Maternity Leave is over

I've been back at work for three weeks now. It's going better than I expected - I'm enjoying adult conversations, sitting still without constantly shouting "No!" or "Don't touch that!" and having hot cups of tea.

The Little One is doing well at nursery - scoffing her face all day, jumping in the ball pit any chance she gets and loving the Jumperoo almost to the point of being the first baby in history to break it! But I am missing her little face.

Spending every day with her for 10 months, and then going back to work full time is hard. And I also don't get to go out for lunch half as much as I used to...!

Photo:

The Yummy Mummy Club

Calabrisella - Canton

Last week, my Dad came to visit. He's a huge coffee fan, and so when we passed Calabrisella on a warm sunny morning on our way in to town, he insisted on stopping for a latte. And a croissant.

Calabrisella has been on Cowbridge Road for a few years now, and was hugely popular within the first few weeks of being there. It's a very unassuming cafe, with patio furniture and big Coca-cola fridges - nothing fancy!

I'd been there once already while I was pregnant, and had a very tasty pizza. Last week I had a green apple juice, while my Dad had a delicious latte - with an impressive chocolate pattern on top.

While ordering, I noticed some croissants on the counter and so ordered a couple for us. I went for the hazelnut cream croissant and it was bloody lovely! And as you can see, it wasn't something that was grabbed quickly from a glass cabinet. The posh slates didn't really go with the patio furniture, but who cares when they're this good?

I popped in the other day for a takeaway coffee, and they had some huge homemade arancini balls on the counter, so I guess their offerings vary from one day to the next according to what takes the chef's fancy?

Even though I'm not sure how practical it would be to sit inside with a pram as it's such a small place, I highly recommend the cafe. The staff are very friendly, the food and drink was superb, and I felt like I was on holiday sitting out in the sunshine.

When I visited: 11:00 on a Wednesday.

What I had: Apple juice and a hazelnut cream croissant, which came to roughly £3.

Access: It's pretty small! I'm not sure I would chance it with a pram to be honest, but we sat outisde with no issues. So, let's hope for a few more weeks of sun ay?

Nappy changing: There is one toilet at the back, and there is a perfectly decent changing table there.

High chairs: There is one at the back by the toilet.

Pram parking: As I said, it's pretty small, so sit outside if you can.

Car parking: There is a car park behind The Plum Tree pub, which is a few doors down from Calabrisella, and you can park there for free for 2 hours. There are also plenty of buses passing, including 13, 17 and 18.

Calabrisella
154 Cowbridge Road East
Canton
Cardiff
CF11 9ND

Monday - Saturday - 08:00 - 22:00
Sunday - 10:00 - 22:00

http://www.calabrisellacardiff.com/calabcardiff/

All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.

Wagamama - Mermaid Quay

Last week I met up with a few of my colleagues for lunch and we decided on Wagamama. I was a little apprehensive as to how baby friendly it'd be, but I was pleasantly surprised.

The waitress was very kind and even though she misjudged the Little One's age by supplying us with a child menu and some crayons, she was very accommodating.

We were given a high chair straight away, as well as finding us a table where the high chair would fit, bearing in mind that the tables in Wagamama are of the long canteen style.

I was given plenty of time to sort the Little One out before being asked for my order and I managed to feed the Little One before my food arrived. Unfortunately, chopsticks and a bored baby don't mix, and so it was a little difficult to eat my Yaki Udon. However, there were plenty of my lovely ladies ready for a cuddle with the Little One, so it wasn't too stressful, and I managed to scoff a few noodles as well.

Overall, a nice change from the usual burger and chips I normally have, and they were surprisingly good with babies.

When I visited: 12:30 on a Monday.

What I had: Yaki Udon for around £8.95 - I'm not quite sure!

Access: There is a lift straight ahead, which is a little claustrophobic. And also, don't forget to keep pressing the button to go up...otherwise, the lift just stops!

Nappy changing: We didn't use the facilities on the day, but the staff seemed used to babies, so I'm almost certain they have decent facilities.

High chairs: Plenty, and all clean.

Pram parking: It was pretty easy when we were there, but it might be a little difficult when busy, considering Wagamama's layout, but the staff were more than happy to help.

Car parking: You could park on Schooner Way, the Red Dragon Centre or in the multistorey car park.

Wagamama
Mermaid Quay
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF10 5BZ

Sunday - Thursday - 11:30 - 22:00
Friday - Saturday - 11:30 - 23:00

http://www.wagamama.com/restaurants/cardiff-mermaid-quay

All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.

