From the 19th century, Italian immigrants brewed up the black stuff in towns across the country. Fast forward to the 1930s and National Milk Bars brought frothy coffees and espresso evenings to a hip generation. Today you can enjoy coffee all over Wales.
Verdi's
Keeping the Italian tradition alive, Swansea Bay staple Verdi’s has been serving up caffeine hits for decades. A focal point of the chic seaside community of Mumbles, this family-run cafe has great views over one of West Wales’ busiest beaches. If the sugar in your coffee isn’t sweet enough, you could create hundreds of different ice cream sundaes with all of the combinations available. Knab Rock, Mumbles.
Coaltown Coffee
Head to Coaltown Coffee in Ammanford for freshly roasted coffee. The town that once was a producer of black gold, coal, is now producing a new black gold, coffee. The award winning speciality coffee roaster also supply coffee for you to take home. Coffee on the go is also available from the Roastery Expresso Bar.
The Café at Ridgeway
Stick with us, but our next tip used to be a public toilet! The Café at Ridgeway, is now a lot more glamorous, and is well recognised for its gorgeous views of Allt-yr-Yn Nature Reserve. The Newport cafe is about more than just beans. Look out for prosecco afternoon teas, pop-up street kitchens and Tapas Thursdays. Allt-yr-Yn Avenue, Newport.
Little Man Coffee
Little Man Coffee is one of Cardiff’s many coffee shops, but it’s definitely a little quirkier than the average caff. Situated above a bank vault, don’t be surprised if you stumble across a poetry reading, acoustic gig, or up-an-coming art show. The coffee shop has curated their specialty coffee selection with the help of over 25 different roasters, and the effort shows. Bridge Street, Cardiff.
Providero
Providero Tea & Coffee House in Llandudno combine ethical trading with freshly roasted speciality coffee. There’s actually two Provideros; the space on Upper Mostyn Street is known as Big Prov, while Little Prov can be found in Llandudno Junction. After all that coastal air, you’ll deserve a double stop! 112 Upper Mostyn Street, Llandudno and 148 Conway Rd, Llandudno Junction.
L's Coffee & Book Shop
There's also a double shot of L's Coffee & Book Shops. One in the picturesque walled town of Conwy, located halfway up the left hand side of the high street, and another in Llandudno Junction. L’s has a great menu of food and drink to tempt you at anytime of the day. 7 High St, Conwy and 71B Conway Rd, Llandudno Junction.
Cwtch Café
Abergavenny’s Cwtch Café has a stellar reputation among locals in the food-mad market town. The staff are very welcoming, always ready to tempt you into a home baked cake with your coffee. If you’re in for breakfast, the eggs benedict are where it’s at. 58 Cross St, Abergavenny.