North Wales bakery where long queues form to buy their giant oggies and 'gorgeous' cakes
We had built up a bit of an appetite as we headed to the Point of Ayr lighthouse in Talacre. The grade 2 listed structure dates back to 1776 and is said to be haunted by the old lighthouse keeper who still looks out to sea.
We didn't see a ghost but the beach was packed full of tourists, dog walkers and families. We saw a long queue forming outside an unassuming bakery, which had notices in the window re a Point of Ayr reunion and a dog questionnaire.
There was also a specials board offering 'doorstep cheese on toast' for £3.90 or 'hot baps' with various fillings.
Clwyd Bakeries are an award-winning bakery, who have sites in Prestatyn, Rhyl and Ewloe, as well as Talacre. The bakery was really busy, partly due to the many caravan sites in the area.
We saw a poster on the wall about the legendry "Welsh Oggie'. The oggie is our regional version of the Cornish Pasty. The Cornish pasty evolved for tin miners, who were unable to return to the surface at lunchtime, so had a hearty, easy to hold and eat lunch. The Welsh Oggie had the same premise but are much larger in size.
The oggie behind the Clwyd Bakery counter, dwarfed the other pasties and pies on display. I said to my wife, that it looks like its going to take two of us to carry the oggie out of the shop. We were asked by a polite member of staff, if we wanted the giant oggie heated up.
We ate our goodies on one of the benches placed directly outside of the bakery. There were a few seagulls keeping a close eye on proceedings from the top of the building, but they left us alone.
Instead of being filled with the traditional Welsh ingredients of lamb and leeks, this one contained mince beef and potato. We encountered huge chunks of potato in the savoury flaky crust, and wondered how the miners produced any work after eating these simple but massive pasties.
Of course, we weren't finished there, as we were in a cake shop after all. We ordered a cream scone and a gorgeous looking toffee cream choux bun for dessert.
Cream replaced butter in our deliciously light and airy scone. The cream scone was served cold straight from the fridge, so it wasn't as soft as it would be in a tea room. We still never left a single crumb for the seagulls though.
We also went for another dose of fresh cream with our choice of a toffee choux bun. It was a fun twist on the classic French choux pastry. This golden bun had a rich delicious salted caramel taste with an elegant sugar hit.
Although I didn't look very elegant, sitting on an outside picnic table with cream and toffee all over my face.
Other offerings in the bakery included things like breakfast rolls for £6, pork pies for £2.80 or veggie Jamaican pasties for £2.80. There were an abundance of freshly baked cakes such as vanilla slices, Viennese whirls, jam tarts and egg custards on display. Although, all the goods were disappearing really quickly as the hungry hordes descended on the humble bakery.
Many sightings of a ghost on top of the Point of Ayr lighthouse have been reported in the past. Mediums have described sensing a presence of a man who had his heart broken. Perhaps, he had his heart broken because Clwyd Bakeries had run out of those delicious giant Wesh Oggies?
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
The colourful Welsh seaside town with a perfect castle that was never finished
The colourful Welsh seaside town with a perfect castle that was never finished This captivating seaside town has a blend of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture alongside the 'greatest castle never built.' Beautiful Beaumaris was an ancient borough, awarded its first charter in 1296. (Image: Portia Jones ) Perched along the treacherous Menai Strait, colourful Beaumaris is the historic hub of Anglesey. This captivating seaside town has a blend of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture alongside the 'greatest castle never built.' Beautiful Beaumaris was an ancient borough, awarded its first charter in 1296. Wander around, and you'll spot plenty of reminders of its past, from the impressive 13th-century castle to a courthouse that's been standing since 1614. Don't miss the Beaumaris Gaol or the Tudor Rose, a 14th-century timber-framed beauty and one of the oldest of its kind in Britain. And if you fancy a pint with a side of history, the Bulls Head Inn, built in 1472, is where General Thomas Mytton set up camp during the 1648 Siege of Beaumaris in the second English Civil War. While the town is packed with stories, there's still plenty to do here on an Anglesey holiday. Go crab fishing off the pier, take a wildlife-watching boat trip or hike along the blustery shoreline. Here's how to make the most of a trip to Beaumaris Explore the castle An aerial shot of the ancient Beaumaris castle (Image: iStock / Getty Images Plus ) Beaumaris Castle is a reminder of the ambition of English royalty seeking to subdue Wales. This commanding fortress, famous as "the greatest castle never built," was to be the crowning glory of King Edward's "Iron Ring" of mighty fortresses at Conwy, Caernarfon, Beaumaris, and Harlech. Article continues below Ruthless Edward I launched two military campaigns in Wales, in 1277 and 1282-83, aimed at defeating the Welsh princes and establishing English authority, and massive castles were a key part of the military plan. 