Cosy Club

The other day I met up with a Mummy and Baby for lunch. We'd both had a difficult few days with many sleepless nights, and so felt we deserved a treat for lunch. We opted for Cosy Club in St David's 2.

The lift is a bit tight for 2 prams and 2 adults, but try to squeeze everyone in, as the lift is pretty slow. But after you get to the restaurant, it is big and bright, with plenty of room.

We were given a great table by the window (perfect for people watching!) and our waiter couldn't have done more for us - without a doubt the best service I've received as a Mummy so far. He took away the extra chairs and promptly provided clean high chairs, making sure that the straps were ok on both. He got us a jug of water while we sorted the Little Ones out and gave us plenty of time to settle and look at the menu before coming over again. He went above and beyond and made our lunch much more enjoyable.

The menu has a great selection including tapas, salads and breakfasts. My fellow Mummy had a huge falafel, hummus and avocado sandwich with fries, while I had the lamb burger with fries and homemade coleslaw. All in all, everything was really good - especially the accompaniments in the sandwich and burger, such as the pickled carrot and the spicy hummus. But do bear in mind, the fries come in a little bucket...but the bucket isn't full to the bottom! (In my hormonal and sleep deprived state, I could've cried when I realised I only had a few fries left!)

The changing facilities are close to the entrance. They were clean and spacious, as well as having a toilet in the same room - always a bonus for me!

Overall, a lovely lunch and somewhere I'll be returning to again with or without a pram. Cocktail anyone?

When I visited: 12:00 on a Wednesday.

What I had: A lamb, mint and coriander burger for £10.95.

Access: As mentioned, the lift is pretty small, but the restaurant itself is very spacious.

Nappy changing: The changing facilities were clean and had everything we needed.

High chairs: More than enough, and all pretty clean.

Pram parking: As mentioned, plenty of room.

Car parking: You could park in St David's, or get almost any bus in to the city centre.


Cosy Club
1 Hills Street
St David's 2
Cardiff
CF10 2LE

Every day - 09:00 - 22:00 (hours for food)

http://www.cosyclub.co.uk/cardiff

All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.

St Fagans Cardiff

A few weeks ago, the Little One and I went to St Fagans as it was a beautiful sunny day. We needed a break from the endless trips to the local park and coffee shop!

St Fagans is free, but parking is a rather hefty £5. I recommend having a cheeky look round for anyone that's leaving if you go in the afternoon. I gave my ticket away to another family when I left, so they paid nothing. You might be lucky too?

They charge 50p for a map, but I didn't bother (I sound like a right cheapskate don't I!) and wandered about in the sunshine. There are some lovely walks and the views are wonderful. However, one thing to bear in mind - if you're after some quiet time as I was, don't go in the last few weeks before the summer holidays - there were children everywhere! Now don't get me wrong, I'm very aware that I have my very own screaming child, but I didn't go to St Fagans to listen to noisy 8 year olds. I went there so that my screaming little baby would be calm and quiet as I walked around.

Another thing to bear in mind when going with a pram - look out for the signs for wheelchair users as it isn't always clear which way is best to go. And unfortunately, it also means you have to go back on yourself quite a bit, especially around the castle area, but this can't be helped.

The maps are very good and show you where you can take a pram, as well as where the steep hills are. Take comfy shoes!

Also, you could always take advantage of the tractor train that goes around the whole site. Even though I didn't use it, there is space for a wheelchair on the back, which you could use for the pram if need be. But to be honest, the grounds are so beautiful, and the site isn't that big, I probably wouldn't bother.

One other top tip if you fancy a day out with the Little One - take a picnic. I'd envisioned having a scone and a cup of tea, or at least a decent sandwich when I got there, but the tea room is up a very narrow staircase, the main building is under construction (I assume there's a cafe in there), and every single food stand I saw was closed. I was gutted. I love my food!

All in all it was a lovely hour and a half, but not quite what I had expected, but this could very well be down to the time of year I deiced to go. I would probably give it another go, and hope I have a nicer time.

When I visited: 11:00 on a Thursday.

What I had: I left hungry! :(

Access: You can get to pretty much everything on the site, but do look out for the wheelchair signs.

Nappy changing: There are plenty of toilets on site, and they're all signposted. On a sunny day though, you could also change your Little Ones outside.

High chairs: No need - have a picnic by the river outside the castle.

Pram parking: No need.

Car parking: £5 - but look out for families leaving early and ask for their ticket.

St Fagans
Cardiff
CF5 6XB

Every day - 10:00 - 17:00

https://museum.wales/stfagans/

All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.

