With Cardiff being one of the UK‘s most vibrant cities, you’ll need to take a break now and then from shopping and sightseeing. Luckily, there is a vast array of coffee shops in town, from the main chains through to some more special places. We take a look at some independent spots to take that important coffee and cake break in the Welsh capital.
Trendy yet elegantly designed, you definitely feel that Uncommon Ground provides that chic city feel. Industrial design shines throughout its exposed red brickwork and authentic wooden tables along with lampshades in the style of copper teapots. A variety of cakes and coffees including an iced coffee range is available, not to mention the espresso blend whole beans available in-store to take home.
A unique place to take a break, Chaiholics has four branches in Singapore and one in the UK, in Cardiff and situated on the popular Wellfield Road. An Indian bistro from 6pm Monday to Saturday, during the daytime it offers a perfect comfy corner to enjoy a variety of speciality teas and lunchtime snacks. Try or purchase the many different types of chai tea to enjoy at home, or opt for organic or single origin teas, iced tea or a tea infused cocktail. For the ultimate indulgence, enjoy an afternoon chai tea selection which includes tea, sandwiches, cake and chai bites, small parcels of savoury delights such as Pakora or Bombay Aloo.
Looks like it's closedHours or services may be impacted due to Covid-19
A fun venue to sit and relax with a cup of coffee and a cake and definitely the place to be for surf and skate enthusiasts, Cardiff’s Boardroom Coffee Shop is full of atmosphere. Decked out with skateboard seats and tables outside, the interior has surfboards on the walls, including a wall display of surf time zones across the world. Located in the Duke Street Arcade, The Boardroom is situated in a small arcade offering unique and quirky shops and is full of character.
Looks like it's closedHours or services may be impacted due to Covid-19
A friendly place situated along Wellfield Road, this is the place to stop for a piece of good homemade cake and a cup of tea or coffee. Offering a delicatessen and a gift shop, it’s perfect for picking up some unique items whatever the occasion may be. An independent family run café, Tea & Cake takes pride in its philosophy of ‘if you want it, we’ll try to source it’. It’s a haven of calm to come and enjoy some peaceful time.
An attractive coffee shop with two of its five branches located in Cardiff, Artigiano‘s tasteful neon wall lighting and exposed brickwork creates the sassy urban vibe. By day, the cafe serves fine crafted speciality coffee alongside baked artisan food and fresh juices. By night, expect a hip wine bar offering fine wines, craft beers and cocktails, along with regular DJ sessions and live acoustic music.
Looks like it's closedHours or services may be impacted due to Covid-19
With an almost vintage, rustic feel as if in a friends kitchen, Thé Pot is an intimate and cosy cafe full of character located on the trendy Crewys Road, home of many cool bars and cafes. From Wednesday through Saturday this independent cafe is open all evening from 6pm-10pm, however by day, it is also the ideal place to take a break with a cup of coffee, tea or a bite to eat. Tasty homemade food, a selection of carefully selected wines and tea and coffee are all on the menu, not to mention some mouth-watering desserts such as creme brulée or a chocolate and hazelnut crepe.
Norwegian Church Exterior | Courtesy of Norwegian Church
A little piece of Nordicana in the heart of Cardiff Bay, the Norwegian Church is a landmark with some spectacular scenic views across the waterfront. Dating back to the industrial revolution, it was a church for Norwegian sailors when Cardiff Docks exported the greatest amounts of coal as one of the greatest seaports in the world. Pop into Cafe Norsk for lunch or a coffee and one of their award winning cakes.
Serving up a range of coffee, tea, soft and alcoholic drinks; large and comfortable tan leather sofas combined with exposed brickwork create the stylish yet laidback feel to this trendy Wellfield Road branch of the Loungers chain. The Juno Lounge is definitely a place to relax with a good book, coffee and a cake watching the world go by.
Located at the entrance to Bute Park, discover this quirky tea house whilst planning a stroll around the park, one of Cardiff’s most beautiful green areas and right in the heart of the city. Order from the cafe menu or if you’re looking for a sweet treat, discover Pettigrew Tea Rooms’ homemade bespoke cakes or indulge in Afternoon Tea. Whichever you decide, Pettigrew Tea Rooms is located in the city centre, yet offers an idyllic quaint spot for relaxing and catching up with friends or family.
Featured in the Independent’s Top 50 Coffee Shops, The Plan Café is located in Cardiff’s elaborate grade 2 listed Morgan Arcade offering artisan coffee and a selection of fresh homemade food. Try the tasty brownies with your coffee, or something less predictable such as the courgette and lime cake, all handmade using locally sourced ingredients by bakers in Cardiff and Cowbridge. Don’t miss out on the Encore Events on the last Thursday of each month too, an evening of live music, food and drink.
