Coffee Barker

The setting

The café takes its cues from Parisian grand cafés and New York's West Village, with mismatched comfortable seating spread through the arcade units. It's the arcade setting that makes it, with the glass roof and shopfronts outside the window. Owned by the group behind Vintage Tea & Coffee, it has sister venues nearby. Big windows look onto the arcade, so it's a good place to watch the city go by on a wet afternoon.

Food and drink

Coffee is roasted from organic, single-estate Arabica beans with Rainforest Alliance certification. The menu covers healthy breakfasts, lunches and light suppers, with freshly pressed juices. On Friday nights live jazz plays from 8pm, which turns it into an easy evening spot.

Tips for visiting

There's no booking, so arrive outside the weekend late-morning rush if you want a seat for a group. It's a natural stop before or after Cardiff Castle, and the arcades around it are worth a wander for independent shops. Pasture and Six by Nico are close by if you're planning dinner. Allow time to explore the neighbouring Morgan, Royal and High Street arcades, which together form one of Cardiff's best shopping areas for independents.

Highlights

• Inside Victorian Castle Arcade
• Organic, single-estate Arabica coffee
• Breakfast, lunch and light suppers
• Live jazz on Friday nights
• Minutes from Cardiff Castle

Good to know

• No reservations; walk-in only.
• Live jazz on Fridays from 8pm.

Frequently asked questions