Sunflower and I

Another amazing find in Cardiff Bay thanks to GourmetGorro’s blog, “Sunflower and I” is an old bank branch office in Mount Stuart Square which has been lovingly converted into a combination flower shop and coffee shop which also hosts ad hoc opera/cabaret events.

The interior is an Aladdin’s Cave of bric-a-brac, chandeliers, beer pumps, paintings and sketches and all sorts of wonders.

When we arrived the owner was in the middle of prepping flowers for a wedding but he broke off to prepare our food and then chatted with us for ages about life, love and Kaiser Rolls – of which we had two (ham and cheese salad variety – lovingly made in a local Polish bakery).
We also shared Sponge Omelet – which sounds dodgy but was aaaaamazing. Folded light-as-air sponge filled with vanilla custard and cherry jam.

Sat in a cosy corner we absolutely loved our post-run coffee, brunch and chat with the owner.

Another fab indie cafe for the bay and an utter delight.
We’re looking forward to going back already.

The Deck – Cardiff Bay

We went for a run in Cardiff Bay on Sunday and then spoiled ourselves with lunch in The Deck – a little cafe serving meals, cake and coffee tucked away on  Harrowby Street just off the old main drag.
Upstairs is what appears to be a quirky coffee indy coffee shop:

But hidden downstairs is a secret little Forties world. When you go you’ll know how Nicholas Lyndhurst’s character must have felt in “Goodnight Sweetheart” stepping back in time. There’s bunting on the ceiling and chintz wallpaper.  Big band music plays, sounding like the aural equivalent of a warm blanket.

Tiered plates of cup cakes are served up with pots of teas of all types while Noel Coward and Vera Lynn warble away in the background about London town.
We ordered a couple of omelettes with various filings but we could have gone for one of the all-day breakfasts, or chosen from the selection of sandwiches and salads. The mains are simple but always freshly prepared and cooked, generous and tasty – just what you need after a run.

But what they really excell at in The Deck are cakes. The do all sorts of cup cakes and brownies and cookies , all home made. Fabulous – and just right to accompany the excellent coffee:

It’s one of our favorite places to eat in Cardiff and we go there whenever we get the chance.
Highly recommended.