Da Coffee
Locations: Tramshed Tech, Grangetown and One Central Square, Cariff city centre
About: Da Coffee, part of the Tramshed Tech community, has two vibrant locations in Cardiff. The Grangetown location, established in 2017, is nestled within the Tramshed Tech co-working space. It offers a great spot for coffee while working just a short walk from the city centre but with the Taff Trail at the end of the road, it's perfectly located for a screen break stroll in nature too. The One Central Square location, is conveniently situated near Cardiff Central Station and provides a welcoming atmosphere for commuters and office workers alike. Both locations are known for their locally sourced food and drinks, featuring Welsh suppliers like Coaltown Coffee and Alex Gooch, ensuring a taste of Wales in every cup.
Top tip: Da Coffee's One Central Square location is part of Cardiff's pioneering Refill Return Cup scheme. Borrow a reusable cup for your coffee and return it later either to Da, or to one of a network of pick-up and return points around the city listed on the Refill app.
Waterloo Tea
Locations: 5 Waterloo Gardens, Penylan; Wyndham Arcade; 190-192 Whitchurch Road; 41 Wellfield Rd
About: Waterloo Tea started off as a specialist tea cafe in Penylan, with over 50 different teas on the menu at any time. Since then, it's grown into a small local chain of teahouses, all with consistently bright decor and attention to detail when it comes to food and drink. Despite being a teahouse by name, the baristas make fantastic coffee-based drinks too. Waterloo Tea at Wyndham Arcade is also part of Cardiff's Refill Return Cup scheme.
Top tip: The chocolate and avocado cake may sound strange but it's delicious - trust us! Pair it with a pot of Meghalaya tea or a long black.
Coffee Barker
Location: 1-13 Castle Arcade
About: Inspired by Parisienne cafes and NYC's East Village coffee hubs, Coffee Barker serves generous brunches, indulgent milkshakes and big cups of coffee every day of the week. Slump into one of the armchairs for an hour or so, enjoying the eclectic decor.
Top tip: If you have a sweet tooth that stops you enjoying straight black coffee, order the Nutella latte for a creamy, sugary, hazelnut hit.
Corner Coffee
Location: 13 High Street
About: Right on the corner of High Street Arcade, the aptly named Corner Coffee slings top quality espressos and filters from guest roasters. If you know your beans, you'll love it there. It's a small but light space, with huge windows looking out onto the arcade and High Street.
Top tip: Try a signature, super-sweet Deliver Dough donut with your coffee.
Bloc
Location: Victoria Park
About: Although you wouldn't know it by looking at it, Bloc - a small brick building at the front of Victoria Park - used to be a block of toilets. Don't let that put you off, though; the transformation into a characterful, inviting pit stop in one of Cardiff's green spaces is quite something. With a focus on community and supporting fellow independent businesses, its coffees, cakes and events do good for many (including the lucky people getting to enjoy them!)
Top tip: Get a takeaway flat white and a traybake slice to enjoy on one of the park benches.
Quantum Coffee Roasters
Location: 58 Bute Street
About: The family-run Quantum Coffee Roasters is arguably the best independent coffee shop in Cardiff Bay. Quantum sources coffee from Africa, America and Asia, offering it as single origins and blends. Its house blend, Tiger Bay, is strong, full bodied and beautiful with or without milk.
Top tip: If it's a warm day, try the Nitro Brew. It's a small batch cold brew coffee, served on tap.
Hard Lines
Location: Ground Floor, St Canna Court, Cowbridge Road East
About: Hard Lines Cafe in Canton, Cardiff is a local gem known for its delicious coffee and feel-good food inspired by the rich history of Italian cafes serving a variety of coffee blends including their popular blend House Party and Canton Blend. Alongside their coffee, they serve breakfast and lunch, providing a great spot for brunch with friends.
Top tip: If you're planning to visit on the weekend, aim to get there early.
Been to all of these?
Here are some other great independent coffee shops to check out in Cardiff:
Kin+Ilk - 31 Cathedral Road; 1a Hill Street, The Hayes
Brodies - Gorsedd Gardens (cabin), Heath Park (cabin) plus Bricks 'N Mortar - 56 North Road
Rhostio - 16c Crwys Road
Sibling - 39 Lochaber Street, Roath
Little Man Coffee Co - 10 Tudor Lane (Little Man Garage)
