Probably one of the coolest places I’ve ever had a coffee served to me from is ‘The Thirsty Elephant’.  This is a unique VW coffee van serving speciality coffee from my friends at Coaltown Coffee. I visited ‘The Thirsty Elephant’ whilst it was set up alongside Pontyclun train station.  It is situated here, just outside
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A couple of weeks ago I visited the beautiful seaside town of Tenby.  The purpose of my visit was to spend some of my Birthday money and Grand National winnings on Gin at ‘The Cranny’ (Pembrokeshire’s Gin Palace).  Mission accomplished!  But whilst in town I wanted to also find some decent coffee. My pre trip
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These are my favourite cupcakes!  And not just because they contain coffee!  They are a cupcake version of a traditional teatime favourite – Coffee and Walnut Cake.  These were one of my most popular bakes when I sold cupcakes at produce markets and the Scarlets Rugby supporters village.  I use freshly brewed espresso as the
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I’ve recently returned from a short family break to Dubai.  A much needed fix of Winter sunshine, although it seems a lifetime ago following the ‘Beast from the East’ parts 1 & 2! We stayed at Atlantis, the Palm which was a  perfect destination with the kids.  They loved the Aquaventure Water Park, Lost Chambers
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I first came across Uncommon Ground when I started working my way through the South West and South Wales Independent Coffee Guide last year.  The Coffee Shop is situated at 10-12 Royal Arcade, Cardiff (CF10 1AE).  Initially the owners, brothers Ian & Paul Hayman, planned on roasting their own coffee in-store, but this now actually
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As I was sitting here last night debating where I would go today for a coffee, a very exciting announcement appeared on my Instagram feed!!!  Coaltown Coffee were opening a Pop-up Coffee Shop in the Edwardian Arcade in Ammanford!  I knew they were up to something as there had been a few cryptic clues on
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I have recently become obsessed with all thing Scandinavian….. hygge, Ikea, cinnamon buns, ABBA (actually I’ve always loved ABBA!) but my favourite concept is that of Fika.  Fika is a Swedish word that means to meet up for a chat over a coffee and cake.  Bliss!  Swedes traditionally stop twice a day for Fika and
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A company that has recently caught my eye on social media is ‘Girls Who Grind….. Coffee.’  They are an all female small batch coffee roaster based in Warminster, Wiltshire.  They source speciality coffee from female producers and those who work to support them.  Their aim is to create awesome tasting coffee and to empower women
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There are many things that amaze me about coffee!  For example, the work that goes into producing the perfect cup, from the farming, processing, roasting and brewing.  The final product is only as good as the skills of the farmers, roasters and baristas  involved at each stage.   Although a flat white is my go
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A couple of weeks back I met up with Scott Otten – owner of SO Coffee Trades Ltd.  Scott is a local boy, who just happens to play rugby professionally for the Ospreys, as well as run a wholesale and retail coffee business.  At age 23 he has played for Ospreys, Swansea, Neath, Aberavon and
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