Caswell Surfside Cafe in Swansea

Not safe for people with food allergies. None of the staff members had any understanding what gluten was. I had to explain I couldn’t eat bread, flour, wheat etc and they then brought me a salad with couscous. I asked them for a fresh salad but I don’t think they understood how serious an issue this is for me. I have been unwell since. The service was very substandard in other respects. It felt like it was all of their first days at work. I think this cafe would benefit from decent management and training staff. It’s gone really downhill since I remember it from years ago. The cutlery was all dirty, as were the glasses. None of the tables were clean. Really disappointed

The cafe is small - it was too cold to sit outside. Chairs & tables crammed together, and far too many dogs! The whole interior is shabby and the staff disorganised. Coffee was drinkable but I cannot recommend it and never having been there before I shall not return.

Poor food, poor customer service, extremely expensive for bellow average food. A lovely customer asked me if we wanted our table cleaned. She said I don’t work here, but I’m cleaning tables if you want yours done too. We eventually got our table cleaned by one of the staff. I would not waste your money going here.

Beautiful location. That’s the positives done. Staff were going through the motions, tables dirty: we had to ask for ours to be cleaned. There was actually another customer cleaning (and offering to clean) tables because the (young) staff weren’t doing it! Cutlery grubby and sticky. Crockery had bits of dried food stuck to it. Some items on the menu were ridiculously overpriced for what they were: a toastie for £11 for example, very pricey for a Swansea cafe! One of our toasted sandwiches was burnt and the other had stale tomatoes. We’ll definitely give it a miss in future.

Terrible experience. Very rude staff who weren’t competent. Being accused of not paying for something. Slow service. VERY EXPENSIVE for what it is. I’m all for young people working in customer service but at least train them on our to speak to customers. Young girl working there had disgusting attitude, definitely won’t be returning.

Went here on a sunny August day with a family group of 10 including 3 children. When I went into the cafe I was greeted by a very cheerful and helpful assistnt who offered a menu to me to take out to our family to order. We had a variety of sdandwiches, a panini and two bagel melts and they were all very tasty and good quality. All the staff were working very hard as it was a busy time for them, but were all very professional. The lunch was perfect for a day on the beach.

Whilst visiting Caswell Bay we decided to take a snack lunch here. The café is typical of the genre, and with a menu to suit. The café is situated on the coast path just above of the west side of the beach. It is airy inside and has glazed walls that provide views out to the beach and bay. There is a fairly narrow deck with tables and seating bordering the edge of building adjacent to the beach. Tables and (comfortable cushioned) seats inside the café were lightweight metal, with glass tops to tables. It all looked clean and tidy. The restaurant appears to be open from 08:45 to close after the last food orders at 16:30. All day breakfast is served, also toasted breads and buns, bagel melts, burgers, sandwiches, paninis, salads and toasties, plus hot and cold drinks, and ice cream by Marshfield Farm. My Partner chose a “Tuna mayo & red onion salad” (£9.70) which looked, and apparently was, very good. I chose a “Cheddar cheese & ham toastie” (£10) which was also very good. We had reasonably good tea and coffee to accompany our food. Service was pleasant and prompt, and the food served was all freshly prepared, and of good quality. This café is well located for families enjoying a beach day, and we found the prices reasonable, but a family of four would be spending at least £40 for a snack meal here, and the kid’s ice creams would certainly add to that bill.

We have been visiting Surfside for many years but sadly, the levels of hygiene and customer service are now very poor. We visited at 4.30 yesterday afternoon, and there was nobody in the cafe except us. 5 tables were covered in dirty cups/plates/remains of food etc. 2 young ladies were chatting by the coffee machine and took a few minutes to notice we were there. The cushions are looking very grubby and there are no obvious signs of food hygiene training eg long hair is not covered, The food is very overpriced-£12 for a panini! Our sandwiches were nice but pretty basic. In future we will bring a flask and our own sandwiches, and sit outside on one of the many benches. Very disappointing.

We popped into the cafe for an ice cream on the way back to our friends house. We walked into the cafe and there were two girls sitting at a table talking who we thought were customers. There was nobody at the counter so we stood by the ice cream cabinet and waited. After a couple of minutes a woman appeared from the kitchen and walked behind the counter with a sheet of paper which she seemed engrossed in and didn’t seem to notice us. After a minute I said “excuse me but we’d like some ice creams?” She looked up and seemed irritated that we’d disturbed her and said “can you come around here to order”indicating that we moved around the counter in front of her and she then asked what we wanted. She could have easily have taken our order where we were however we did as asked. We reeled off the four flavours we wanted and she took the order. We then went to give her the money and she snapped that it was card only although there were no signs. We paid by card. At that point one of girls sitting at the table came over and started to do the ice creams so they were obviously staff as well. The girl prepared the ice cream cones but apart from saying “vanilla” “blackcurrant” etc as she handed them over, she did not engage at all. The ice cream was very nice!

