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Wales Online
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Wales Online
19 unbelievably brilliant Cardiff breakfast places you'll want to be a regular at
19 unbelievably brilliant Cardiff breakfast places you'll want to be a regular at We've rounded up some of our favourite breakfast and brunch spots in Cardiff so you can start your day right. Breakfast is the most important part of the day, and in Cardiff, we're lucky to have a wide selection of cafes, restaurants, and cabins where you can feast on bacon baps, fry-ups, pancakes, and vegan eats (Image: Hard Lines ) Breakfast is the most important part of the day, and in Cardiff, we're lucky to have a wide selection of cafes, restaurants, and cabins where you can feast on bacon baps, fry-ups, pancakes, and vegan eats. But with so many choices across the city, where do you choose? Who serves the best sausage bap? Where can you get a fry-up that doesn't cost the earth? Luckily for you, we've rounded up some of our favourite breakfast and brunch spots in Cardiff so you can start your day right. In no particular order, here are our top picks in the city. Let's dig in! For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here 1. Longa Breakfast from Longa (Image: Wales Online ) Enjoy a top-class, homemade Turkish brunch in a relaxed setting at Longa's Whitchurch Road location. Their awesome brunch and breakfast options are so popular that they are now serving them all day on weekends. They include dishes such as menemen, consisting of two eggs fried in rich, spiced tomato and pepper sauce and butter, served with Turkish Bread. Another brunch favourite at Longa is Shakshuka, fried aubergine and potato in spiced tomato and pepper sauce with paprika. Served with Turkish bread. 180 Whitchurch Rd, CF14 3NB 2. Canna Deli Located just off the King's Road on Pontcanna Mews, the Welsh-speaking Canna Deli is always busy thanks to its covered outdoor area. This local favourite effortlessly combines flavours from around the world with a distinctly Welsh twist. From the brunch menu, try the coconut porridge with plum compote or, for something a little more filling, the deviled chestnut mushrooms on toasted sourdough, washed down with coffee. Pontcanna Mews, CF11 9DF 3. Milkwood One of our favourite Pontcanna breakfast spots is Milkwood (Image: Portia Jones ) One of our favourite breakfast spots in Pontcanna is Milkwood, a dog-friendly neighbourhood bistro and cafe focused on quality Welsh produce and seasonal specials. By night, the Dusk menu features crafted cocktails, wine, and pizza on Friday and Saturday nights. So you can feast day and night, foodie fans. We particularly love the Shakshuka dish for breakfast, which features perfectly oozy eggs atop a herby and spiced tomato sauce. Order a cheeky side of chorizo for extra brunching oomph. 83 Pontcanna Street, CF11 9HS 4. Hard Lines Hard Lines is a small-batch Welsh Coffee Roastery that serves a mean espresso, gorgeous silky smooth flat whites, and pour-overs made to perfection. Their cafe at St Canna Court in Canton serves a range of brunch and breakfast dishes alongside quality coffee. Typical menu items include loaded breakfast baps, pancakes, huevos rancheros, and banana bread. Cowbridge Rd East, CF5 1GX 5. Park Side Park Side's brunch muffin (Image: Paul Vernon ) Parkside has opened a second Cardiff location with sophisticated interiors and an impressive all-day brunch menu. The indie business already has one cafe in Heath, which opened in 2021. Their new location in Lakeside, right by the popular and gorgeous Roath Park, aims to offer a sophisticated brunch option while serving up established classics, including coffees, cakes, and cocktails. The all-day menu features several new creations, like stuffed sourdough eggy bread with smoked bacon and cheddar, and buttermilk fried chicken French toast with hot honey. The first Park Side is already loved for its cakes and sweet treats, and the independent bakery Carrot Top Bakery will continue to provide for the new Lakeside cafe. 6. Brød Looking for pastries and coffee in Pontcanna? Try Danish bakery Brod for a little slice of Denmark in the 'diff.' It offers traditional Danish pastries and freshly brewed, aromatic coffees supplied by Clifton Coffee Roasters. The Sunday Times also singled out this hip bakery as being "unmissable." It's the brainchild of Betina Skovbro, who combined her heritage and love of baked goods to the city in November 2015, since expanding to Penarth, then the east of Cardiff. 