If you're like me and sometimes you wish you were hooked up to some form of ‘coffee IV’, you too will have tried almost every cafe in the City Centre. Now more than ever, cafe popularity is skyrocketing and sometimes it is that aesthetic picture of our coffee and cake to put on our Instagram story is just that added bonus to going out to a cafe. Whether you’re going to act productive on your laptop, maybe for a nice reset with a book, or to meet up with some friends, here are some of Cardiff’s best cafes scattered across the centre:
• Scaredy Cats, Working Street, St David’s
Scaredy Cats is a short walk away from Cardiff Castle and a stone's throw away from St David's. A cosy cafe by day and a cocktail bar by night, perfect for going with friends. With a modern and open atmosphere, Scaredy Cats possesses a welcoming and friendly vibe. The establishment offers a wide array of board and card games for customers to play and enjoy at their tables, giving the place that extra piece of charm. The drinks are reasonably priced, whereas the food is more on the expensive side. However, they have a delicious lunch menu, and the portions are definitely sharable! Scaredy Cats has delicious coffee, but lucky for you non-coffee drinkers they have a wide variety of soft drinks, teas and if you’re feeling up to it even alcoholic beverages. They might even give you that extra kick you need to finish that essay in time!
• Coffee Barker, Castle Quarter Arcades
Coffee Barker is a quaint and secluded cafe hidden in the Castle Arcade just opposite the Castle grounds. Its alluring decor and delightful style hold an embracing feel for customers. Not only does it look like it could be a set in a movie, it also has a delicious menu for everyone, from breakfast to brunch to coffee to cakes, even a bottle of wine, Coffee Barker has it all. With an almost perfect rating online, Coffee Barker truly is a city favourite with their Instagram followers constantly sharing mouth-watering pictures of the deliciously great food and drinks. Whilst I must admit it is the priciest on this list, it is a great treat for a revision session on the weekend or for a catch-up with a friend. It is one of those cafes you’d see on a Pinterest board, one that is truly just so aesthetic you are scared you will mess it up.
• Uncommon Ground, Royal Arcade, Morgan Quarter
Uncommon Ground is a low-key cafe located in the Royal Arcade. A perfect coffee spot close to the JOMEC building, perfect for a quick stop or a study break. The coffee is well-priced, and they have some lovely cakes and lunch foods! Uncommon Ground has an awesome architectural design and beautifully decorated interior with loads of unique pieces from the LED lights and the teapots hanging from the ceiling. It has perfect spots to work on your essays and readings whilst enjoying the wonderful coffee they have on offer. Uncommon Ground is a great spot for students with its cosy and casual setting which allows for a chilled atmosphere to help you focus and take breaks to get the most out of the cafe experience.
Wherever you choose to go for your coffee breaks whether it be for a quick takeout whilst you’re running to a lecture or a relaxed afternoon of catching up with friends or studying, be sure to support an independent, local cafe. Cardiff’s cafes are part of the city's charm and culture and there are some wonderful spots for you coffee lovers (whether you have your favourite spot or take my advice) to enjoy the pleasures of a peaceful coffee break in some of the best places the city has to offer.