Uncommon Ground Coffee Roastery

The coffee

The house espresso blend is roasted by Uncommon Ground itself, and there are usually single-origin options on filter, brewed by methods such as V60. If you like comparing coffees, order a filter alongside a flat white and ask the baristas about what is currently on the grinder. The house espresso has been a blend of Brazilian, Sumatran and Colombian beans.

The space

The shop sits on the right of the arcade as you enter from St Mary Street. Inside, a central brick pillar divides the room, with horseshoe-shaped communal tables, a bar facing the counter and window seats. A few small tables sit outside the door under the arcade roof, which suits people-watching. A staircase leads to an upper room, useful when the ground floor fills up.

Fitting it into a day

The arcades are worth exploring for independent shops, and the Royal Arcade itself dates from 1858. From here, Cardiff Castle, the market and the main shopping streets are all close by, so it is a convenient fuel stop before or after sightseeing. Staff have been happy to adapt brunch items, for example making a bacon and egg muffin vegetarian.

Highlights

• Roasts its own house espresso blend
• Single-origin filter coffee
• Inside the 1858 Royal Arcade
• Communal tables and arcade seating

Good to know

• Enter the Royal Arcade from St Mary Street; the shop is near that end.
• Food is light: cakes, sandwiches, paninis and brunch muffins.

Frequently asked questions