Bwyty Hayes Island Snack Bar in Cardiff

BEST BREAKFAST COFFE AND HOT CHOCOLATE TO DIE FOR. THERE MAY OF BEEN A STORM IN CARDIFF BUT THEY CONTINUED TO SERVE US. ALL. EVEN US TO MADE GIRLS FROM ENGLAND WHO SAT IN THE RAIN ( even supplied us a gree plastic bag to sit on !!!!) Enjoying our hot CHOCOLATE singing Christmas carols and have little dance. See you all next year. Happy Christmas to you all. Xxxx

Whenever I return to the UK I head to Cardiff and this is one of the reasons. Seriously the best BLT and tea in the UK. Thick bacon, fresh lettuce and tomato, properly toasted bread.

The location is just near the city centre. After exploring Cardiff City Centre, you can come here to rest and chill. The place is open, so you can sit and enjoy the moment. Recommendable snack bar😀😀

Another good visit to "The PEOPLE'S KAFF": friendly service, scrumptious jacket spuds (apart from the bland, poor quality catering beans) and a lively atmosphere. However (adopt brace position now!), I do NOT like the fact that this café allows smoking (albeit that all seating is outside) on its premises. (One customer was even puffing - illegally - on his cannabis joint!) Smoking is an outdated, disgusting and dirty habit which should not - NOT - be imposed upon innocent diners trying to enjoy their drink/meal. Why should I and others have to put up with carcinogenic fumes wafting over from selfish smokers - who would certainly have something to say if I blew toxic chemicals back in THEIR faces. Apparently, this genuinely iconic kaff is now under new ownership, which means that they have the power to make the outdoor area cosier and smarter (and switch off the annoying "loop-tape" of Queen etc songs), and to hang some netting to discourage the ubiquitous pigeons - and, of course, to ban the filthy smokers! (It's a fact that the indoor smoking ban in pubs and restaurants has helped many smokers to give up.) I hope the new owner/s retain the tasty jacket spuds, the other punter favourites, food delivery (Uber/Deliveroo - the latter is better!) and maintain the café's excellent hygiene rating. I look forward to my next (hopefully, toxic smoke stench-free) visit.

This fabled Cardiff landmark did not disappoint. Full of character, even early on a damp morning it oozed charm. The lovely lady serving could not have been more friendly, helpful and efficient. My bacon and mushroom roll was hot, delicious and good value. My cappuccino was excellent too. Lots of comfortable, covered seating. Spotlessly clean. The regulars were impeccably polite and friendly. If I lived nearby, I too would visit it every day.

It's the best cafe in Cardiff I've had many happy times here the food is always cooked fresh and delicious the staff are amazing and always happy to serve you with a smile and very polite I recommend it to everyone 100% fantastic service and excellent fresh food and takeaways available for everyone

A great place to eat well. Friendly service and good quality food. The place has been operating since 1948. The oldest snack bar in Wales. There is no coincidence here. I will definitely come back.

This little longstanding gem is absolutely superb. Gemma and the staff are incredibly friendly, the food is great (the best ham salad sarnie you'll find anywhere) and overall exceptional value for money. Not surprisingly it is always busy.

