Welsh Blacks

It may have only been two years since  Rob and Kim took the reins to Welsh Blacks, but they have well and truly made it their own.  The cosy Cooks Hill cafe was a welcome option when they were looking to leave the shopping centre cafe that had been home for 15 years.

“We started off as customers and quickly grew to love the place” - Rob

With their brand of cheeriness, just picking up your coffee can make your day. If you can stick around for a chat, there’s usually one to be had. But when time is of the essence, simply jump online via Hey You and collect your order from the window.

Opening just over six years ago, Welsh Blacks has always had a focus on good coffee, and tasty home-style meals. Add in some homemade cakes, and morning tea here is a real treat. 

Under the glass cloche is always a scrumptious baked creation made by Kim. Described by a customer as ‘phenomenal’, these cakes are just delicious. 

The yummy flavours include raspberry and white chocolate, orange olive oil cake, apple and custard, and a raspberry and ricotta cake. Get in early because they disappear pretty quickly! Occasionally you’ll be able to pick up muffins , but they don’t stick around for long either.  Or maybe cookies are more your thing - the home baked regulars include Monte Carlo and Choc Chip. 

What about the coffee? A Seven Miles blend, and Darks Coffee Roasters Single Origin are on the menu. Rob recalls a pleasant experience that involved sitting around for a few hours with the grinder, a barista and tasting various blends, to make the all-important decision on the one that would go down best with the Welsh Blacks regulars. And there are many regulars. Familiar faces and groups come and go, with their assorted dogs who know exactly where the water bowl is.

Bask in the sunshine or hang out under the market umbrellas on the Corlette street side. The huge leafy fig tree provides substantial shelter for the various tables and stools set up out the front.

A simple menu has you sorted for breakfast and lunch, try the Granola with Seasonal fruits and Yoghurt, House-made Baked Beans or Avocado on Rye with Beetroot relish and Lemon, with the option to add Dukkah-crumbed Labna. The Mushroom, Thyme, Brie, Rocket and Pesto Toastie is on the savoury sandwich list. Locally made relishes and chutneys by James and Rose, and bags of coffee beans are for sale as well.

Continuing to serve takeaway coffees all through the lock down, and gradually returning to dine in and plated meals, it feels like Welsh Blacks has never been busier. Rob believes that they’ve seen the best of people during this difficult time, abiding by social distancing rules, using the contactless QR codes adhered to every table and being generally courteous and considerate toward others.

Whether you're a local or passing through, you are always most welcome at Welsh Blacks.