It was cloudy, there was a bit of a nip in the air and most people were at work. It was a Tuesday in early December, our favourite time of year to take a slice of annual leave, as it’s a chance to do a few Christmassy things together before all the family stuff and the rush of Christmas itself.
While you do have to plan ahead a little – as we’re not the only ones to have the idea of a pre-Christmas break – planning wasn’t at the forefront of our minds when we decided to go for breakfast. It was a Tuesday morning after all, not the busiest time, or so we thought.
But we weren’t going to just any cafe for breakfast – but one that’s entered Swansea’s psyche as THE place to go at least once – but probably more. And it’s also one that’s won multiple awards.
You wouldn’t think you were in the orbit of somewhere a bit special when you arrive in Brynhyfryd. It’s nice enough with a few local businesses – but not somewhere you’d immediately associate with a ‘find’. But find Haystack Cafe we did, on an unassuming street with a car park entrance one side and a takeaway the other. For the latest restaurant reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here
Me in the Haystack cafe
(Image: Paul Turner / Media Wales)
It’s certainly quirky
(Image: Paul Turner / Media Wales)
We stepped inside – glad to feel the warmth on a cold morning – and that was when we realised straight away just why this place is so popular. It’s simply really cool, an oasis of something very different in the heart of somewhere fairly ordinary.
A member of staff welcomed us immediately – then gave us the bad news which sometimes accompanies a visit to a popular place – there were no free tables. But, there was no – ‘you could try waiting a bit’, or ‘maybe come back in half an hour’. No – it was all very efficient – they took my number and told me they would whatsapp when a table was free.
So, we headed outside and took a turn around the block – wondering how many turns we would have to complete before a table did become free. Turns out – it was minutes, so we concluded our tour of Brynhyfryd and headed back, where we were welcomed and shown upstairs to our table. Upstairs used to be home to an also hugely popular bakery but that shut in 2021 to allow for more seating for the cafe and we could certainly see why it was needed.
Upstairs inside the Haystack Cafe in Brynhyfryd, Swansea
Upstairs we were surrounded by lots of quirky features with patterned chintzy lampshades hanging form the ceiling, greenery and mugs adorning the walls, bookcases with shelves full of books and bric-a-brac, and, above us, framed pictures and even a chair nailed to the ceiling, along with Christmas decorations and hanging lights.
It’s an Instagram-friendly environment, a shareable space which has no doubt added to the appeal and helped give this venue its cult following. But it’s no use looking good, if the food does not look and taste good to match. Thankfully – it does!
The menu is a smorgasbord of delights, from breakfast options to brunch, pancakes and more. We were there for breakfast and being vegetarian, a venue’s meat-free selection can make or break it in our minds. Haystack Cafe did not disappoint – there were vegan and veggie options.
We both went for the Gardeners Breakfast which came with veggie sausage, halloumi, tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, egg and house hashbrown – or you can swap that out for little fried potatoes, which we did. All was served in a heavy saucepan complete with handle – a nice touch.
Downstairs in Haystack cafe in Swansea
(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
So you can spot it from the outside
(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
Haystack has its mascot ‘Bryn’ painted on the side of the building
(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
The food was fresh, crisp and very satisfying. It came quickly, considering how busy they were – and was everything you’d hope for from a decent veggie breakfast – and not in the slightest bit greasy! My only regret was that I didn’t balance this out with one of the gorgeous looking seasonal hot chocolates on the menu – but maybe that’s reason to go back.
And go back we surely will as, after having read so much about why we should go, we have finally found out the reason. Because, beyond all the hype and the Instagram decor, this is a pretty great cafe, serving fantastic food – and the surroundings just make the experience all the better. Brynhyfryd may be your average city suburb, but there’s a little gem at the heart of it.