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.

John Lewis

This week I met up with a Mummy friend at the cafe on the top floor of John Lewis. I've met up with a few Mummy friends here over the last few months as it's very baby friendly. The sheer amount of prams there every time is proof of that.

It has to be said, that John Lewis can be quite an expensive coffee date, especially when the statutory maternity pay kicks in, but you could easily sit there for hours, and it is very comfortable with babies and children.

I normally have a drink and a cake, which can easily amount to £5+, but this time I was there at lunch time so opted for a chicken tikka salad. It came in a ceramic bowl (not your usual plastic bowl, like in other cafes), and was full of really delicious meat, plenty of greens, a wonderful creamy raita and crispy bits on top. So, it was pretty pricey at £7 for a mid week lunch, but it was really good, and you could have free tap water from the jug at the till.

Every time I've been there, the staff have been extremely friendly and more than happy to help a Mummy out, and carry their order to a table. You don't even need to ask. They also always offer to warm up food or milk for you - a lovely touch.

The cafe itself is big and bright, with more than enough room for prams. And there are some lovely sofa chairs to relax on after a few hours of shopping.

And the added bonus of John Lewis? Just round the corner, next to the lifts, they have toilets, baby changing facilities and seats for feeding - making Mummy Life so much easier.

A little pricey, but worth every penny in my opinion. Just maybe stay away from  their gorgeous baby clothes if you're on a budget...I've managed to leave with at least a cute top for the Little One on several occasions.

When I visited: 12:00 on a Wednesday.

What I had: Chicken tikka salad for £6.95.

Access: You can take the lift up to the third floor, and then the cafe is big and open plan, so definitely no issues with a pram.

Nappy changing: Yes, round the corner from the cafe. They also have a big toilet where you can take the pram in and sort yourself out as well- always a bonus!

High chairs: Plenty there, and they're on wheels so easy to get to your table, no matter where you're sitting.

Pram parking: As mentioned, more than enough room.

Car parking: John Lewis have their own multi storey car park, or you could always come in to town on the bus. 

Monday - Friday - 09:00 - 19:30
Saturday - 09:00 - 18:30
Sunday - 10:30 - 16:30

John Lewis
The Hayes
Cardiff
CF10 1EG

http://www.johnlewis.com/our-shops/cardiff/john-lewis-cardiff-facilities


All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.

Parc Deli - Canton

Almost every week I miss the postman and end up walking through Victoria Park to the post office to collect my parcel. Which means, that every week I pass the Parc Deli.

I normally walk past early in the morning (before 10 if the Little One is behaving), and there's hardly anyone in there. However, last weekend I went with a friend at around 11 and the place quickly became packed. And I can see why.

It's a pretty small place, and there's not much room for a pram to be honest. But as we were the first ones there that day, we had room for the pram in the corner by the window - out of everyone's way.

The staff were very attentive and quickly brought us a jug of water and took our drinks order. And then we ordered the breakfast. Yum.

It was a great sized meal and everything was cooked to perfection. It's been a while since I've had such a good breakfast. Especially for £4.50.

If you get there early enough, I'd say it's very baby friendly. The Little One was very noisy when we were there but no-one seemed to mind.

Oh, and before I forget - they also do Mexican food on Friday and Saturday nights. Looking at their facebook page, it's definitely worth a go!

When I visited: 11:00 on a Saturday.

What I had: Deli Breakfast for £4.50.

Access: As mentioned, it's a pretty small place with a pram. Not really suitable with two prams I'd say. The table on the right as you go in worked well for us, as there's a little corner by the window to put the pram.

Nappy changing: As this was a quick breakfast, I didn't use the facilities...and forgot to ask - baby brain! (Anyone else still using that excuse?) But, as you're close to the park, on a sunny day I'd probably change the Little One in there. I'll make sure to ask about their facilities next time I'm there.

High chairs: Another thing I forgot to ask about (sorry!), but I'm almost certain that there aren't any there as it's such a small cafe.

Pram parking: As mentioned, go for the table by the window.

Car parking: You can park on one of the side streets nearby or get the bus - there's a bus stop right outside Victoria Park and I know that the 17 and 18 pass regularly.

44a Cowbridge Road East
Canton
Cardiff
CF5 1BJ


Monday - Friday 08:30 - 15:00
Saturday - 08:00 - 14:00
Sunday - Closed


http://www.parcdeli.com/#home

https://www.facebook.com/ParcDeli/

All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.

St David's 2

Not a food-related post today, but a useful one all the same - a guide to St David's 2 with a baby.

So, before the Little One came along, there was no planning involved when popping in to town to go shopping. And then, I was in town. With a pram. And a hungry baby. And I needed to go to Mothercare. On the first floor. Hmmm.