'Beau Mareys,' meaning 'beautiful marsh,' located beside the Menai Strait, proved to be the perfect setting for a grand-scale fortress with near-perfect symmetry. Its defences were nothing short of formidable; four concentric rings encircled the stronghold, including a water-filled moat complete with its own dock, blending strength and strategic elegance. According to Cadw, a lack of money (show-off castles are quite pricey) and brewing trouble in Scotland meant that building work on the grand castle had petered out by the 1320s. The south gatehouse and the six great towers in the inner ward never reached their intended height. The Llanfaes gate was barely started before being abandoned. Today, this incomplete castle serves as a poignant reminder of Wales' tumultuous past, marked by bloody battles and Celtic defiance, all encapsulated within its imposing stone walls. Cadw now manages the site, and you can visit for just £33.60 for a family ticket. Perched along the treacherous Menai Strait, colourful Beaumaris is the historic hub of Anglesey. (Image: Portia Jones ) Go crabbing on Beaumaris Pier Nothing says 'family holiday in Wales' like crabbing off a historic pier while the wind whips around you. Beaumaris Pier was originally opened in 1846 and rebuilt in 1872, and is a favourite spot for crabbing with the kids. You can buy all your gear from the small pier Kiosk or the RNLI Lifeboat Station shop. Both locations offer crabbing nets, bait, and buckets to get you going. After crabbing, settle in on the green with fish and chips and watch out for greedy seagulls. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Go on a wildlife-watching boat trip You can spot seals along the rocky shoreline (Image: Portia Jones ) Seacoast Safaris depart from Beaumaris Pier and offer nature and sightseeing cruises to Puffin Island (or Ynys Seiriol in Welsh). This protected island is a bird sanctuary and a nesting site for many species of breeding seabirds, as well as home to a resident colony of Atlantic grey seals. Want a longer trip? Book an all-day Rib Ride boat trip and explore the entire coastline of Anglesey. With its spectacular 100-mile coastline, there's no better way to uncover its dramatic beauty than on a high-speed RIB ride, skimming past rugged headlands, remote beaches, and eerie sea caves. One of the most exhilarating parts of the trip is bouncing over the Menai Strait's most notorious stretch of water—the Swellies. As you pass Telford's magnificent Menai suspension bridge, you'll be entering a treacherous body of water with rapid tidal flows and a history of shipwrecks. You'll spot plenty of wildlife on a boat trip (Image: Portia Jones ) The tide here is wild, rushing in from both ends and colliding with full force over a seabed dotted with hidden rocks. The remains of shipwrecks are a stark reminder that not everyone has made it through unscathed. As you thread your way between whirlpools and racing currents, your trusty skipper will explain how, centuries ago, tall ships had to navigate this treacherous channel with nothing but sails and oars, hoping the tide wouldn't drag them onto the rocks. You'll also explore the wizz past other coastal landmarks like South Stack Lighthouse and Ynys Llanddwyn while spotting resident seals, dolphins, and seabirds. Hike to Penmon Point Beach One of the most popular beaches in Anglesey, Penmon Point Beach, is a craggy and historic part of the Anglesey coast. (Image: Portia Jones ) One of the most popular beaches in Anglesey, Penmon Point Beach, is a craggy and historic part of the Anglesey coast. From the beach, you have epic views of the nearby Puffin Island and the Trwyn Du Lighthouse, also known as Penmon Lighthouse, which was built in 1838 to mark the north entrance to the Menai Strait. One of the best ways to explore this area is to hike to Penmon on a circular trail. The All Trails app has a 7-mile loop trail near Beaumaris that you can follow. This is a beautiful and varied trail that takes in sweeping coastal views and historic sites as you make your way past the Church of St Cawrdaf, on the road to Trwyn Dy Lighthouse, along the coast to Castell Aberlleiniog, and back to the start past Llangoed. Eat at Bull's Head Inn The Grade II-listed Bull's Head Inn was named the best pub in Wales in 2024 (Image: David Powell ) The Grade II-listed Bull's Head Inn was named the best pub in Wales in 2024 and is renowned for its real ales and live music. Located at the heart of town on Castle Street, it dates back to the 15th century and retains all the character and charm it has acquired over the last 550 years. Its listed bar is decorated with an array of memorabilia, including antique weaponry and, reputedly, the town's original ducking stool. You can stop by for food – including breakfast, light bites, and dinner- or spend the night in its array of rooms. Their delicious, homemade food is freshly cooked to order, and the seasonal menu features pub classics. Typical dishes include a lamb burger, traditional fish and chips, and pan-fried chicken supreme. Stay at Castle Court Hotel This Free house pub with rooms is located in the centre of historic Beaumaris with commanding views of the Menai Straits and Beaumaris Castle. Article continues below Each room features a TV with satellite channels, a view, and tea and coffee-making facilities. They also have an en-suite bathroom with free toiletries and a shower. Book here
