55A Whitchurch Road, Cardiff
029 2061 1204 / www.thepotcafe.co.uk
After two years of Thé Pot Café’s success on Crwys Road, the team behind the French bistro have expanded their operations. Thé Pot Café is now Arty’s Kitchen, a Welsh café serving up rarebit and Welsh cakes, while their new premises on foodie street Whitchurch Road is a little slice of France in Wales. Its premises are what estate agents may call ‘cosy’, but its charming décor create a relaxed dining room ambience, and although it was busy when we arrived, it didn’t feel crowded in the slightest.
We first order seared scallops and French onion soup. They were both quickly served, with the scallops beautifully presented on top of a truffle infused pea puree, and the soup managing to get the delicately sweet flavours just right. After a satisfying entrée and our whistles whetted by their large selection of wines, our main courses were brought out: Welsh lamb rump over creamed leeks and bacon and creamed potatoes, and a medium-rare steak with triple fried chips and a peppercorn sauce. The lamb was beautifully cooked, pink and juicy, with a rich red wine jus. The chips which accompanied the hearty steak were possibly the best I had ever had, with a soft crisp batter that almost resembled that of a churro.
To finish, what could be better than a chocolate torte and a glass of cognac? Both were warming for the soul, with the cognac being the perfect companion for the rich torte. What stands out most for the restaurant is its relaxed ambience, which is a fantastic venue for a Frenchy evening. If you fancy a breakfast, brunch, lunch, or drink, then they also offer lighter breakfast and lunch menus.
words LUKE OWAIN BOULT