As a new mummy, I briskly walked past the oh-so-convenient escalators, and over to the main lifts (the only ones I knew of at the time). Big mistake. These lifts are mainly used by people who are going to the multistorey car park, and not simply to go up one floor. I was queuing for ages, and when I finally made it in, I was blocked in by several people and a mobility scooter. Not fun at all.

So that you can avoid any situation like this, there are two other lifts that I know of. The first is by Costa Coffee, near the John Lewis end of St David's. The other is on the opposite end, by Krispy Kreme. Hardly anyone uses these, so you'll be on the first floor shopping to your heart's content in seconds.

As for nappy changing facilities, St David's is pretty good to be fair. 

It's not essential, but it certainly makes life a lot easier - a wide variety of toilet/changing/feeding facilities!

If you simply need to pee when shopping with the Little One, there are a few toilet cubicles you can use that either have more space for prams, or that have two toilets - I assume one for you and one for a toddler that might be with you.

There are quite a few different rooms for baby changing, as well as a couple of sofas for feeding. All basic but perfectly suitable and clean. Also, they have big bright mirrors for when you need to touch up your make up or check for spit up!

John Lewis is another good pit stop with a Little One in tow, but I'll leave that until my next post.

www.stdavidscardiff.com/

All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.

Bellini's - Park Place

The other day I was fortunate enough to be invited out for lunch with some workmates. We decided on Bellini's in Park Place as it tends to be pretty quiet during the week.

I walked over, only to be faced by two big heavy doors - a Mummy's worst nightmare with a pram. But fortunately, the staff were so friendly and welcoming, that this didn't phase me in the slightest. The second I got to the door, a lovely woman came out to hold both doors for me. Top marks!

We'd booked a table and mentioned that there would be a couple of prams, and as it was quiet, we were allowed to choose our table. We opted for a table along the side wall as they have those long sofas on one side, ideal when the Little One wants to lie down and have a kick about for a bit.

I would usually go for the Express Lunch Menu like my friends (I love a starter, especially when it's cheap!) but on this particular day, I really fancied one of the pasta dishes that wasn't on the Lunch Menu.

Overall, the food was good, the service was great and as it was a mid week lunch, I felt very comfortable with the Little One.

When I visited: 12:30 on a Tuesday.

What I had: Spaghetti all'Aglio for £6.95.

Access: As mentioned, the doors are big and heavy but I received the warmest welcome and the staff were very helpful. It was easy to manoeuvre the pram when I went, but I'm not so sure how easy it would be when it's busy - it's pretty narrow. I would definitely book and let them know you will be bringing a pram. 

Nappy changing: Yes, on the ground floor at the back. It had everything you'd need.

High chairs: There were a few, but the Little One isn't old enough to use one yet. She's almost six months now and ready to start on solids, so I'll have more information on this point from now on.

Pram parking: As mentioned, a little narrow, but perfectly fine during the week.

Car parking: I think Capitol or the parking spaces by the museum would be your best bet.

1 Park Place
City Centre
Cardiff
CF10 3DP



www.bellinis-mermaidquay.com(I couldn't for the life of me find the same website for the Park Place branch)


All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.

Odeon - Cardiff Bay

A couple of weeks ago I went to the Odeon in Cardiff Bay to try out the Newbies Parent & Baby screening.

I went to watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 - perfect for a couple of hours with a baby in tow - a rom com where it really didn't matter if you missed half an hour in the middle.

I enjoyed the experience overall, but it was far from faultless. To begin with, I couldn't for the life of me find the parent and child parking bays - does the Red Dragon have any? I just thought as it's a family friendly venue, that there'd be a few there.

Anyway, after finally finding a space and making my way in, the member of staff at the till couldn't work out which film I was there to see, and I also couldn't find the baby changing facilities - not a good start.

However, after parking the pram and choosing my seat, I sat down to a couple of relaxed hours. The Little One stared at the screen or slept - bliss!

The website mentions that the volume is lower and there are slightly brighter lights - all good, except for the fact that the lights reflect on the screen so you can't see the whole screen properly - slightly annoying to begin with, but I soon forgot about it to be honest.

A few plus points worth mentioning - the cup holders are a life saver for holding milk bottles, and avoids the hassle of rooting through the changing bag half way through the film. Also, the seats are very comfortable and don't flip up when you stand up, which means there's a lot of space to put the baby's stuff.

When I visited: 11am on a Friday. (Times can sometimes vary, so always check!)

What I had: Tickets are £6.

Access: A little difficult to find a space to park with enough room to get the Little One out. However, after entering the building, no issues whatsoever.