Visited: Tuesday (post meridiem) on 21 May. Forget Michelin stars, poncy waiters and over-priced mashed avocado on toast - this is a Kairdiff (Cardiff accent applied) kaff. And this is not just a kaff - this is the PEOPLE'S kaff, bang in the centre of Caerdydd (Welsh - English: "Cardiff"), outside St David's Hall and near the fascinating Museum of Cardiff (& Tourist Info Centre). All life is here at the Hayes Island Snack Bar, a good spot for impromptu chats and people- (pigeon/seagull) -watching. With a selection of nicely-made punters' favourites (hot dogs, burgers, jacket potatoes, salad etc etc), all food is enjoyed alfresco (Italian: "in the fresh air") with one's name, number or dish being called out on completion of the order: "number ten!", "Bert - your hot dog!", "number 5 - tuna jacket!", "Kylie-Beyoncé - your burger!", King Charles - your caviar roll!"). (I made up the last one.) Its a sort of nostalgic 1970's Butlins affair which I enjoyed and was quite tickled by. But don't get the impression that this is some sort of "greasy spoon" dive; this establishment boasts a top council hygiene rating and all staff were immaculately dressed. (I was very impressed, incidentally, by the way the lady (very friendly - in fact, hospitality gold!) on the counter removed her apron before going outside briefly to sort something out. As a hygiene geek, I notice these reassuring details.) So, you may ask, if this place is so great why only the four stars – why not five? Well, this brings me to my only real niggle (adopt brace position now!): although on my visit their blaring sound system was silent (sabotage?), the usual overly-loud volume of it can be off-putting and not conducive to chilling out (man), reading, chatting or thinking. (Fact: These are some of the reasons that Wetherspoons don't allow music in their pubs.) Many a time I have, sadly, bypassed the café because of this - and I'm a music-loving, ex-pro drummer! And, as a professional eavesdropper, I didn't hear one person over a two-hour visit complain about the lack of music. In truth, of course, a venue's loud recorded music is often more for the staff's benefit than the customer's. Nostalgia Section: The last time I used this café regularly was back in the 1980s: it was fine, but despite it only selling sliced bread sarnies they were all freshly made and served by a jovial and amusingly sarcastic gent in a long white coat. (Not sure if he also performed operations.) Interestingly, this original 1940s café (Wales' oldest) was also used in a movie in the 80s, where filmmakers transformed the area to resemble post-war Paris café life: vintage cars, musicians (I was one of them), bandstand, fire-eater, decorations, period costumes etc. Filming took place throughout the night, after the location was sealed off, and by the morning, when everything had disappeared, early morning locals were none the wiser. Yes, Hayes Island Snack Bar is an irreplaceable part of local history and with (on my visit) lovely staff to boot. Just turn the music down/off.

Really friendly staff, always offering the kids chocolate or biscuits. And the food is great and always super fresh highly recommend

Warm kitchen whispers, Aromas embrace my soul, Love served on a plate. Home can be your childhood roots and the nearby corner shop. It can be talking with your friends over a cup of hot tea or coffee. A sense of home can surely manifest in a multitude of ways, but ultimately, I tend to think that the locals of Cardiff naturally crave the delicious and affordable food serve here. Just bangin’! I know I’m always down for a tuna cheese melt here, especially if there is a game!

Travelled 3500 miles for a decent bacon sandwich. Found it here great tea, great sandwich.

Decent bacon roll. Crispy bacon fat. Pillow soft roll. Good price. Takes cards.

Super friendly service, good food and at a decent price. Would recommend.

Friday 20th October we were sightseeing in the City of Cardiff. We visited this qwerky looking snack bar for a hot drink and a bite to eat. It is a bit of a landmark in the city and is located at the top end of the Hayes with the Museum of Cardiff nearby. It is reportedly Wales' oldest snack bar and was originally a parcels depot for Cardiff Corporation Tramways. It became a snack bar at the end of World War II. We found the staff here to be cheerful and full of banter. It was not the best of weather so a cup of hot flavoursome coffe and some good food was appreciated. We all enjoyed the food we ordered which we ate at the covered outdoor seating by the Snack Bar. If passing by do stop to have a look at this lovely old building, better still sit down with a coffee and a snack and enjoy watching the world pass by, great people watching spot. Bwyty translates from Welsh to mean restaurant

I have an addiction to their Sausage and Bacon rolls, their food is THE BEST.

What can I say "love this place" Staff are amazing & friendly, cheeky & banterous too - always go back here Great range of food on offer to suit variety of taste buds, good selection of drinks on offer too Plenty of seating area, ample condiments and table and bins Recommend you visit here you will not be disappointed 😃

Would definitely recommend, really good food, good price, won’t leave hungry and staff are really friendly!

Random stop off for some food. Really nice staff and food. Wouldn't mind stopping by when I'm next in the centre

Love this gaff for a daily coffee! Tastier than that Costa muck, and served by really friendly staff!👍🏻

Great place for a cuppa and a chat. 👍

Food is always fresh and tasty staff are really down to earth and game for a laugh great bunch .

Food is fresh and tasty the staff are down to earth and game for a laugh all the staff are quick and efficient definitely worth a visit .

