Five of Wales’ best brunches

Where should you go in Wales to get your fix of French toast, maple syrup pancakes, bacon sarnies and Eggs Benedict? Here’s five of our faves, including a contemporary vegan cafe and a bottomless brunch in plush city surroundings.

This lovely little nook takes its name from the Danish word Hygge (yep, pronounced hoo-gah) – a way of life that celebrates cosiness and contentment – and it’s clear to see why. Its chilled out vibe invites you to cwtch up (a Welsh term similar to hygge) with pals and savour a lazy Sunday brunch. Hoogah is serious about serving high quality locally-sourced ingredients, and offer a variety of experimental vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well the Insta-worthy ‘Full Hoogah’, which features sourdough toast stacked with spicy mixed beans, local eggs and bacon, fresh rye and avocado.  

Caffe Bracchi is a tribute to the strong Italian influence in the Rhondda that still exists today. Situated on the ground floor of A Welsh Mining Experience in Trehafod, Rhondda Cynon Taf, enjoy Welsh or Italian food. Relax in comfortable traditional booths. Open Tuesday through to Saturday.

On the southern tip of the Snowdonia National Park nestles Idris Stores, which is well worth a visit if you’re on a North Wales road trip through the mountains. Part coffee shop, part art gallery and part village store stocking all manner of healthy treats and eats, their Saturday Club menu changes weekly, and features freshly made vegetarian and vegan frittatas, quesadillas and chickpea pancakes, as well as more traditional and hearty brunches. 

A family run vintage style café overlooking Aberaeron square, McCowans has mastered the art of brilliant brunches and hearty (yet decadent) afternoon teas. If you’ve got a sweet tooth post brunch, their homemade cakes are something to write home about, with lemon drizzle, tower choc orange and mint-choc cheesecake all delectably tempting. They do a mean scotch egg too.

Enjoy free-flowing prosecco in plush urban surroundings with Graze Restaurant's bottomless brunch. The contemporary restaurant and lounge inside the Hilton Cardiff offers thirsty brunchers the opportunity to enjoy a tasty brunch with loads of options, complete with limitless Prosecco (for up to 90 minutes). If it’s your first time in Cardiff, the Kingsway location offers great views of landmarks such as Cardiff Castle and City Hall, and you can even walk off all those bubbles on a long stroll around the beautiful 130 acre Bute Park, which is just over the road. Cheers to that!