The Cafe with the Brownie
I am seemingly on a mission to find brownies at the moment, craving a fudgy mouthful of chocolate that melts on the the tongue. Upon visiting a little cafe tucked away in Cathays, my heart skipped a beat at the sight of a slab of chocolate heaven- that was their truffle brownie. So, I knew this cafe review was going to be good.
But I’m getting ahead of myself- let’s start from the beginning. There are several things you should know: the day I decided to review Siblings, it happened to be freezing cold. I was stumbling around with my head stuck in my scarf, searching for this beautiful little instagrammable cafe. It felt like it was in the middle of nowhere. And so, the mystery starts. Upon finding the cafe, whose windows were steamed up thanks to the cold, the mystery heightened.
As soon as I walked in, I was met with the loveliest of greetings. Small but cwtchy, walls decked in wine bottles, and a counter lined with in-house baked goods. Admittedly, I only had five seconds to take this in before my glasses steamed up, but I was so glad to be out of the cold that I could not care less.
Next, I took a seat, an then, dear reader, we return to the brownie. I honestly would have been happy with any of the treats- snickerdoodle, gingerbread, pecan blondie, vegan banana bread or mince pie- but the brownie… However, I did ask to make sure I got to taste the best the cafe had to offer. I was duly told that the brownie was the one that keeps people coming back for more. Ticked my box, so I ordered one then and there, with a pot of tea as well because I’m tea obsessed.
The cutest little teapot turned up- enough for one cup, but with a free second refill to make sure the tea did not over-brew. Clever. A cup of water that was constantly refilled throughout my stay was also placed next to me before THE BROWNIE turned up. And I tip my hat to the baker who created it. I personally think it could fight my own recipe, so might have to go back and take notes. Sprinkled in salt, crinkle top, FUDGY middle – it was just perfect. Plus, with every slice you are bound to get a bit of the edge and a bit of the middle.
My martyring of these brownies will stop for now, but must insist you go try it immediately.
My whole stay was perfect, as the room filled with the smells of toast every so often alongside the freshly brewed speciality coffee beans. The staff were super welcoming and quick when it came to tidying up. Service was perfect, which just polished off my visit.
Should you go, yes. I would highly recommend it for a chat with your friends, or some time out of university stress. And if you want to be a bit more sophisticated, try booking on one of their wine-tasting evenings – I heard there is sometimes a basque cheesecake and I immediately want to try.
Price 4/5
Food and Drink 5/5 (if I could give more it would)
Location 3/5
Atmosphere 5/5
Service 5/5
Words by Ellen Hollingshurst (@a_bakingmess)
Do Siblings work well together?
Heralded by many reviewers as some of the best coffee in the UK, Siblings will always have a special place in my heart. Before I went, it was described to me as a boujie-r version of another beloved Cardiff coffee chain, and I cannot fault that description. Nor can I fault their coffee. My favourite order? A macchiato and a cookie before or after a walk around Roath Park with my friends.
I think when I first heard of it I was like what an odd name, Siblings? But it makes sense seeing as the owners Georgie and Will are actually siblings. And I have to hand it to them for opening a cafe with their actual sibling, because I will never ever, ever, ever, want to do that with my brothers- unless my plan was to eventually commit some sort of crime of aggression. But because they are family, I think it gives the cafe such a homey feel, they have managed to make it work in their favour.
The fact that it is slightly off the main road makes it feel even better, giving it the ‘I know a place’ points everyone loves to have. Believe me when I say I am looking for an excuse to go to their late openings as a wine bar with small plates. I will let you know how it goes!
Price 4/5
Food and drink 5/5
Area 4/5
Atmosphere 5/5
Service 5/5
Words by Poppy Adams (@_poppyspantry)
Please go check out Sibling’s instagram and website for their events and wine evenings.