126 Wyndham Crescent, CF11 9EG 7. Forest Tea Rooms You'll find no-nonsense breakfast food at the rather secluded Forest Tea Rooms in Tongwynlais (Image: Portia Jones ) You'll find no-nonsense breakfast food at the rather secluded Forest Tea Rooms in Tongwynlais. Look, this isn't a posh hipster cafe. Don't come here expecting deconstructed avocado on toast, okay? Adjust your expectations, and you will have a fuss-free breakfast experience in a rustic and leafy cafe in the woods. It's a family-run business in a gorgeous forest setting that even has the odd peacock roaming around. Heol Y Fforest, CF15 7JR 8. Servini's at the Summerhouse Servini's at the Summerhouse (Image: Portia Jones ) Since Servini's took over the summer house in Bute Park, it has been offering a fabulous selection of locally roasted coffee, breakfast, and lunch sandwiches. Eat al fresco in beautiful Bute Park and enjoy a relaxed morning in the outdoors. Their outdoor seating area is also dog-friendly, so you can take a break from your dog walk to grab a hot brew and a bap. Bute Park Summer House 9. Ground The dishes in Ground look (almost) too good to eat (Image: Portia Jones ) Ground Bakery is MasterChef star Thomas Simmons' coffee shop venture, whose first cafe was in the affluent creative area of Pontcanna. It's an artisanal boulangerie and speciality coffee house and is just yards away from his hugely successful restaurant, which now has three sister locations in Canton, Penarth and Cowbridge. This small and sleek venue serves a range of brunch dishes and baked goods, including (melt-in-your-mouth) overnight bacon, mushrooms and eggs, Llys Meddyg smoked salmon and eggs and house beans and eggs 15 Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HQ 10. Bentleys Cafe Bentley's Café on Wellfield Road is a standout among Roath's hipster cafe offering (Image: Portia Jones ) Bentley's Café on Wellfield Road is a standout among Roath's hipster cafe offerings. It perfectly combines old-school cafe vibes with modern decor and excellent service. Take a seat and have a proper cup of tea alongside toasties, omelettes, massive breakfasts, and tasty avo on toast. 35 Wellfield Road, CF24 3PA 11. Wally's Kaffeehaus Wally's Delicatessen and Kaffeehaus brings a little slice of Viennese coffee house culture to Cardiff (Image: Wally's Kaffeehaus ) Wally's Delicatessen and Kaffeehaus brings a little slice of Viennese coffee house culture to Cardiff. They offer a great range of continental breakfasts, open sandwiches, and strong coffee to kick-start your morning. After breakfast, make sure to check out their foodie emporium on the ground floor. It's a real treasure trove of local European food and local produce. Royal Arcade 12. KIN+ILK Pontcanna KIN+ILK Pontcanna site is a stark and stripped-back bit of Scandi cool, smack bang in the tree-lined 'burbs of Pontcanna (Image: Portia Jones ) KIN+ILK Pontcanna site is a stark and stripped-back bit of Scandi cool, smack bang in the tree-lined 'burbs of Pontcanna. There's plenty of outdoor seating here too, giving this uber-hip café a real 'European neighbourhood' feel. Try the delicious Turkish eggs slathered in creamy, garlic yoghurt or their incredibly moreish pancake stack. 31 Cathedral Road, CF11 9HB 13. Penylan Pantry If you're in the market for hipster eats and ethical plates, head to Penylan Pantry in Roath (Image: Portia Jones ) If you're in the market for hipster eats and ethical plates, head to Penylan Pantry in Roath. They whip up healthy breakfasts packed with sustainably sourced ingredients and local produce in cutesy café surroundings. 72 Kimberley Rd, CF23 5DN 14. The Ivy Cardiff The Ivy Cardiff (Image: The Ivy ) Have a swanky brunch at the Ivy Cardiff and spoil yourselves with a range of delectable dishes in utterly divine surroundings. This eclectic city restaurant serves modern British and international Ivy-inspired classics from breakfast to dinner. Typical breakfast items include hot buttermilk pancakes, The Ivy full breakfast, smoked salmon crumpet and avocado Benedict. St David's Centre on The Hayes 15. Ramon's Breakfast and Burger Bar The mountain of food was never-ending (Image: Richard Swingler ) Whether it's modest beans on toast or a stomach-challenging mega breakfast, Ramon's is an iconic cafe deep in the student heartlands that serves up huge portions of your fave dishes. Our hungry reporter, John, bravely took on Ramon's colossal Titan breakfast challenge, which contains a staggering 57 items. This breakfast trial requires participants to polish off eight rashers of bacon, eight sausages, eight fried eggs, six hash browns, six slices of black pudding, a pound of mushrooms, a pound of fried potatoes, a huge omelette, tomatoes, baked beans, three vanilla pancakes, four slices of buttered bread and another four slices of fried bread or toast. Read how he got on here. 64 Salisbury Rd, Cardiff CF24 4AD 16. The Secret Garden, Bute Park Right in the centre of Bute Park lies the Secret Garden Cafe (Image: Wales Online ) Right in the centre of Bute Park lies the Secret Garden Cafe. This hip park cafe serves up herby eggs, granola, and coffees that are to die for, especially after a walk around the lush green surroundings. Bute Park 17. Let Them See