Real Radio

We had Chris Moore and the team from Real Radio in the cafe on Tuesday to do a piece on how the National Lottery spends its money on good causes. We have had funding from the Lottery which has helped in all sorts of ways with the cafe (and Baltic Cafe as well) and without which we probably wouldn't be here now... they interviewed some of the staff and trainees and did a bit of filming as well, which will be broadcast from their website . The radio broadcasts should be going out next week.

Early evening opening

We are now open until 8pm on Thursday and Friday, and 12pm to 8pm on Saurdays as well, with a brand new menu for those times - burgers, steaks, tuna and salmon, chips and some new desserts too. Or if you just fancy popping in for a latte and some cake that's fine as well. We're going to develop the menu over the next few months, so we would love to hear your views on what we're doing, and any suggestions that you might have. We don't have an alcohol license, but you can bring your own wine for a modest corkage fee, and we will have the ability to take card payments soon as well.

Maker's market pictures

Next one is going to be on the 27th September; the last one went really well, Tracey transformed the cafe into an Aladdins cave of wonderful handmade crafty stuff; here's a few pictures.

Makers' Market Roadshow

There's going to be a craft fair in the cafe on Bank Holiday Monday - there'll be pottery wheels, jewellry making and all sorts of local makers displaying their wares. There will be tea and coffee available, but no food, I'm afraid. We'll be closed on the Tuesday after that, and open as usual again on Wednesday.

A small victory...

... but one that's made me very happy. If you've ever visited the cafe you will probably aware of the problem that we have with cars being parked outside on Cowbridge Road with For Sale signs in them, which stop customers and local residents from parking. After 4 (!) years of going on to various parts of Cardiff City Council, something positive has actually been done: click on the letter to make it bigger.

Lunchtime menu

Just changed the lunch menu, here's a copy of it (click on it to make it bigger). The steak baguette is a particular favourite, lovely with a bit of horseradish sauce.

Evening opening (and Saturdays!)

From the middle of September, we are going to start to open later into the evening - at first we will be serving hot food until 8pm on Thursday and Friday evenings, and from 12pm to 8pm on Saturdays (hopefully we will be able to open a bit later if we get planning permission). There's going to be a proper grown up evening menu - gourmet burgers, steaks, chips, big salads and some wonderful new desserts, with everything make from fresh ingredients as usual. There will also be some sharing platters and kids portions as well, which will make it a great venue for families looking to eat out. Menus and more details to follow shortly...

Other news: we are going to have a new chef starting any day now (he's just become a dad again so we're not rushing him!) called Adam; he's a great chef with lots of new ideas for the menu. In the meantime, try to enjoy the "summer" as best you can; if it's too wet for the beach or the park we would love to see you in the cafe.