even when they are busy. They also have delicious homemade cakes made daily, which changes seasonally.
Info: 07933 844234 / www.littlemancoffee.co.uk
WALLY’S KAFFEEHAUS
Royal Arcade, Cardiff
Inspired by Viennese coffee house culture, Wally’s Kaffeehaus is located inside one of Cardiff’s historic arcades and captures old traditions with their freshly made coffees and relaxed atmosphere. They serve a wide variety of coffee above the delicatessen downstairs and alongside their famous German sausage lunch, their coffee is the perfect accompaniment. This Kaffeehaus comes into its own when the sun is shining and you can enjoy their rich and smooth espresso served with their famous Italian gelato.
Info: 029 2022 9264 / www.wallysdeli.co.uk
KAPPUCCINO’S
Cathays Terrace, Cardiff
Opened in 2001, Kappuccino’s is a gem in the heart of student central Cathays; in between the humanities building and Lidl, it may not look much from the outside but it’s a favourite with students and local workers alike due to their strong coffee and the homely environment that accompanies the drink. All the tea, coffee, and food is freshly prepared. Their cakes are beautifully handmade; although they may not be perfect on the outside, the taste comes pretty close.
Info: 029 2039 6700 / www.kappuccionos.co.uk
TY TE
Crymant, Cenarth
People come to Cenarth for the falls, a tour round the old flour mill and nature walks. They stay for the tea, and afternoon tea at Ty Te. Decorated like a fairy-book tea shop, the cosy hideaway is just a stone’s throw away from the falls and although they are usually busy, they will try their best to find you a table. They have teas from camomile to green and fruit that go beautifully with their brightly coloured homemade cake – their raspberry cheesecake goes really well with the smoky flavours of their oolong tea.
Info: 01239 712881 / twitter.com/enfyswyse
PENDRE ART GALLERY AND CAFE
Pendre, Cardigan
This coffeeshop in Cardigan takes the idea that coffee is an art to an extreme level. Pendre Art Gallery & Cafe is the largest gallery in Cardigan town, and serves the best coffee, that comes with a free biscuit. At any one time, the large coffeeshop may exhibit up to 100 local artists. They showcase everything from paintings and photography, to woodwork and pottery, and even local jewellery makers. Everything on display is for sale and guests are invited to take a seat next to their favourite piece of artwork.
Info: 01239 615151 / facebook.com/pendreartgc
WATERLOO TEA
Penarth, Penylan + Wyndham Arcade, Cardiff
Waterloo Tea has become synonymous with serving the largest number of different teas in Wales: from white to black, fruity to traditional, they have something for everyone even if you aren’t usually a tea lover. When they serve their tea in brightly coloured pots, you are given a timer and a recommended brewing time for the tea you have selected. All the teas they serve come in loose leaf variety and they also offer alternative drinks to traditional teas, such as London Gog which combines Earl Grey and lavender with steamed milk to make a perfect lunchtime drink.
Info: 029 2037 6249 / www.waterlootea.com
THE BLUE PELICAN CAFE
Ludlow Lane, Penarth
If you walk through the cute Hampton’s gift shop in Penarth and head upstairs you will be transported to the Blue Pelican Cafe, a bright cafe that serves tasty coffee and enviable cream teas. Hawaiian girls dance on the menu and the staff are dressed brightly in tropical clothing; they greet you with a smile and at your table, you will have a hard time choosing between traditional lunch options and freshly prepared sandwiches. The coffee is always tasty and they have a wide range of teas that cater for every taste.
Info: 029 2070 5391 / www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk