This is shaping up
to be a rather Cardiff-centric post but I figure that wherever you are in the
world, it’s always fun to hear about a secret bakery!
I’ve lived here for
nearly 8 years (on and off) and it was only very recently that I came across
Allen’s Bakery, tucked away behind an unassuming residential home in Roath. Of
course it’s not a complete secret otherwise they wouldn’t get any business but
this is a hidden gem of the highest order, not least for the fun factor of
finding it down an alley way.
As for the goods on
offer, it’s certainly not a huge establishment and the selection isn’t vast but don't let that deter you.
The croissants and pain au chocolate are fresh, fantastic, and frugally priced
(they also pass the “Aurore Test” a.k.a. my French housemate), the baguettes
are very good, as is the walnut bread and I have heard murmingings that the pasties are lovely. Next
time I go, I have my eye on the rather delectable looking cakes and a round of
pizza dough (only 60p a pop). My only criticism would be the lack of variety in
the breads, they have a lots of types of white and a few brown but I’d love to see some
spelt and sourdough thrown into the mix.
I’ve lived here for
nearly 8 years (on and off) and it was only very recently that I came across
Allen’s Bakery, tucked away behind an unassuming residential home in Roath. Of
course it’s not a complete secret otherwise they wouldn’t get any business but
this is a hidden gem of the highest order, not least for the fun factor of
finding it down an alley way.
If you happen to
live in Cardiff (or even if you are just passing through), head to Arran Place
(it’s at the top of Albany Road) and wander along until you see the opening of
the ubiquitous and seemingly un-noteworthy(not sure that's actually a word) alley that runs behind so many of the city’s buildings. Once on
this path, you won’t fail to notice the aroma of fresh bread and pastries
wafting up as you traverse the uneven tarmac. Continue on for 20/30 paces and
you’ll be struck by the sight of a building that looks quite frankly like an old
run down garage. It is in fact a bakery, replete with 125 year old ovens and a
family business that has been running for decades. After a number of visits, I
still get an overwhelming sense of discovery every time!
As for the goods on
offer, it’s certainly not a huge establishment and the selection isn’t vast but don't let that deter you.
The croissants and pain au chocolate are fresh, fantastic, and frugally priced
(they also pass the “Aurore Test” a.k.a. my French housemate), the baguettes
are very good, as is the walnut bread and I have heard murmingings that the pasties are lovely. Next
time I go, I have my eye on the rather delectable looking cakes and a round of
pizza dough (only 60p a pop). My only criticism would be the lack of variety in
the breads, they have a lots of types of white and a few brown but I’d love to see some
spelt and sourdough thrown into the mix.
I do have one word of
caution though, get in early (especially at the weekend). Allen’s Bakery closes
at 1pm and on a Saturday morning a fair amount will have been scoffed by midday…
so perhaps it’s not such a well-kept secret after all!
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