The Cutest Cafe in Cardiff ¦ Alice Phillips

Living in Cardiff, one of the first things you realise is that there are plenty of sweet little coffee shops to snug up in and cute unique places to eat. However, I definitely think I've found my new favourite cafe to snug up in on a weekend: Barker Tea House. 

After FINALLY finishing my exam season at uni, I allowed myself to be a lady of leisure for the day, and go lunching with my favourite gal pals before hitting the shops for a bit of a spending spree. My friend Lucy has been here before and raved about both the food and the drinks, so she took us along so that we could see what all the fuss was about ourselves - and I'm so glad that she did.

As Barker Tea House is in the High Street Arcade in the centre, it's a spot that's slightly hidden and also protected a bit from the winter winds outside (but even the seats outside still had blankets on to keep you warm, how cute?!), yet despite this it was still fairly busy when we went in and I'm not surprised! Filled with big cosy armchairs and sofas with a shabby chic interior, it really is such a pretty spot and it feels so cosy. Candles on all of the tables, and really unique touches that make the difference.

[I think the lipstick mark has ruined the picture slightly!]

Although they have quite a large list of hot chocolates and fancy teas, I opted for the cafetiere coffee because it is one of those little luxuries that I miss from being at home. What I found was a particularly nice touch is that you get your own individual components for everything - a personal cafetiere, a mini glass bottle of milk, and obviously the charming little missmatched cup and saucers to drink from.

[Lucy and her Goats Cheese and Tomato Panini. It had a much better description than that, but I really can't remember!]

The menu for Barker Tea house really isn't that exhaustive, but for me that's really okay because what they do serve is absolutely amazing. Their afternoon tea option is (I think, but don't quote me on this) what they're known for, and they have a really nice selection of cakes on the counter to choose from along with a small breakfast menu (served until 12pm) and a list of salads. However, we all chose to opt for the paninis, which come on their own but are absolutely jam packed with delicious fillings and served on fabulous herbed bread. 

[My Bacon, Brie and Cranberry Panini. It looks small, but it was super-packed and so filling! Delish!]

Lucy had I think the Goats cheese and sunblushed tomato panini, whilst me and the other two girls all got the bacon, brie and cranberry. Absolutely delicious! All came with a really nice tangy chutney too which was super nice with all of the paninis.

We ended up staying and chatting for at least two hours whilst lounging in their comfy chairs and grazing on our food. It was really so nice, and the atmosphere was just so relaxed and homely. On their Facebook the Barker Tea house has been rated with so many five star views, and I'd definitely give it that too!

After lunching, I went on a massive spree and spent way too much money, both on clothes and makeup, so keep a look out for my next post on all the fabby things I picked up.

Go and check out Barker Tea house, its such a lovely place that you're guaranteed to love it!

Alice x

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