Cake Content cannot be displayed without consent This homely cake shop in the heart of Victoria Park is one of Wales' most Instagrammable bakeries and rose to prominence after being featured on a TV show. The perfectly pastel pink Cardiff shop front was revealed to the world BBC series Hot Cakes in 2022, which followed the delicious team as they bake their way into the hearts of the nation - and their social media feed. Along with beautiful hand-crafted, stylish buttercream cakes, the bakery also serves brunch from Wednesday to Sunday. Expect pretty plates of Wyau (Forage Farm Eggs), Sweet Stack French Toast and Byti Bach (brioche buns with either smoked bacon or Teifi halloumi) 593 Cowbridge Rd E, Cardiff CF5 1BE 18. Milk & Sugar Planning a chilled weekend breakfast? Milk & Sugar on Pontcanna Street has you covered. Part of a group of independent city venues, whatever you order is freshly cooked and will start your day off right. You can tuck into a full breakfast, pancakes or egg benedict, or specials like flat iron steak. There's a selection of cold-pressed juices, and if you're feeling adventurous, try the chaga mushroom latte, which is described as an "immune system booster, energiser and mood enhancer." 79 Pontcanna St, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HS 19. Hiraeth kitchen Content cannot be displayed without consent Hiraeth is a small neighbourhood restaurant opposite Victoria Park, that's been making waves on the foodie scene. Known for its tasting menus and use of regional produce, including locally foraged ingredients and some from their own smallholding, it has exceptional eats in an intimate setting Hiraeth has also been named in the prestigious Michelin Guide, the AA Guide and the Good Food Guide. Article continues below They recently started offering brunch, which is currently served on Saturdays only. Expect quality produce from a monthly changing menu, perfectly plated.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
7 absolutely stunning things you need to eat in Cardiff right now
7 absolutely stunning things you need to eat in Cardiff right now We've rounded up some of our fave eats going into June and summer is really heating up Cardiff's ever-evolving foodie scene has been seriously upping its game over the years (Image: Meating Point ) Cardiff's ever-evolving foodie scene has been seriously upping its game over the years, and we are so here for it! Sure, you'll still find all the usual chain restaurants if that's your thing, but the real magic? It's in the city's buzzing indie eateries, creative pop-ups, and epic food festivals that keep popping up on the calendar. From high-end dining that'll impress even the fussiest of foodies to off-beat street food that packs a punch, Cardiff has become a must-visit for anyone who loves to eat well. With so many delicious dishes and foodie treats, it can be tricky to know where to start, so we've rounded up some of what we've been eating in our ongoing series. We've got you covered, though and you can see the last round-up from April, here. Hungry? Let's crack on. 1. Souvlaki from Meating Point We love a filling Chicken Souvlaki from street food faves Meating Point (Image: Portia Jones ) We love a filling Chicken Souvlaki from street food faves Meating Point. Married couple Katerina and Petros Skliros run this foodie operation and serve traditional Greek dishes at events and festivals around Wales. Regulars to their stalls will have enjoyed expertly grilled and flavourful souvlaki gyros and kalamaki made of fresh, seasoned meats and traditional Greek tzatziki, utilising fresh products that are based on genuine traditional recipes. Article continues below They are now regular traders at the colourful Tiger Yard street food venue in Cardiff Bay, where they are joined by a range of other street food vendors. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here 2. Koththu from Ceylon M8 Food from Ceylon M8, Sri Lankan food stall on Penarth Road, Cardiff (Image: Steph Colderick ) Ceylon M8 has popped up on Penarth Road in recent weeks and is definitely worth a visit for traditional Sri Lankan food, such as koththu and fried rice, a taste of South Asia right in the Welsh capital. We're big fans of the chicken koththu, a bargain at £8.49. Koththu is a stir-fried dish cooked on a hot griddle using thin strips of roti bread instead of noodles, mixed veggies, an egg, and a choice of meat or a veggie dish. The mixture is given a chop on the griddle, then doused in a chicken or beef curried gravy, depending on your choice of meat filling. The fresh meat is doused in light flour and then fried to give it a crisp without a southern-fried coating. 