Against The Grain
Owners of Against The Grain, Chris and Frazer, have always been passionate about good food and drink. They dreamt about taking this forward as a professional venture, but the opportunity never arose. So Chris pursued his career as a Doctor and Frazer as a Team Manager in the energy service sector.
Chris was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease in 2018, finding it hard to find safe gluten-free options when eating out. Frazer took voluntary redundancy and together, started planning Against the Grain. They wanted to open a coffee shop serving high-quality, gluten-free brunch and cake alongside ethical and sustainable coffee. In the past two years, they have done just that in the heart of Whitchurch, establishing great customer relationships and expanding their services by opening a second kitchen, allowing them to cater to custom orders like afternoon teas. Against The Grain has many aspirations, but its ethos is to keep the personal independent feel of the business.
For more information, visit the website here
JamesMakesBrynsh
Born from the desire to provide an affordable and convenient alternative to dining out, JamesMakesBrynsh emerged with the vision of delivering restaurant-quality food to people’s doors. Founded by a new dad who understood the challenges of dining with a family, the business offers top-quality, pre-prepared meals with advance booking to minimise waste and keep prices low.
With a background in Food Science and Technology, James crafts unique dishes by blending international flavours, featuring monthly rotating menus. Operating from a domestic kitchen, JamesMakesBrynsh recently achieved a 5-star Food Hygiene rating. After a successful pop-up at TwentySix in Canton, James is gearing up for exciting collaborations with independent businesses in 2024, teasing a big announcement on the horizon.
For more information, visit @jamesmakesbrynsh on Instagram
The Heathcock
Acquiring the Grade II building in 2018, The Heathcock team transformed it into a Llandaff cornerstone over the past 5 years. Offering a beer garden, B&B rooms and an upstairs bar, it’s become a vital part of the community. Post-pandemic, a Welsh government grant led to a bakery near their Cowbridge pub, now expanded to an industrial unit in Aberthin.
With increased baking capacity, the team will replicate their Hare & Hounds Bakery success in Llandaff. Operating seven days a week, the bakery and cafe on Llandaff High Street plan to provide freshly baked goods, local coffee and a deli section. Offering a warm atmosphere akin to The Heathcock, locals can buy produce used in the pub, enjoy hot food options and contribute to sustainability. The venture aims to enhance the Llandaff community with a cosy bakery and cafe experience.
For more information, visit: https://heathcockcardiff.com/
Coffee Spot Cardiff
Nestled discreetly on Barrack Lane, Coffee Spot is a hidden gem in our city. This European-style café offers a concise menu featuring various cakes and cookies, along with fresh pastries delivered every other day from Pettigrew Bakeries. With no time restrictions, patrons are encouraged to linger and savour the welcoming ambience, making it an ideal spot for students and book enthusiasts.
In a meaningful partnership with Autistic Minds charity, Coffee Spot hosts a coffee morning every other Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm, specifically for Neurodiverse adults. This initiative has been a tremendous success, providing a platform for speakers from Autistic Minds to share their stories and fostering a welcoming social atmosphere.
For more information, visit @coffee_spot_cardiff on Instagram
Karakchaii Cardiff
Located on City Road, Karakchaii stands as the go-to destination for Indian-style street food and award-winning Chaii. Catering to diverse tastes, their menu features piping hot fried snacks, nutritious vegetarian options and a trio of All-Day Desi Breakfasts, among other delights. From the popular Bombay Sandwich to the mouth-watering Biscoff Milk Cake, there’s something for everyone.
Celebrating the unique flavours and textures found at Indian street food stalls, Karakchaii brings the essence of chaat, samosa, Thaali, Daal, and Paratha to Cardiff. Karakchaii prides itself on being an affordable, family-friendly restaurant dedicated to serving exceptional flavour and quality. Whether you’re seeking a mid-afternoon energy boost or a dinner outing, immerse yourself in their stunning interiors, desi-style street food and award-winning Chaii.
For more information, visit: https://karakchaii.co.uk/