M&S Cafe - Queen Street

Last week, I popped in to the city centre to grab a few things, you know the usual, Ella's Kitchen pouches from Boots, a couple of birthday cards from the Card Factory and more leggings from Peacocks. It was meant to be a flying visit, but of course, the Little One decided to have a meltdown so we had to stop somewhere to refuel.

Normally, I run in to Matalan or John Lewis, but on this particular day, M&S was our sanctuary. And a great little sanctuary it was as well.

The cafe was busy enough, but had plenty of room for prams. I grabbed a quick bottle of water (so I have no idea about the food, sorry!), and fed the Little One her milk. Aaah, peace and quiet.

                                               

The cafe was clean, and the changing facilities were great. An ideal pit stop for when your Little Ones are having a meltdown and you are in need of coffee/cake/chocolate (delete as appropriate).

When I visited: 16:00 on a Friday.

What I had: Just a bottle of water on this occasion, but next time I'd go for one of the cakes. Oh, I also nipped downstairs to grab the Dine for £10 offer - perfect for a Friday night! Update - I went back this week and ordered food and would highly recommend it. I had the macaroni cheese with salad and dressing for £6. It was a substantial size and very creamy - top marks!)

Access: The cafe is pretty big, with plenty of tables. It was ticking along nicely when I was there, and I didn't feel in the way with a pram.

Nappy changing: The changing room was big, and had everything necessary. Also, there was a toilet in the same room - always a bonus for a Mummy with weak pelvic floor muscles!

High chairs: I didn't see any as it was a quick stop. But, as the changing facilities were so good, I reckon there must be a couple of high chairs available.

Pram parking: As mentioned, plenty of room.

Car parking: You could park in St David's, or get almost any bus in to the city centre.


72 Queen Street
Cardiff
CF10 2XG

Monday - Friday 08:00 - 19:30
Saturday - 08:00 - 19:00
Sunday - 11:00 - 17:00


https://www.marksandspencer.com/s/communications/MSResStoreFinderGlobalBaseCmd?storeId=10151&langId=-24&catalogId=10051

All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.

Barker's Tea House - High Street Arcade

Last week it was my birthday (yay!) and my Dad came to Cardiff for the day. We had a lovely time mooching about; eating, drinking and shopping. We finished the day in style with a wonderful cream tea at Barker's Tea House.

Just to be clear, Barker's has two premises - Coffee Barker and Barker's Tea House. I've been to both in the past, but I do prefer the Tea House in the High Street Arcade, mainly as they offer the best Eggs Benedict in Cardiff!

However, no Eggs Benedict for me on my birthday. I opted for the Cream Tea for £7.95. It's marketed as a Cream Tea for one, but even on my greediest day, I'd struggle to finish it all. My Dad and I shared this, but as I'm not a big tea fan, I also ordered a Vanilla Steamer.

It was a nice surprise that even though we didn't order the full afternoon tea, we were still given the 3 tiers - a lovely touch! My Dad had lovely Breakfast Tea (in the most gorgeous teapot!), and I had a full-of-flavour Vanilla Steamer (in a cute jar!). We were given two very crumbly and fresh scones - one plain and one fruit. There was jam and clotted cream (no where near enough for two scones, but we asked for more and were given extra for free), as well as 3 small pieces of Cherry Tiffin. Unfortunately, these bites weren't the nicest - I think they'd run out of the Chocolate Brownie bites advertised. 

I thought the days where I could enjoy cream tea on a sunny afternoon were behind me once the Little One arrived, but I would happily go back again, and again.

When I visited: 15:00 on a Tuesday.

What I had: Cream Tea for £7.95.

Access: It's a little narrow inside, but I saw a couple of prams in there. We chose to sit outside so we could people watch - no issues with space.

Nappy changing: I was pleasantly surprised that such a place (i.e. not your usual mummy hangout!) had such a nice changing area. It's downstairs, so not ideal, but it's clean and has everything you need, including some nice hand wash and lotion. And if the changing area is being used as it was when I was there, the toilet cubicles are spacious enough for changing Little Ones on a mat on the floor.


High chairs: Unfortunately, I didn't see any.

Pram parking: As mentioned, a little narrow, but plenty of room outside.

Car parking: You could park in St David's, or get almost any bus in to Central Station.


High Street Arcade
Cardiff
CF10 1BB

Monday - Saturday 08:30 - 17:30
Sunday - 10:30 - 16:30


https://www.facebook.com/barkerteahouse

All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.