The good, old-fashioned bakery is one of the many lovely independent shops lining Cowbridge High…read moreStreet. It has a proper local feel to it, with a warm welcome from the friendly staff, and this along with the quality bread and cakes makes it very popular. As you'd expect, it sells a wide variety of range of loaves, pastries, pasties, cakes, and sandwiches, and has space to sit down and eat there, within their conservatory cafe area or the walled outside terrace. A great little spot for lunch during a shopping trip to Cowbridge.

A traditional long established bakery with a wide range of bread, cakes, and pastries for sale…read more Aside from purchasing items you can also choose to eat them on the premises themselves, either in the tea room, the sunny conservatory or like us outside in the walled courtyard area. After a busy afternoon shopping, it was lovely to sit down with a drink and a cake in the sunshine. My friend is on a diet so was pleased that they offer low fat options and chose a slice of the skinny banana and raisin loaf, which had less than 5% fat! The prices at the bakery were very reasonable and the staff very friendly. It really is the ideal place for a quick cup of coffee in the middle of a shopping trip. We were there on a weekday afternoon and had no problems finding a seat outside, however at weekends I have sometimes chosen to go elsewhere as it's been so busy.

I recently visited the old Wool Barn to look at some art pieces. What really caught my eye though,…read morewas a studio in which the most divine collection of cakes were being made. The cakes were all made for weddings, birthdays, christenings etc. Of the ones on display when I called in each could deservedly be called works of art! I got chatting with the owner who told me that the studio opened 20 years ago and that they can make cakes in a variety of flavours, fruit, chocolate (using Belgian chocolate -clearly only the best at this place), lemon madeira, chocolate orange, lime and coconut to name but a few! They also made cupcakes (minimum order of 12) in a wide variety of flavours and toppings, as well as pastries and desserts. As I couldn't think of any imminent situation to justify purchasing a celebration cake I had to satisfy myself with a purchase of a fruit tartlet which was scrumptious! Word of warning though; the fresh pastries and desserts are only available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. If you do decide to order a cake from Cakes for Celebrations they can be contacted by their website or telephone number.

Cakes For Celebrations have probably got the best concession going in the Old Wool Barn. They are…read moresituated on the ground floor, just to the left of the main door. This lovely space is flooded with daylight on a sunny day, making this gorgeous craft bakery a rather splendid place to work. The last time I visited they were making cup cakes. I am always fascinated to watch even the most prosaic of actions when it comes to the making of divinely sweet things, and instead of asking intelligent questions like 'how long have you been doing this?, and 'how long does it take to process an order?', I ask things like, "do you get to lick out the bowl afterwards?" Hmmm... The assistant, who was feeding the mixture into trays, (and could well be the owners daughter, but of course I didn't ask, even though the question did actually occur to me), smiled and said that she likes to polish off what is left of the fruit cake mixes. "Oo, yes, they're the best aren't they?" I immediately responded. "Yes" she said, "it's all of the fruit and spiciness". "The mix actually tastes better raw doesn't it?" I concurred. She nodded, grinning. I knew I had found a kindred soul!

I used to pop in to Coast (a good mile inland may I add) quite a bit when I lived in Llantwit…read moreMajor, as my mum used to enjoy lunch here. The sandwiches were always fresh and scrumptious. I decided to return the other day for a quick check back before I reviewed it for Yelp, and I'm glad I did as it seems Coast has gone through a couple of changes. It looks like they open in the evenings for tapas and cocktails now, they even a beer pump installed. I don't why but I find the fact that the spirits behind the bar, which have their tops covered in Clingfilm really off putting. What happened to the caps? Why do I not like it, I know it keeps it fresh which is great, but this image is burned into my mind, returning in my sleep. I need help. I didn't have the time nor the room to check if their substantial sandwiches were still up to scratch, but the black coffee I did quaff was very bitter. Coast remains a friendly café that has a good rapport with its loyal customers, but I found the service to be a bit slow.

Turned up at 1:32pm on a sunny Sunday looking for a quick lunch. Sign outside said Open until 2pm…read more After sitting at a table in the otherwise empty "restaurant" we were told the kitchen had closed at 1:30, moment earlier. No offer of a limited choice menu or a simple sandwich. Staff clearly not interested in our custom or money. We won't be back and will tell others of our experience. Frustratingly unprofessional and small minded.