BIG MOOSE
Frederick Street, Cardiff. 07977 585548 / www.bigmoosecoffeecompany.co
Food **** Atmosphere *****
Tucked away from Queen Street on one of Cardiff’s main shopping thoroughfares, Big Moose has quietly and solidly built up its reputation as one of Cardiff’s most valuable city centre cafes in recent months. That’s not just the result of excellent food and exceptionally friendly service, but also its overarching social mission: the Big Moose team regularly hire members of the homeless community, training them up and giving them qualifications with which to then re-enter the job market, and find a stable income. That ethos is emblazoned across the back wall of the café in the bright red lettering: “Leaving the world better than we found it”.
As for the actual café and food itself, there are a few minor issues. The menu is a little small and limiting, with food portions not being especially large (though the prices are cheap, so it balances out), and although the outside of the café was busy on the Saturday we arrived, one wonders if perhaps the lack of a clear sign on the shopfront might deter visitors – especially as it’s already hard to spot the place from the street.
Of the drinks, I ordered the Big Moose Pale Ale, co-brewed with local beer aficionados Crafty Devil, which was an excellent, hoppy, refreshing beer, whilst my partner had Pimms, which is never a negative. The food we shared: a 7” wood-fired pizza, and an omelette with cheese, spinach and mushrooms. The latter was fresh and fluffy, whilst the pizza was, well, damn good pizza – crunchy crust, soft dough, and great, fresh toppings. FEDOR TOT