I was served by a person who could not smile. Curt, abrupt and unwelcoming. I can manage friendly when busy. I've waited on tables for military officers for whom would have got rid of me for it. Maybe she had a stinker of a day.

Food always tasty. Friendly staff.

Food is good and good staff and the only problem is no smoking area. if you do not smoke

I really love their triple cheese burgers and it's really worth the price. Overall loved it.

Reasonable value for money considering it's in the middle of town. The bacon, sausage and egg roll was lovely, pennies more than Cardiff Market, so no biggie there, my only criticism was the bread roll was dry/stale on one end, which I wouldn't expect first thing in the morning. Will I go again, definitely. Their burgers look like great value at about £5-6 for a triple burger. Drinks seemed a reasonable price to, £1 for a can. A big bonus was accepting card payments, not many burger/breakfast stall places do, another plus was they were open early as well. (7.40am when I went)

Seagull out if no where nabbed my food and hit coffee over. Wouldn’t replace as not their problem!?!

Had a jumbo combo: burger, sausage, bacon and cheese in a roll... it was pretty good, sat in the sun in the centre of Cardiff!

When you try to order off the menu here, you will know the words gone mad. I dare you to attempt to purchase a jacket potato with cheese and turkey! On our friends first visit to wales they wanted to see history so we chose this venue for a simple snack during our sightseeing. We ordered food and realised 1 snack was short so I returned to the counter to ask but was immediately snarled at by 1 of the females who started shouting I heard the order being read back and you didn’t order it repeatedly. I advised It wasn’t a problem and then it all took a turn for the worse with the till operator and the 2 women trying to resolve how to charge as its not on the menu, so I merely said why not just charge for cheese and bacon – which I now know cost less than turkey, so I asked just charge me something, before a barrage of venom resulting in me asking for just cheese, which for whatever reason resulted in 1 of the ladies shouting I don’t want to serve him. I’m Cardiff born and proud, but ashamed visitors to our city needed to experience this distasteful show of Zero customer service

Just a quick stop off fir a cuppa tea. Then I smelt the chips. The girl behind the counter said she always smells like that. Creased Great friendly and cheap for chips. Ta will definitely pop back

O quiosque fica na rua, junto com outros restaurantes em um espaço muito legal, agradável, com música animada. Pedimos hambúrguer e bem apenas pão e hambúrguer, nada de queijo, salada ou qualquer acompanhamento. A batata frit é a parte, se quiser, precisa pedir. Achei um pouco estranho isso. Atendimento ok. Preço razoável para o que oferece.

Desayunamos ahí 2 dias no es lo más caro que hemos comido en reino unido,aunque el servicio deja mucho que desear,. La camarera super seca y el segundo día no tenían cafe

I love this place, great breakfast and hot rolls..

Always a favourite, really top quality food here, great prices and the staff are a real laugh, great characters, been going here years and love the lot of em...Best cup of tea and bacon bap in Wales...😊

I honestly love this place. I keep coming back since 2 years ago and now in most breaks from work I still come here. They try to keep the prices reasonable as they are a business first but come on a Hayes stack meal with a drink costed me £7! Their sending Mcdonald a run for their money. There's a reason why they've been going for 70+ years. 👍

Love this place. Great food and reasonably priced

Sadly thought I was getting a carvary got a turkey roll shocked really cos rolls were on the board bit like ordering a ferrari and getting a Ford

Forget the golden arches, spend your cash here - fantastic food and value!

A Lovely out door cafe Lovely food , lovely people and dog friendly

Worst flake 99 ice cream !!! It tastes like powder milk.

Nice little cafe with outdoor seating. Friendly staff

Always enjoy a latte and breakfast roll from here, staff are lovely

Myself and another are seriously ill with food poisoning following the meal we had yesterday from this shop. I am definitely complaining to relevent authorities. Too bad. Responding to your reply to my comment above; you are being monitored by Commercial Services Technical Officer (Environmental Health) Communicable Disease and Health & Safety.

Best place for breakfast in Cardiff.

