I run past Quantum every Saturday on my way out to the bay, and it’s caught my eye every time. The colour is stunning, the logo is chic and the unlit interior (my own fault for running so early) had peaked my interest in the place. So on a very sunny day, I took myself down in the daytime to have a look at the cafe which has made me so curious.
You’ll be glad to hear that the blue exterior and aesthetic frontage spreads indoors. But what honesty amazed me the most was how big it was. Those windows were concealing what has to be biggest cafe I’ve visited in Cardiff. With plenty of space around tables, a range of seating options and its own little coffee shop near the back, it really shocked me. For someone desiring a bit more personal space, this was perfect. However, if you want to study, make sure your computer is fully charged because there are no charging ports.
Now on my little Instagram stalk that I undertook before I visited, I noticed that served toasties. And let me tell you, that all I could think about in the days leading up to it. I missed the grilled gooeyness that was a good homemade toastie – and none of this grilled cheese, I mean something that was made in a panini press. So after kindly looking over the countertop baked goods, one of their mozzarella, pesto and tomato toasties were ordered.
Did it live up to my expectations. Alas no… I will take some blame for hyping up the sandwich in my head, but I didn’t get what I was expecting. Not to say it wasn’t nice, but it wasn’t what I had seen on their instagram. If anything, it was sadly a pre-made packaged sandwich placed in a little heater. in a want to not sound snobby, it was good, and it did bid off a bit of my cravings, but nothing spectacular. And a similar thing would be said about the counter goods- they looked good but didn’t match what I wanted.
This might have been influenced by the service I received though. Let’s just say, I don’t think I caught the baristas on a good day. Contrastingly, the owners were incredibly polite and gracious that we wanted to review them – another reason I was super excited to go, since we at quench food rarely get to speak to the cafes owners. But their attitude was a striking difference to their staff who didn’t really say anything to me.
I will say their ethos surrounding their coffee is beautiful. Supporting female coffee growers with their unique blends, and selling these grounds in their little shop behind the cafe, it gives off sustainability vibes. And I think if you’re a coffee lover you will really enjoy it! Alas, I am a tea drinking girl- so it wasn’t 100% my cup of joe.
I would still absolutely recommend going. I think I had worked myself up a bit too much about the place- my own Achilles heel. And I probably am not the expected clientele as a tea loving, study heavy, solo dining person. Still a pleasurable time, just not standing out for me.
Price 5/5
Food and Drink 2/5
Location 4/5
Atmosphere 4/5
Service 2/5
Words by Ellen Hollingshurst (@a_bakingmess)
For more information about Quantum please have a look at their website and instagram (@quantumroasters)