Cafe curiosity
I’ve heard the rumours. I’ve seen the photos. And I know about the awards. Yet I still can’t explain why I haven’t been to Pettigrew bakeries yet. Maybe it was out of fear that I would be disappointed after hearing all of the comments about this cafe. But I’m so glad I did go in the end- even if I had to fight through St David’s day crowds.
I opted to visit the castle arcade to review the artisanal food and coffees on the side – which is a secret tucked away across the road from the capital’s landmark. It’s the smallest place I’ve visited to review, which I will admit wasn’t within my comfort zone. So if you’re looking for a place for some time for yourself I would recommend getting a take out instead of eating in.
However, pushing past this, I have to admire the place for the comfortable environment it generates. The people sitting in are chatty but the place isn’t overwhelmingly noisy. The tables are close together but turn over is quick so you don’t have to worry about the crowds for long. The place is tidy, with quick cleaning so that you don’t have to sit with someone else’s plate.
Defining my visit though has to be the hospitality – though the pastry didn’t hurt either. Welcoming smiles, and providing advice when I couldn’t make up my mind on what to choose. Super quick service, with a little small talk that made me feel so much better. Such treatment meant my visit was so much better, and honestly removed some of my stress about being surrounded by strangers.
Now the real deets. Food. Not going to lie, I had been debating what to order for about a week before visiting, and still couldn’t decide on the day! Thanks to the handy staff though I tried my first pain au suisse which was heavenly. I was gutted when I finished it, almost tempted to order another – but by then they had sold out! Which is something you have to watch out for if you want to visit. They sell out quick. If you want to get something specific either order beforehand or get in early.
Indeed, I loved this place, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a study break. Definitely a place for a post run bun, or a 30 minute quick catch up with your friends. Even better if you order to go and enjoy the food in the sunshine that’s peaking through. What’s more you can get yourself a loaf of sourdough to enjoy at home if you want.
How would I sum up the cafe: a traditional bakery serving up the best traditional pastries, artisanal breads, cutest coffee and one of the best atmospheres around.
Price 3/5
Food and Drink 5/5
Location 3/5
Atmosphere 3/5
Service 5/5
Words by Ellen Hollingshurst (@a_bakingmess)
Pastries over Coffee
Pettigrew will always have a special place in my heart, and when Ellen suggested we have our March Cafe Review here, I thought no better place. I love an independent cafe, it sits well in my soul. An independent cafe chain in Cardiff, just more love to go around. It’s become a favourite place to take my parents when they visit, and a great pre-rugby coffee. It really is an ‘I know a place’ place.
Pettigrew as very nice coffee, but it’s not something to write home about. I write home frequently about pastries though. They’re everything you want in life, and more. My favourite is the almond croissant, but the pain suisse isn’t far behind (to the un-initiated it’s the fat man’s pain au chocolate). You’d better be fast though, Castle Arcade sells out quickly, especially on a weekend morning.
I will say though the pastries are only 70% of why Pettigrew has such as soft spot in my heart. The other 30% is because the Roath Garage is on the way to my nail technician’s house. And there’s nothing better in the world than spending 10 minutes sat in the Garage before, and just people watching. Especially because it lets me think of a time, a time beyond dissertations and coursework, where I get to go to my local bakery for some sourdough, a couple of pastries and a coffee.
Price 3/5
Food and Drink 5/5
Location 5/5
Atmosphere 5/5
Service 4/5
Words by Poppy Adams (@_poppyspantry)
For more information about Pettigrew Bakeries, please visit their website and instagram (@pettigrewbakes) and their sister establishment Pettigrew Tearoom’s (@pettigrewtea) website.