3. Sunday lunch at the Grange We know nobody makes gravy like mam but the Grange is doing a damn fine job on the Sunday lunch front (Image: Portia Jones ) We know nobody makes gravy like mam but the Grange is doing a damn fine job on the Sunday lunch front. A social and well-known dog-friendly pub, the Grange has a hip interior and a massive beer garden for lazy pints in the sun. If you love a massive roast, Sunday is the day to visit for outstanding roast dinners with all the trimmings. We particularly love the roast beef, which is perfectly pink in the middle, served atop crispy roasties, carrots, cabbage, and a big yorkie. Booking is essential as they are a very popular place for Sunday dining. 4. Brownie Croissant from Pettigrew Bakeries Family-run Pettigrew Bakeries recently opened a shop in the swish suburb of Rhiwbina (Image: Wales Online ) Family-run Pettigrew Bakeries recently opened a shop in the swish suburb of Rhiwbina, which The Times recently named one of the top 25 places to live in the UK. The new bakery sells a range of freshly-baked goods, including a brownie croissant stuffed with chunks of gooey brownie, which gives a satisfying sugar high. Pair with a brew and start your day right. 5. Cornish Kern from Tŷ Caws Content cannot be displayed without consent Located within the historic Castle Arcade, the new Tŷ Caws offers a range of lush British cheeses, accompaniments, and gift hamper boxes. The award-winning cheesemonger now has a decadent cheese bar that's open throughout the day and on select evenings. The bar offers a range of cheese and charcuterie plates to eat in with wines and beers by the glass, and you can also build your own cheese plate. Lush! We love the Cornish Kern described by Tŷ Caws as "Comte meets Gouda style Cornish Kern". Kern is longer-matured (16 months), more dense in texture and much more intense than Yarg and definitely deserves a spot on your cheese plate. 6. Tacos from Bearded Tacos The Bearded Taco are a local favourite (Image: Wales Online ) The Bearded Taco, a Mexican food van run by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Sian Miguel and Jake Barham, has made a splash on the Cardiff street food scene and has since found a permanent home in Cardiff Market. Their award-winning tacos are crafted from freshly made corn tortillas and burst with creative fillings such as avocado topped with lemon, agave slaw, and pollo pibil. Our current favourite is the Tacos Vampiros special, a crispy tortilla loaded with chipotle crema, creamy guac, and coriander, served with your choice of pork, chicken, or tempura avocado. 7. Turkish eggs from KIN+ILK (Image: Portia Jones ) KIN+ILK Pontcanna site is a stark and stripped-back bit of Scandi cool, smack bang in the tree-lined 'burbs of Pontcanna. There's plenty of outdoor seating here too, giving this uber-hip café a real 'European neighbourhood' feel. Try the delicious Turkish eggs, cooked to runny perfection and slathered in creamy, garlic yoghurt and burnt chilli butter for a filling breakfast. Add a few slices of bacon for good measure. Article continues below
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Wales Online
Welsh coastal walk with wildlife, sandy beaches and a lush seaside cafe at the end
Welsh coastal walk with wildlife, sandy beaches and a lush seaside cafe at the end This lush coastal walk passes shipwrecks, rare orchids, and some of northern Europe's highest dunes Follow the path for a lovely walk (Image: Portia Jones ) What could be better than a lovely seaside stroll with a cafe with a view at the end? If you're looking for a new coastal walk, why not head down to the Bridgend coastline on the waymarked Wales Coast Path. Along the way, you'll spot local wildlife, traverse sandy bays and find a swish cafe with an ocean panorama. The lovely three-mile walk between Kenfig Nature Reserve and Rest Bay passes shipwrecks, rare orchids, and some of northern Europe's highest dunes. It's a linear walk that ends with a cafe stop at the Rest Bay Cafe, where you can have a brew with a view or a cheeky glass of wine overlooking the sea. It's a relatively straightforward stroll along the coast, but you can also download the All Trails app for guidance. Begin your walk at the Kenfig Nature Reserve, one of Wales' top sand-dune reserves and rich in wildlife. Located near Porthcawl, the reserve was once home to one of the sixth most significant towns in Glamorgan, but now makes up part of the most extensive active dune system in Europe and features a diverse range of plants, animals and birds, attracting bird watchers and walkers from across Wales. Sunset at Kenfig National Nature Reserve is a special place to be (Image: Getty Images/500px Prime ) Article continues below The land was designated a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 1989 and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 2003. These designations help to protect rare habitats and species, such as the Fen Orchid, which is found here and at only two other sites in Wales. Today, the 1,300-acre site is home to a Reserve Centre, Hyde Out Cafe, and is a convenient hopping-on point for the Bridgend Coast Path and for reaching the remote Skeer Beach. