Which cafes in Cardiff offer the best value for coffee and Welsh cakes?

The cultural richness of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, goes beyond its historic castles and cathedrals - it is deeply rooted in its exquisite food and beverage landscape. Amongst the city's culinary offerings, the traditional Welsh cakes paired with a comforting coffee make an irresistible duo which locals and tourists alike are extremely fond of. Cardiff's café culture is a symbiotic blend of the old and new, combining age-old Welsh recipes with innovative brewing methods.

In this post, we will guide you through some of the best cafes in the city that serve high-quality coffee and Welsh cakes. As you navigate the lively streets of Cardiff, these cafes will provide you with a warm and friendly atmosphere, a delightful menu, and an authentic taste of this Welsh city.

1. Pettigrew Tea Rooms

Tucked away in the verdant Bute Park, the Pettigrew Tea Rooms is an iconic part of Cardiff's food scene. This café is renowned for its vintage charm and an extensive menu that includes a variety of teas, coffees, and traditional Welsh cakes.

The Pettigrew Tea Rooms, housed in a Victorian gatehouse, offers a unique blend of history, comfort, and culinary satisfaction. The café prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients and offers a wide variety of Welsh cakes. From the classic currant-filled ones to the innovative chocolate-dipped Welsh cakes, there's something here to please every palate. Equally noteworthy is their coffee, made from beans sourced from a local roaster in Aberdare, South Wales, ensuring freshness and robust flavours.

2. Barker Tea House

In the heart of the city centre, tucked away in one of the arcades, is the Barker Tea House, a café that exudes a rustic charm. Famous for its vast selection of teas, Barker also serves an impressive range of coffees and a rotating selection of homemade Welsh cakes.

Barker Tea House's eclectic decor and the warm, welcoming staff make it a much-loved spot for both locals and tourists. The variety of Welsh cakes on offer changes daily, keeping the menu fresh and exciting for regular visitors. Paired with their coffee, which is brewed to perfection, the Welsh cakes at Barker Tea House are a delight you don't want to miss out on.

3. Waterloo Tea

Waterloo Tea, with several branches scattered across Cardiff, is a well-known name in the Welsh café scene. While their specialty is, unquestionably, tea, their coffee and food offerings are just as enticing and well-curated.

With a minimalist décor and a focus on quality, Waterloo Tea presents a serene setting for a mid-afternoon coffee and Welsh cake break. Their Welsh cakes, made in-house daily, are light, tender, and filled with a generous amount of sweet currants. The baristas at Waterloo Tea are well trained and use beans from James Gourmet Coffee - a well-respected name in the coffee industry.

4. The Plan Café

Nestled in the heart of the Morgan Arcade, The Plan Café is a must-visit for those seeking a strong coffee and a delicious Welsh cake in Cardiff. This café has repeatedly been crowned as the best coffee shop in Cardiff and has also garnered positive reviews for its food.

The Plan Café prides itself on its artisan coffees, which are brewed using beans from a range of ethical suppliers. Their Welsh cakes, served warm and dusted with sugar, complement the rich coffee perfectly. The café also has a relaxed ambiance and friendly staff, making it a favourite spot for the city's denizens.

5. Cocorico Patisserie

While Cocorico Patisserie may not be the traditional choice for Welsh cakes and coffee, this French patisserie in the heart of Cardiff captures the Welsh spirit beautifully in its menu. Their take on the classic Welsh cake is innovative while their coffee is sure to satisfy even the most discerning coffee lovers.

In Cocorico Patisserie, you can expect to find Welsh cakes with a French twist. Paired with a cup of their excellent coffee, sourced from James Gourmet Coffee, these Welsh cakes are a testament to Cardiff's multicultural culinary landscape. The café's elegant setting and mouth-watering selection of pastries make it a must-visit place in Cardiff.

Cardiff is a city steeped in history, culture, and culinary delights. The cafes listed above exemplify the best of the Cardiff café scene, offering not just coffee and Welsh cakes, but a warm, friendly environment and a taste of Welsh tradition. So, the next time you're in Cardiff, be sure to explore these cafes, and savor the delightful combination of a well-brewed coffee and a traditional Welsh cake.

6. Brodies Coffee Co.

Situated in a quaint cabin in The Hayes area of Cardiff's city centre, Brodies Coffee Co. offers a warm, relaxing atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for a mid-afternoon coffee break. Renowned for its comfortable environment and excellent service, Brodies Coffee Co. brings together the community – both locals and tourists – with the allure of their excellent coffee and traditional Welsh cakes.

Brodies Coffee Co. is proud of its commitment to serving quality coffee brewed to perfection. Their coffee beans are sourced from Coaltown Coffee, a Welsh specialty coffee roaster dedicated to sustainable and ethical practices. The baristas ensure that each cup is crafted to bring out the bean's rich flavours, making it the ideal accompaniment to their Welsh cakes.

Their Welsh cakes, made fresh daily, are a crowd favourite. Served warm with a smattering of sugar, these cakes are a delightful blend of crumbly texture and sweet taste that pairs excellently with their coffee. What's more, Brodies Coffee Co. also offers a gluten-free version of their beloved Welsh cakes, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this traditional treat.

7. KIN+ILK Café Bar

Located in the bustling area of Cardiff Bay, KIN+ILK Café Bar is a modern café known for its chic, minimalist décor and delicious offerings. The café is a favourite among those who appreciate a good cup of coffee and a tasty treat, making it a great destination for coffee lovers and foodies alike.

KIN+ILK Café Bar takes its coffee seriously. With a team of skilled baristas and coffee beans sourced from local roasters, they ensure each cup served is aromatic and full of flavour. Their coffee, whether you prefer it black or with a dash of milk, is the perfect beverage to sip on when enjoying their selection of Welsh cakes.

Their Welsh cakes are a delightful treat that shouldn't be missed. Made using traditional methods and ingredients, these cakes have a soft, crumbly texture that melts in the mouth. Enjoy them with a cup of KIN+ILK's excellent coffee and you've got yourself the perfect afternoon treat.

Conlusion

Cardiff's café culture truly encompasses the spirit of the city – a blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you're a local resident, a visiting tourist, or a student at one of the city's universities, the cafes listed above are sure to provide a memorable experience. From the historic charm of Pettigrew Tea Rooms to the modern vibe of KIN+ILK Café Bar, you're guaranteed to find a café that suits your tastes.

The Welsh cakes offered at these cafes are more than just a snack – they're a taste of Welsh heritage and tradition. Paired with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, it's an experience that engages all senses. So, whether you're an ardent foodie, a coffee connoisseur, or just someone looking to enjoy an afternoon tea, Cardiff's café scene has something to offer you. Why not head over to one of these cafes the next time you're in the city and share your experience on an Instagram post for everyone to see?

Remember, the best food experiences are about more than just the food itself – they're about the atmosphere, the service, and the memories created. In Cardiff's café scene, you'll find all of these and more. So, come, explore, indulge, and fall in love with Cardiff's café culture.