Nappy changing: Yes - after paying for your ticket, turn right towards Screens 7-12 and the nappy changing facility is in the disabled toilet right at the end of the hall on the left hand side...a little annoying when I went, as the film was being shown in Screen 6, quite a walk during a film. Also, the nappy bin was full to bursting - a little concerning as they only have one baby screening a week.

Breastfeeding: Dark enough so it's private, but just enough light so you can see what you're doing.

High chairs: No need, baby sits on your lap.

Pram parking: I parked the pram at the front, close to the screen, but it would've been nice to have someone at hand to let me know where I should put it.

Car parking: No parent and child parking bays...well, I couldn't find them anyway.



Odeon
Red Dragon Centre
Hemingway Road
Cardiff
CF10 4JY

http://www.odeon.co.uk/newbies/#showtimes-anchor

All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.

Evie's Cafe

Every Monday morning, the Little One and I go to Llanishen for her Tots Play session - an awesome combination of baby massage, yoga, sensory play and singing with the fabulous Kate - I highly recommend the sessions.

I also recommend going to Evie's Cafe close to the church where the sessions are held. I go almost every week with a few of the other mums, and I've never been disappointed.

They serve a great variety of sandwiches, baps and paninis, as well as jacket potatoes and breakfasts. And the best bit? It's very reasonably priced. My coronation sandwich (which normally comes with a large side salad, but not on the day I decide to take a photo!) is a Mummy-friendly £2.80.

The cafe is a little small, especially if you have a few prams, but we've always managed to fit in three prams if we go a little earlier than the usual lunch time. 

A great little cafe, with very delicious food at a reasonable price - highly recommended!

When I visited: Almost every week at around 11:30 on a Monday.

What I had: I always go for the coronation chicken sandwich - yum!

Access: It's a little small, but I've always managed to find room for a few prams and a few mummies. The staff are pretty good at letting you move a couple of chairs as well.

Nappy changing: I don't think so. They do have a toilet which you could use if need be, but it was out of order the last time I visited.

Breastfeeding: I can't see any issues with this.

High chairs: I didn't see any.

Pram parking: As mentioned, a little short on space, but doable if you move a couple of chair.s.

Car parking: St Isan Church is just behind the cafe, and they have a pretty large car park. The 28 bus also goes along Station Road where the cafe is located.


Evie's Cafe
11 Station Road
Llanishen
Cardiff
CF14 5LS

All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.

Tesco Cafe - Culverhouse Cross

So, a little different to my other posts - a supermarket cafe.

But let's face it, we can no longer just rock up at any old pub or restaurant for Sunday lunch, so this is a perfectly acceptable option with a baby in tow. And to be honest, I was pretty impressed.

We ventured out on Sunday afternoon to do the weekly shop, and feeling peckish we went upstairs to the cafe. Your bog standard supermarket cafe, but we had a pretty tasty lunch for £4.99 each - bargain!

I went for the ham, eggs and chips, while the Other Half chose lasagne, chips and garlic bread. I'm fully aware that the food will never come close to a Michelin star, but it was pretty darn good grub. The chips were well cooked and crispy, I had two big slices of ham and two perfectly cooked eggs, while the lasagne was flavoursome, with lots of layers. All in all, what more could you ask for?

Apologies - I ate most of mine before remembering to take a photo!


When I visited: Around 2pm on a Sunday.

What I had: Ham, eggs and chips for £4.99. I asked for tap water as the drinks were a bit expensive - £2 for Oasis and £1 for a small water - a bit of a rip off considering you could buy them much cheaper in the actual shop!

Access: It was pretty quiet when we were there, but I'd still feel happy going there when a little busier. I'm sure you'd be able to move chairs and tables to accommodate a pram. But the most important piece of advice - do not use the escalators! Tesco has the flat escalators that are suitable for trollies, but not prams - we almost didn't see the sign. There's a lift on the left, just before the escalators.

Nappy changing: Yes - a decent sized room with everything you need, as well as a big mirror to check for any spew on your leggings or baby rice in your hair.

Breastfeeding: The layout is a bit open, but I'm sure you'd feel comfortable if you chose the right seat.

High chairs: A couple in the corner.

Pram parking: As mentioned, enough room for a few prams around the tables. There's also an area to store trollies while you eat, which could be used.

Car parking: The parent parking bays are always full, but have a look - they're to the right of the main entrance.


Monday - 08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday - 08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday - 08:00 - 18:00
Thursday - 08:00 - 20:00
Friday - 08:00 - 20:00
Saturday - 08:00 - 18:00
Sunday - 08:00 - 16:00


Tesco
Culverhouse Cross
Cardiff
CF5 6XQ

http://www.tesco.com/store-locator/uk/

All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.