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . You can follow the signposts (Image: Portia Jones ) On the edge of the reserve sits Glamorgan's largest natural lake, Kenfig Pool. Although some may be disappointed it's not open for wild swimming (boooo), the lake provides the perfect place for bird watchers with bird hides around the lake. Just remember to bring your binoculars. Pop into the visitor centre for information on the route, and then follow the signposts towards Skeer Beach. This vast sandy expanse is worth visiting for a spot of solitude. After grabbing coffee and cake from The Hyde Out Cafe, I followed the waymarked trail towards Sker Beach (Image: Portia Jones ) Once you're on the right path—and don't worry, the cheerful yellow arrows will keep you on the right track- you meander through a peaceful conservation area and along a sandy trail that eventually spills onto the shore. Now, the sand paths that twist between the dunes? Absolute ankle workouts as you navigate the shifting sands. Still, it's all part of the charm. As you slowly trekked along the golden sands, look for resident gannets, skuas, storm petrels, and roseate terns. Step down the pebble bank and you'll be on firm sand that seemed to go on for miles. To your left is a rocky headland, and to your right, the steelworks loom in the distance, giving a Blade Runner vibe. Eventually, I could hear the sea as I plodded towards the unmistakable sound of the ocean (Image: Portia Jones ) In 1947, Skeer was the scene of a famous shipwreck, when the steamer Samtampa was driven onto the rocks by a storm with the loss of the entire crew. At Sker Point, you can take a short detour from the path for a closer look at Sker House. It inspired R.D. Blackmore's novel The Maid of Sker, which is said to be haunted by ghosts. Keep following the well-marked path and head towards Pink Bay beach. The rocks at the top of the beach have a unique pink marbling effect in a certain light, hence the name Pink Bay. Time your walk right and you might see surfers at sunset (Image: Mark Lewis ) It's a rural beach, so you won't find a cafe or toilets, but Rest Bay isn't too far away and has plenty of amenities. A monument to the crew of the Mumbles Lifeboat and the SS Samtampa – a 7,000-ton wrecked steamship - is also visible at low tide on nearby Sker Point. It's a straightforward walk along the coastline (Image: Portia Jones ) Keep walking alongside the golf course (watch out for flying balls), and eventually, Rest Bay should come into view. Rest Bay is a super popular beach for walking, surfing, family beach days, and cold-water dips. The Watersports Centre is the home of Porthcawl Surf School and the training centre for lifeguards, surfing trainers and the Welsh Coast Surf Club. Rest Bay is a super popular beach for walking, surfing, family beach days, and cold-water dips. (Image: Portia Jones ) It's here you'll find the glass-fronted Rest Bay Cafe Bar, with a commanding position over the shoreline. Sit on the balcony with a brew or a wine and watch the waves roll in. Hungry? Breakfast is served until 11:30 and includes' Eggs Surfer'—poached eggs, granary toast, guacamole and salsa, pancake stacks, and granola bowls. For lunch, there are sandwiches, jacket potatoes, burgers and more. There's also a sea-facing ground-floor kiosk for drinks and snacks on the go. The view from the Rest Bay Café Bar is fabulous (Image: Portia Jones ) At this point, you can continue onwards to Porthcawl town centre or meander back to Kenfig Nature Reserve the same way you came, making the walk around six miles in total. Thanks to signposts and relatively flat terrain, this is an ideal walk for the kids or for anyone who wants to get their steps in while admiring an ocean view. Need to know Start Point: The walk to Sker Beach begins at Kenfig National Nature Reserve, a 1,300-acre dune system near Porthcawl. Here, there's parking (charges apply), a visitor centre, loos, and The Hyde Out Café for a pre-walk caffeine fix or post-walk treat. Article continues below Getting There: Pop Kenfig National Nature Reserve into your satnav (postcode: CF33 4PT). It's signposted from the A48 and M4 (Junction 37). The nearest train station is Pyle, roughly 2.5 miles away, and there are local buses to Kenfig Village
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
The coastal coffee shop with a lush sea view and the best brownies