Time Out Dubai
3 hours ago
- Time Out Dubai
Bar Des Pres in Dubai
There's something about dining 51 floors up that makes every bite and sip feel extra special. Add in panoramic views of DIFC, a sushi counter glowing softly under copper lights, a menu that dances between Paris and Tokyo and a late-night bar that hums with understated energy – and suddenly, you're not just out for dinner. You're somewhere else entirely. New to the city, but not to those in the know, Bar des Prés is the brainchild of French chef and TV personality Cyril Lignac. The space is home to a layered sophistication you'd expect in the backstreets of Saint-Germain, only here, Parisian blue velvet and copper tones meet bamboo and rattan. It's moody, it's elegant – and it nails the balance between luxury and cool. From the moment you step inside, it's clear this isn't your typical fusion spot. (Credit: Bar Des Pres) Food-wise, you'll want to start with the signature crispy rice, topped with a trio of tuna, salmon and yellowtail, a dish that's as satisfying in texture as it is in flavour. Each golden, bite-sized block of rice is pan-seared, offering a warm, toasty base for the trio of raw fish layered on top – tuna, salmon and yellowtail. Finished with a brush of soy and a whisper of lime zest, the starter is next level. No visit to Bar Des Pres would be complete without trying the chef's signature crab and avocado galette. Avocado sits on a bed of madras curry crab before it's topped with small bites of green apple for a little bit of acidity. A dish you might not stop thinking about long after you've left. From there, options lean indulgent. Chilean sea bass with a complexly flavoured tom yum foam is a clear standout – flaky, rich and delightfully sweet. While the A4 Japanese wagyu entrecôte comes charred and tender, ready to be dragged through a sticky barbecue sauce. As for dessert? You'll want to make room. Lignac's pastry background shines in the vanilla mille-feuille with pecan praline, though the Guanaja chocolate biscuit (which is actually a hazelnut fondant) might just steal the show. (Credit: Bar Des Pres) Service is slick and well-timed, albeit a bit rushed. You could be in and out in under 90 minutes, whether you're seated at the buzzing sushi counter or in one of the comfy booths. Bar des Prés doesn't lean too hard into formality, and prices are relatively reasonable for the area. Whether you fancy a quick lunch or a leisurely late-night dinner (a DJ comes on nightly from 9pm), the vibe stays consistently cool but approachable. It's easy to see why this elegant newcomer is already making a good impression on Dubai diners – 51 floors up, but very much grounded in good taste.
Time Out Dubai
9 hours ago
- Time Out Dubai
Ruby Ru by Iris in Dubai
Picture this. It's a sunny afternoon in Paris and you're sat in curved rattan chair, sipping from an ice-cold glass and looking out over the bustling Rue d'something or other. Now, swap out the cobbled street for the rippling waters of Dubai Creek, and you have yourself an evening at Ruby Ru by Iris. Created by the team behind the popular open-air lounge at Meydan Racecourse, Ruby Ru was designed with conversation in mind (no shouting over booming speakers here). And it's nailed the concept down to the very last detail. Found inside the Marriott Marquis, Jewel of the Creek, you walk through a glamorous walkway of billowing white fabric (an ideal spot for the 'gram) before emerging onto a terrace that stretches around the back of the building. (Credit: Ruby Ru by Iris) Designed with a French street-side bar in mind, the venue presents as a glamourous Dubai terrace dusted with subtle nods to Paris. From the marble bistro tables with blue and cream chairs to the well-stocked grape selection, it's full of laid-back charm. It's a stunning place to park yourself for sunset, with 180-degree views of both old and new Dubai that are sure to impress. A live DJ keeps the vibe up from a mirrored booth in the corner, but this place has so much more than just good music. There's a wide selection of beverages on offer, including a list of signature mixed drinks starting from around Dhs80. If you want the most bang for your buck, don't miss Ruby's daily happy hour, offering grape, classic mixed drinks and even a glass of sparkling (or two) for almost half the price. (Credit: Ruby Ru by Iris) Grab a stool at the bar on the softly lit back wall, or opt for a cream-cushioned sofa under the parasails if you're looking for an extra dash of comfort. The venue has its own restaurant with a full-blown menu, so expect bar bites to be top-tier. Order the rock shrimp or baked feta, both of which are perfect sides to your skyline sips. Open until the wee hours, Ruby Ru wears a few different hats. Whether you visit for an effortless sundowner or prefer to soak up late-night vibes, it hits all the high notes every time. Pairing Parisian charm with a cityscape that is always dressed to impress, your post-work aperitif just got better.
