Coffee Barker — Restaurant in Wales

Was passing through town and spotted this place looking all cosy in the castle arcade, noticed they had milkshakes on the menu which was just what I needed at the time, and I didn't want to grab one from a chain restaurant, it's still important to support your locals!

Covid restrictions in place, as I waited outside to be seen I noticed it looked like they were closing down for the evening so when the guy came out and I asked, he said that they were closing in ten minutes which was a shame as I'd have liked to sit inside, it looked really lovely in there, all warm and serene. He asked if I was just wanting a drink, so I mentioned the milkshake and asked if I could takeaway, which they do luckily. I ordered a small chocolate shake and he went back inside to sort for me. It was very kind of them to do so given that they were trying to close, he didn't have too. Only took a couple of minutes and he was back with my takeaway cup and payment machine - contactless payments accepted here.

The milkshake itself was delish, it was the middle ground between a runny milk and a thick shake, perfect. It was very chocolatey without being too sweet, and it was nice and frothy from being whizzed up. A nice little treat to see me walking home back from town.

Looking at the menu while I waited, you might say that they're a bit more pricey than other establishments, but if the rest of their food and drinks are anything like just the small milkshake I had, then it's totally worth it. And their customer service is obviously...

I've been a regular customer at a coffee shop connected to Rum & Fizz Bar, frequently visiting to do work in a quiet environment. I usually order a chai latte with two shots of espresso and have consistently made purchases on every visit. Over the past three weeks alone, I’ve spent over £200 at this venue within a 3 week period and over over 1k 12 months period, and filled multiple loyalty cards — clearly showing my support as a paying customer.

Today, I was approached by a manager who accused me of not having made a purchase. I was honestly shocked, disappointed and outraged. I explained that I always buy a drink — sometimes more than one — but the manager insisted that I had been observed by management and staff without purchasing anything. I found this not only false but also upsetting, considering my consistent custom.

I’ve always believed in supporting local businesses and had even brought friends who also became customers. Being labelled a "freeloader" by staff or management, despite evidence to the contrary, is deeply frustrating and disheartening.

Given the treatment I received, I will no longer be visiting or recommending this venue. It's unfortunate, as I had previously enjoyed the space, but I expect to be treated fairly and respectfully — as any loyal customer should.

Deleted review probably...

📍 Coffee Barker, Castle Arcade - Cardiff

What a little treat this place is! If you had dreamed of going here but just never got round to it like me, then you’re missing out (just like I did when I was here for Uni all of 3 years and never stepped foot in this treasure trove of a brunch spot).

The choices on the menu are great with various popular brunch options (such as your Avo on toast etc) to your solid basics (Heinz beans on toast).

Come to mention toast (I did think that the prices were a little up there when I saw the cost of beans of toast); but I HAVE to tell you, this is no ordinary toast (this is M&S toast - no, it’s Coffee barker toast!) These pieces are like novels, I kid. You. Not. I challenge you to eat these and say ‘I’m not full, just satisfied’ as you definitely get of bang for your buck with these meals!

Thoroughly enjoyed my beans on toast (with added bits) - if anything I couldn’t finish it as there was so much, fair play! 👌🏻

What we got:

Drinks 🍊 Orange Juice (Mark) £2.50 ☕️ Mocha (Anna) £3.99

Food 🍳 Sausage and Egg Doorstop Sarnie (Mark) £8.99 🍞 Heinz Beans on Toast with added Fried Egg & Chorizo (Anna) £11.49

Definitely want to return in order to work my way through the menu (maybe even grab one of the sweet options)! Diolch am y...