Image: @hamptonspenarth
It’s no wonder our lovely city is famous as a bustling LGBTQ+ hub – from your local coffee shop or bakery to independent stores and event spaces, the Welsh capital is full of queer artists and entrepreneurs. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites below:
Let Them See Cake
Born during the pandemic – at the peak of everyone’s obsession with baking – the cake shop was an immediate success for partners Gareth Davies and Ryan Rowe, winning locals over not just with its extremely Instagrammable setting, but also with its decadent delights.
Welsh local Gareth is the mastermind behind the cakes, putting his college training as a chef, along with years of experience baking cakes with his gran for events in his local village, to good use. His masterpieces are both a pleasure to behold and a feast for the tastebuds. Ryan, meanwhile, was adopted by Cardiff when he came here to university and is currently working his magic to ensure the shop offers exceptional customer service.
Shop the range of confectioneries or book for brunch at letthemseecake.com
Pettigrew Bakeries
Run by co-founders and husbands David and Lee, this is one of the most beloved bakeries in Cardiff. Even if you don’t know the owners by name, you’d know their famous sourdough – and if you’re local, you would have probably had it with avo and poached eggs in your favourite city brunch spot.
The craft bakery is celebrating its eighth birthday this year, and talking about its amazing growth, David said: ‘Our mission has always been to make the finest and most consistent sourdough bread and pastries we can, challenging our team to innovate, grow and thrive. Crafting an inclusive and safe workspace for people to express themselves and confidently embrace their potential is the absolute key to our success. We celebrate diversity and champion excellence regardless of societal labels.’
Take a look at Pettigrew Bakeries’ tasty treats at pettigrew-bakeries.co.uk
The Hamptons Penarth
Pitched as ‘the exception, not the rule’, The Hamptons in – you guessed it – Penarth is a queer-owned shopping hub which combines a food hall with a range of gorgeous accessories, home products and furniture, as well as gifts and cards. The converted former Victorian market and meeting hall spans two floors, and it’s the perfect place to spend a rainy Saturday.
The design-led destination for all things unique in furniture and gifts also hosts shopping events and tasting days where you can get tasty free samples of the food hall’s latest offerings.
Business and life partners Andy and Peter share about being a queer-owned business on today’s Cardiff shopping scene, ‘Since opening Hamptons almost twenty years ago we have come to cherish the belief and acceptance within our local community that everyone has the right to be treated as equal. As a gay-owned business, we are proud to be part of this amazing community.’
For more details, visit Hampton’s website: hamptonspenarth.co.uk
The Flower Chapter Cardiff
Nestled in the heart of Cardiff’s bustling city centre, The Flower Chapter offers bespoke floral artistry, catering to all occasions with a unique touch of elegance. With years of industry experience, the queer-owned florist business prides itself on delivering unparalleled service and uncompromising quality in every arrangement.
From tailor-made bouquets to exquisite floral displays for special events and wedding florals, all of The Flower Chapter’s services are designed to enchant and embellish. The team’s commitment to excellence is evident in every petal and stem selected for their stunning creations. The florist also delivers across Cardiff, Penarth, Barry, and further afield.
Head over to The Flower Chapter’s website for their full list of services: theflowerchapter.co.uk
Escape Events
ESCAPE is a vibrant new gathering space created exclusively for bi and lesbian women in Cardiff. Each month, ESCAPE hosts multiple events designed to bring together women from Wales and the Borders, offering a fresh array of exciting experiences in a sector where such social activities are notably scarce.
ESCAPE’s signature event, the Supper Club, takes place once a month on a Friday evening, with each event hosted at a different locale, alternating venues between high-end dining experiences and more casual settings. The following day attendees can also enjoy the club’s monthly activity day with pursuits ranging from adventurous to serene to ensure everyone can find something for their taste.
Learn more about ESCAPE’s events and connect with like-minded women on their Facebook page: facebook.com/groups/escapeeventshq/
