A Cafe for Vegan struggles
Speaking as a vegetarian, I have always admired vegans. Their struggle to find suitable places to eat must be incredibly stressful. Staple “Mediterranean pastas” or hummus bowls, which are often the only vegan options at many restaurants, must get so boring. So, it must be such a relief when a fully vegan cafe, offering a packed, changing menu of over ten different dishes, opens. Well fellow Cardiff-ians, let me introduce you to the Oat and Bean.
Fairly new to the block but in a perfect spot for a quick coffee walking back from a lecture, Oat and Bean has become a little safe haven across from Cardiff Museum for many. You can escape the hustle and bustle of the main road as you enter their doors, which makes it perfect for those who struggle with loud rooms. Or, if you are like me and cannot, for the life of you, hear someone sitting right next to you in busy places, this place provides a vibrant, easy-to-talk-in atmosphere.
However, you are not completely displaced from your surroundings, as their large windows provide lots of light, and bountiful opportunities for people watching. What’s more, the cafe itself is spacious, allowing for you to claim your study spot. You won’t have to fight off people who are breaching into your personal space when trying to revise (and procrastinate).
However, the Oat and Bean has to be applauded the most for their food and drink range. Firstly, you can have either oat, coconut or soya milk, for any of the traditional coffees, teas, matchas and hot chocolates – all for the same price (finally).
Secondly, their specials beat any chain brand out there. On my visit, a hazelnut mushroom mocha and cherry maca matcha were splashed across their menu, alongside blueberry banana and mango coconut smoothies. Thirdly, and finally, they have a range of non-traditional cold drinks like cloudy lemonade and kombucha. It was a breath of fresh air seeing a cafe menu with different options for once and someone who doesn’t like coffee.
Now let’s discuss food.
Toasted banana bread with coconut yogurt, almonds and maple syrup.
Protein pancakes with vegan bacon and maple syrup or fruit and cream.
Filled croissants with either cheese and tomato or mushrooms and hollandaise.
And that was just on their standing menu.
Their cake counter was full of cinder toffee brownies, chocolate orange cake, pecan pies and cookies that I kid you not, were the size of my head. Considering that they provide this (and so much more) as a vegan establishment is honestly outstanding. It was, and constantly is, a bakers delight.
And I know there is a stereotype when it comes to vegan establishments. But let me ensure you that nothing tastes like grass. There is no vegan propaganda forced upon you. You aren’t forced to confront your lifestyle at any point. If you were to remove “vegan” from their title, it would stand up as an outstanding place.
I would recommend this place to anyone, as it surpasses many cafes I have been to in the past. The staff are incredibly approachable, the place is always clean; it isn’t noisy, nor stuffy. It is honestly just a pure place, with incredible food, and it is doing its part to reduce its cardon footprint.
I would even say that you could bring that one relative who is adamantly anti-vegan to it and they would never know.
My ratings
Price 4/5
Food and Drink 5/5
Area 5/5
Atmosphere 4/5
Service 5/5
Words by Ellen Hollingshurst (@a_bakingmess)
Changing it up
First off, the vibe. It’s got that perfect balance of cozy and spacious – ideal if you’re meeting a friend or just want to escape the city hustle with a good book. Bonus: no fighting over plug sockets if you’re working and it’s so close to Uni as well. It really feels friendly inside, not hassling at all but always a nice buzz of chat.
The food? Stunning. Even if you’re not vegan, like me, you’ll be impressed. The banana bread was insane, I’ve had dreams about it. And it came with coconut milk and almonds. The best. I wouldn’t call myself a coffee snob, but coffee specific and the London Fog coffee met the mark without fail. I didn’t have it, but I cannot wait to try the nachos because they looked incredible too.
I am not vegan like I said earlier but this should not put you off at all. I ‘sampled’ my friend’s croissant, for science obviously, and I don’t think I could tell the difference between that croissant and a full butter one. I will also say I desperately want to become an alternative milk girlie and Oat and Bean might have set me on my way.
Ratings:
Price 4/5
Food and Drink 4/5
Area 3/5
Atmosphere 3/5
Service 5/5
Words by Poppy Adams (@_poppyspantry)
For more information make sure to check out the Oat and Bean on instagram: @oat.and.bean