LOVE this place, my family are loyal to these girls :) great food, great place to people watch, great lattes, great prices and most of all the staff are just awesome :) x

Food as advertised, Hays stack was amazing

17 years I've ordered exactly the same thing & it's not changed at all and the staff are always so so friendly

One of the oldest eateries in Cardiff. Still retains its traditional character and charm

Loved the Hays stack burger 🍔.. Yum!

Cracking friendly staff lovelg food good open air atmosphere

The food was beautiful and hot and staff were very friendly and happy

Per qué patatas asadas mas ricas!!! El almuerzo rápido en la calle comodamente.

Lovely Hot Chocolate today!! Thank you

Iconic local. Amazing sandwiches. Franchise please

I like this place great atmosphere and the staff where great , food was great too, I'll be back

little slow but very good good and prices

Really nice and nice customer service

Always good food and good service. Clean too

Can't beat it great staff good food and lots of good music , listen.while you eat

Very friendly staff and great service..

Breakfast roll, lovely. Staff always friendly & welcoming. Keep up the good work

Unique in Cardiff,not the usual chain experience . The staff are characters, decent coffee and a tidy bacon butty, all in an outdoor covered facility. What's not to like.

Always use for coffees and snacks when in town shopping,staff always pleasant and helpful, and food always fresh and cooked when order placed, good value for money.

Lovely food fantastic staff great prices

Have been using Hayes cafe bar over 30 years every time we visit Cardiff, never changed team are brilliant, food 100% love it xx

Lovely place for lunch, snacks or a coffee break

First time visit to this legendary snack venue in the centre of Cardiff. Excellent, very busy friendly outdoor diner with extensive menu and such great food, served with a smile and snappily.. Had egg and beacon roll, lovely soft roll, perfect egg, lots of good quality unsmoked back bacon. 12/10

Good food. Friendly and pleasant staff !

Had a cold drink here. Pleasant service and clean and tidy

Good food and coffee and reasonably priced

Best cuppa tea in the City Centre, and food cooked as you ordered it, great value, fantastic Staff you can have a laugh with. 😀😀💖💖

Good breakfast roll and coffee, always a good place for a snack

Great atmosphere. Lovely coffee and food 😋

Always pop in of a day lovely staff great food and nice prices.

Good, plenty of choice and a quick service

One of the best places to eat in cardiff if you like fast food. Cooked fast, cheap and tastes great

First time I visited the noodle bar and it wont be the last. Friendly staff, good chose of food, and really tasty. Well worth a visit.

Nice to see this up and open again

Just a snack but good to be able to sit and eat, Only had a toastie but so nice to have one made with real toast rather than pre-toasted and heated in hot grill.

If your after some Friday cheat day munch this is the place to go 👌

Only had a coffee and bacon bap but very nice and reasonable.

Lovely coffee and a fabulous menu . Friendly customer service

A Cardiff institution, quick hot food and drinks in the middle of town for fantastic prices

Ace, especially at Breakfast time.

Quick service, very friendly staff. The food was very good, served quickly.

First time back in 6months, was treating like I'd just been gone a day, staff are great and food is always top notch, good job girls, missed you muchly!

meat sweats after the haystacks burger. ate the whole thing mid erection

The staff were beyond helpful this is the nicest tango ice blast I've had

Excellent place to rest for a coffee, toasted sandwich and chips, lush! ❤️

Brilliant cafe,gorgeous food,nothing to much bother,friendly staff,plenty of seating,clean,great for families,i would recommend this place highly,smack bang in the middle of town,shops within walking distance

Great place to stop off and grab a bite to eat

Excellent coffee and full breakfast, so much in a soft roll 👍👍👍

Been coming here for Donkeys years just great good coffee good food

Excellent street food in an old open air marketplace setting. Food is basic comfort food well prepared and excellent value for money. Served by friendly people.

Loved gowing there food was very good plenty of choice to eat. Worth a visit.

My husband and I ate here again today as we do now every time we go to Cardiff and as usual it was excellent delicious well cooked food. You must try when you are in cardiff.

Weak tea with too little milk. Don’t waste your money. Staff friendly, laughing away as they serve you. Good atmosphere. Maybe the food is good.

Excellent lunch spot, can't beat the burger here