The coastal coffee shop with a lush sea view and the best brownies There's nothing quite like a brew with a view Bag a seat at their lovely outdoor coffee shop (Image: Portia Jones ) There's nothing quite like a brew with a view, and at the outdoor Tide cafe at Halen Môn, you'll be treated to fabulous views of the Menai Strait while nursing a coffee. Anglesey's Halen Môn is best known for its award-winning sea salt, hand-harvested from the pristine waters of the Irish Sea. Those glistening flavour flakes elevate everything from Michelin-starred scallops to your mate's overly ambitious sourdough. Their salt is so pure and perfect that it frankly makes mere table salt look like it should be banned under the Geneva Convention. Alison and David Lea-Wilson, the husband-and-wife team behind the successful brand, put it down to their secret weapon: the pristine waters of the Menai Strait, as the area provides perfect conditions for sea salt harvesting. Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt has worldwide fans (Image: Arwyn Roberts ) Article continues below The result is some of the world's finest flake sea salt, enjoyed worldwide by chefs, food lovers, and even Barack Obama. It's been served at the London 2012 Olympics, political summits and royal weddings and is a vital ingredient in Green & Black's chocolate and Piper's Crisps. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . Anglesey's Halen Môn is best known for its award-winning sea salt, hand-harvested from the pristine waters of the Irish Sea. (Image: KIRAN RIDLEY 2011 ) Learn more about their salty offerings on a factory tour at their award-winning Saltcote and Visitor Centre. Led by a trained guide, the informative tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and finishes with a tutored salt tasting. After your tour, bag a seat at their lovely outdoor coffee shop. Here, you'll be treated to an incredible panoramic view of Eryri and the Menai Strait and cakes infused with their sea salt. It's worth noting that you don't have to go on the tour to chill with a cuppa and a cake. They also have a 'pabell' – a sturdy canopy with sides that can keep you out of the sun or rain, handy when the Welsh weather is acting up. Settle in and order a Coaltown coffee with a lush sea salt brownie (Image: Portia Jones ) The Pabell provides an additional facility for the recently expanded Wild Seaweed Bath barrels, a further investment by Halen Môn designed to attract more visitors and tourists during the year's colder months. Read my review of the wild seaweed baths here. Article continues below Settle in and order a Coaltown coffee with a lush sea salt brownie or a toasted sesame and sea salt flapjack, an ice-cold Jin Môr and a packet of Anglesey Sea Salt crisps. Go on, spoil yourself. It's a lovely spot to chill out and enjoy gorgeous views while enjoying a tasty, sweet treat. For more information on the tours and the cafe, go to the Halen Môn website.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Wales Online
This market town has mountain biking, bookshops and some of the best food in Wales
This market town has mountain biking, bookshops and some of the best food in Wales This historic hotspot is packed with indie shops, biking trails and is home to the only restaurant in Wales with two Michelin stars. While many small UK towns have succumbed to chain stores and bland shopping options, this quirky town has plenty of independent shops and cafes to explore (Image: Portia Jones ) The Market town of Machynlleth, affectionately known as "Mach" to locals, is a historic hotspot packed with indie shops, forested biking trails and is home to the only restaurant in Wales with two Michelin stars, Ynyshir. Located in the Dyfi Valley, this small, forward-thinking town was formally the seat of Owain Glyndŵr's Welsh Parliament in 1404 and is often cited as the "ancient capital of ales." It also holds the accolade of being one of only two UNESCO Biosphere Reserve sites in the UK. Despite its small size, Mach has an impressive number of independent retailers; you won't find a Starbucks or a Tesco here. Instead, you can buy books, clothes and antiques from local businesses and get unique items to take home. Outside of shopping, there's plenty to do and see in Mach, from outdoor pursuits to destination dining, arts, and culture. There are also some marvellous places to eat and feast on local produce. Here's why you should head to Mach for a weekend break. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Shopping clocktower on Main Street, Machynlleth Wales, Great Britain (Image: Michael Pasdzior /getty ) Article continues below One of the key attractions in Machynlleth is its array of independent shops that line Heol Maengwyn, the main street. The town prides itself on its unique, locally-owned stores, which include a variety of antique shops, bookstores, homeware shops, shoe stores, delis, and even a record store. Additionally, galleries display local Welsh art and crafts, providing a deep dive into the region's artistic heritage. The vibrant market held every Wednesday is another highlight, offering everything from local produce to handmade crafts. I love a good bookshop! (Image: Portia Jones ) Pen'rallt Gallery Bookshop, housed in a charming building, provides a wide range of new and