Brunch and coffee just got upgraded in Cardiff. Haystack Café has opened its doors to a third this September, located on Cowbridge Road East, Canton. Just a short 20 minute walk from Bute Park, I found my way to Haystack Café in order to discover what the fuss is all about.
Haystack already has two locations in South Wales, with its first opening in Swansea in 2018 followed by its opening in Merthyr Tydfil in 2024. As someone who has Welsh housemates, I had high expectations of Haystack and it did not disappoint. Since Haystack is newly opened, wait times can be up to an hour; however their online queuing system allows you lots of time to explore Canton (including the local Wetherspoons) and receive a text when your table is ready for pancakes or brunch.
The café is split into two areas: an upstairs for dining, with the coffee and cakes downstairs. The café downstairs has a broad spectrum of options for coffee, hot chocolate and plenty of seasonal matcha drinks, including toasted marshmallow iced matcha and pumpkin pie iced matcha. Currently, the downstairs is being used for brunch seating, but once the opening rush is over the cafe will transform into a perfect social space and will be available for students to bring their laptops for a few hours of study.
Haystack Café has free Wi-Fi available to use, making it an ideal location for some remote work, especially with the option of a few sweet treats. Of course the brunch menu had to be tested, as Haystack is famous for its pancakes. With various monthly specials, I opted for the classic USA pancakes with bacon, maple syrup and cinnamon butter, as well as trying their ‘tapastoast’ where you are able to choose two loaded toast flavours for £10.45, or three flavours for £14.95.
With both sweet and savoury options available, there really is a range of offerings for everyone. And if pancakes aren’t to your fancy, other options are available, such as a full breakfast, brunch burger, or traditional toast with veggie and vegan alternatives available. Portions were generous and food was delicious; although there is no student discount available, students will find the prices worthwhile...
Whilst Cardiff may not need more coffee in its city, Haystack is providing a whole new mix of innovative flavours and creations to keep up to date with the changing of the seasons. Open from 9 until 3 daily, students can quench their thirst for pancakes throughout the week and enjoy as their flavours turn festive in the coming months; the ideal excuse to escape the library and explore their cosy décor. Filled with mirrors, plates and mugs on the walls, and fairy lights, the area has a warm rustic charm making it the perfect place to get that sweet fix all students crave.
Whether you are looking for a new brunch spot with friends, or a cosy study spot, Haystack Café Cardiff is a must-visit for students looking for their next coffee kick.