second-hand books and regular author events and readings. Another notable shop is Corrie's Cabin, a popular destination for fishing supplies and outdoor gear. Elsewhere in town, there are independent bookstores, junk shops, and high-end antique dealers. This is the town to visit if you want to furnish your home with vintage items or classic pieces. Ayurveda Apothecary is also located on the high street, selling a range of organic face & body natural beauty products. Machynlleth fashion With a dressmaker and bespoke shoe shop, Machynlleth is the ideal place to update your wardrobe and seek a new style. The town is home to the Original Shandals Co. and RED (Ruth Emily Davey) Shoes, known for their carefully crafted footwear. Ruth's charming shoe shop is located on the main high street. Here, you can buy the world-famous 'Shandals', designed by Alan James Raddon in 1992. The unique shoes result from a creative collaboration between Alan and his former apprentice Ruth, who now owns her own brand, RED shoes. They are designed to last, be repairable after years of wear and tear, and come in vibrant colours. Nearby, you'll find Anderson Apparel, which specialises in custom apparel, clothing designs and pattern-cutting services. It's a small, quantity clothing design and manufacture company run by Christine Anderson, an award-winning qualified Designer and Pattern Cutter. They have a made-to-measure service for private clients only by appointment, so you can spoil yourself with custom-made clothes on a fun shopping trip to Machynlleth. What to do in Machynlleth The town prides itself on its unique, locally-owned stores (Image: Portia Jones ) Machynlleth also hosts several events that significantly boost its independent shopping scene. The Machynlleth Comedy Festival is held annually and attracts thousands of visitors, benefiting local businesses. During the festival, local shops and cafes report a surge in patronage, providing a vital economic boost to the town. The festival has grown significantly since its inception, featuring nearly 300 shows and drawing over 8,000 visitors a year. From comedy to culture and biking, here's what to do in Machynlleth once you've exhausted all your shopping options. Have a laugh The market town is probably best known for the famous Machynlleth Comedy Festival, which has grown year after year into one of the significant events on the UK comedy circuit and has put Mach on the entertainment map. Every year, thousands of comedy fans flock to Machynlleth for the three-day event, which some of Britain's most recognisable comedians use to try out much of their new material. Previous performers include Aisling Bea, Jon Richardson, Stewart Lee, David O'Doherty, Mark Watson, and Josh Widdicombe. Machynlleth Comedy Festival (Image: Machynlleth Comedy Festival ) Discover Modern Welsh Art at MoMA Machynlleth Home to contemporary Welsh art and culture, Machynlleth's MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) is a must-visit attraction. The museum is housed inside a converted chapel with seven galleries and an intimate concert venue. It hosts various events throughout the year, including Machynlleth Festival events, recitals for children, jazz concerts, and musical renditions. Throughout the year, MoMA exhibits an impressive array of Modern Welsh Art, featuring leading artists from Wales, works from the growing Tabernacle Collection and selected entries from the Tabernacle Art Competition. Go biking at Dyfi Bike Park World-class biking can be found on the forested trails of nearby Dyfi Bike Park. This impressive bike park results from years of hard work by the Atherton family and the local community to create diverse and challenging trails that cut through the Esgair Forest. Confident riders can buy an uplift pass for £43 and use the uplift from 10am to 4pm to explore long descents over varied terrain. Make sure to swing by their on-site cafe for a home-cooked lunch and an excellent cup of gourmet coffee. Riders take on the exciting trails at Dyfi Bike Park (Image: Portia Jones ) Attempt the Cader Idris summit at sunrise At 893 m (2,930 ft), Cader Idris is one of the highest mountains in Eryri National Park. It is a challenging trek for keen hikers who want an alternative to wildly popular Yr Wyddfa. Trek up the distinctive peak of Cader Idris in Southern Eryri just before dawn and watch as the National park is bathed in golden sunlight. There are three recommended routes to conquer Cader, all of which are pretty strenuous. So, ensure you are prepared for this adventurous hike through the dramatic ridges. If you are relatively new to hiking, why not take a guided walk up Cader Idris with adventure experts Wild Trails Wales and navigate the mountain safely? Where to eat and drink Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms (Image: Ynyshir / Instagram ) Machynlleth is on the border of Mid Wales and Southern Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) and is filled with foodie options and local produce. Whilst Southern Eryri has a stellar reputation for rugged landscapes, epic hiking trails, and adventure activities, less is known about its bountiful local produce and impressive dining options. The southern fringe of the national park offers a surprising bounty of local produce, craft gin, wild foraging opportunities, and even Michelin-starred dining. It's also home to the only UNESCO Biosphere in Wales, with its nature reserves, lowland, wet grassland, and salt marshes that provide a variety of sustainably sourced produce. Take a gastro-journey through Southern Snowdonia and feast on succulent venison loin, local samphire-infused seafood dishes and cym dyfi lamb. Try the tasting menu at Ynyshir Welsh Lamb Spare Rib (Image: Heather Birnie ) Located just outside of Mach in Eglwysfach, Ynyshir is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant with room, helmed by Chef Gareth Ward, offers an immersive dining experience that lasts several hours and features multiple courses. The menu is a playful blend of Welsh and global ingredients, meticulously crafted into dishes that are as much about the experience as the taste. The restaurant's unique approach and luxurious rural setting make it a must-visit for serious foodies. Ynyshir comprises accommodation and a destination Michelin-starred restaurant, which the Good Food Guide has named one of the country's top five restaurants. Chef Patron Gareth Ward serves a bold, self-proclaimed 'ingredient-led and flavour-driven' tasting menu. This innovative restaurant with rooms offers diners an ingredient-led and flavour-driven tasting menu, including around 30 courses. The menu is also interactive. You can touch and ask about the ingredients while watching them cook over the fire. Exquisite dishes are heavily fish—and meat-based and inspired by the locale. Gareth uses as many local and Welsh products as possible, including lamb from Aberystwyth, ducks from Fishguard, and vegetables from Anglesey. Chef Patron Gareth Ward serves a bold, self-proclaimed 'ingredient-led and flavour-driven' tasting menu. (Image: Heather Birnie ) Cafes in Mach and beyond Y Gegin Fach is a beloved local spot where you can enjoy traditional Welsh dishes in a warm, homey setting. The hearty breakfasts and comforting lunches here make it a favourite among locals and visitors. Next, take a stroll to Blasau Delicatessen in the town centre. This deli is a treasure trove of local flavours, offering a curated selection of Welsh cheeses, cured meats, and artisanal products. It's the perfect place to grab a gourmet sandwich or some treats to take home. The atmosphere is inviting, and the passion for local produce shines through in every bite. For a different foodie vibe, head to Cletwr in nearby Tre'r Ddôl. More than just a café, Cletwr serves as a community hub, offering a menu of homemade soups, cakes, and other hearty fare, all made with locally sourced ingredients. The setting is relaxed, and you'll find locals catching up over coffee or enjoying a slice of cake in this warm, welcoming space. Foraging for wild marsh samphire at Dyfi Estuary Dyfi Estuary, with the expansive and golden sands of Ynyslas Beach at its mouth, provides a unique habitat for wildlife and plants. The River Dyfi catchment area is unique in Wales, having been designated a Biosphere by the United Nations 'Man and Biosphere' programme. In the spring, the salt marshes are awash with sea pink, whilst marsh samphire and sea aster can also be seen in summer. It's a relatively serene spot for wild foraging for wild marsh samphire, with a crisp texture and salty taste that works well with seafood and pasta dishes. Several cafes and restaurants in Southern Snowdonia utilise this bright green sea bounty in their fish dishes to add colour and crunch. To forage the samphire yourself, pinch or use scissors to snip the tips of the stems, leaving the tough, yellow lower stalks intact. Clean and lightly steam the samphire before serving with butter atop seafood dishes. Ynyslas Beach is a beautiful place for wild foraging (Image: Portia Jones ) Go gin tasting at Dyfi Gin Corris Craft Centre is a unique collection of nine individual craft studios where visitors can purchase food, drink, crafts and gifts from talented producers and designers. It's also home to Dyfi Distillery, which creates premium Welsh gins - Dyfi Gin. The multi-award-winning gins are perfectly crafted with wild Welsh foraged botanicals. Pollination Gin is one of the few gins in the world produced from mostly foraged botanical ingredients and has a very reasonable price point. You'll find the former slate village of the same name near the craft centre, the Centre for Alternative Technology, King Arthur's Labyrinth, and the narrow-gauge Corris Railway and Museum. Article continues below