Hygiene leaves a lot to be desired, staff more interested in chatting than keeping the tables and floor clean. Seat cushions filthy, as were windowsills and windows. Staff seen handling produce with no hair covering, and not tied back& witnessed staff touching their hair then handling food to be served. Quality of food average & way overpriced. Suggest owner makes unannounced visit before environmental health, wouldn’t go back, wouldn’t recommend

We called in here at the end of a wonderful coastal walk. We were damp and cold and ordered two hot chocolates with marshmallows and cream. Very good. The young man who served us was very friendly and even offered to light the log burner so that we could warm up and dry out. A lovely end to an adventurous walk.

Six staff loitering behind the counter couldn’t be bothered to clear dirty tables. So we didn’t bother staying. Doesn’t give a good impression to anybody

I only popped in to get a piece of cake to take away but couldn't believe how dirty the place looked, with an overwhelming smell of dog. It was gross. It seemed to be staffed by young people who really had no clue about customer service - not their fault but presumably a lack of training, mentoring and/or decent pay. I always think that if a place is dirty in public areas, god knows what the kitchen/behind scenes areas are like. I got my cake but nearly fell over when I was charged £3.20 for a tiny slice - not even a proper slice of cake. Extortionate. This place could be so good, especially given the amazing views and location, but just isn't - complacent management must be counting on one-off customers/tourists who're visiting the beach but as a local, I definitely won't be back, especially at those prices.

Lovely view,but service slow not enough staff.expensive for ordinary toasted sandwich and coffe.finished coffee before food came.tables with dirty dishes,then not wiped clean.dissapointing.

Four young members of staff behind the counter, 3 of them engrossed in their mobile phones, one of them sat up on the counter right next to the coffee machine on her phone. Stood and waited to be served for some time before anyone noticed me. Ordered a sandwich for me and my toddler to share.. plain cheese and ham on white bread - £5.20. No side salad, no crisps. Extortionate price for a sandwich. Senior member of staff needs to be present to advise the younger members of staff the correct way to do their job. Phones should be banned whilst they’re working. And certainly no sitting up on food and drink preparation counters in full view of paying customers.

Really good food. Delicious veggie wrap. Excellent location. Good service. Highly recommended. Both outdoor and indoor tables

Waited 45 mins for a bacon and egg bun. Asked three members of staff if it was coming, then spoke to a manager and no one ever confirmed if it was coming or not. Ended up giving up without eating or refund (so paid £7...

Seats around 35, a cosy little place, nice tasting coffee. A little on the pricy side for the food that’s why it has four instead of five stars, but it’s a very nice range of bagels, paninis, sandwiches. Lamb burger with egg is one of...

Excellent venue with spectacular views. It is popular because it is the only place to get coffee or a snack in Caswell Bay in the winter. Unfortunately the cafe was dirty and needed a good clean. The tables were not cleared or wiped after use....

went there for a hot chocolate. place was dirty with tables full of dirty cups and plates. staff was extremely young with no supervision. one person was doing the till and serving, while the rest was hiding in the kitchen and on their phones. was...

The cafe is in a great location, so it’s naturally busy. The staff were extremely young and inexperienced. Watching food being made with bare hands that looked less than ideal, in a location that’s in full view of the cafe and extremely unkempt. The whole...

Just need to let the Management know!!!! We are very regular Visitors to this Cafe and also the one in Langland. Called in this afternoon to Caswell about 3.30pm today for two Cappucinos. Noticed there were a lot of tables inside & outside that needed...

Went in for 2 takeaway coffees, staff weren’t very helpful and just couldn’t be bothered. It was quiet with around 5 people in there. One girl had her arms folded leaning on the grill. Tables needed wiping down and the grill area needed a clean....

Two for lunch after a coastal path walk. Tea was a bit weak but toastier and panini were spot on, hot well filled, tasty and with a nice bit of salad on the side. It was pretty busy but everyone seemed to be enjoying their...

On a cold windy morning, the lights were on in the cafe and there were six of us hoping for a coffee. Tapped on the window and staff signalled they were not open. Tapped again at 8.55 and got told by a frosty young lady...

In November, we sat outside, drinking coffee before our beach walk. It was tasty and hot. The staff were friendly, and kept the place clean. What more can you ask?

We stopped here twice, once for a breakfast bap and then the next day for a toastie. Both were delicious. Good coffee and tea and the view of Caswell Bay is amazing!

The lamb burger used to be delicious, with salad and other garnishes. Yesterday it was a piece of meat in a bread roll and when I questioned the change was told they were cutting costs!! Well I’ll be cutting my costs and not returning to...

We decided to go down caswell for a day out and have food. Been before but not for a while. Place is small but nice. Prices were very expensive and didn't seem value for money. Changed our minds about food and went back into swansea...

My wife and I took our grandson here recently. Coffee was cold bread was barely toasted and the Welshcakes tasted far from fresh. Very unusual as it's usually very good

Little cafe on the beach, great views. Ordered toasties, felt £7.30 was a bit steep, although had a bit of unwanted salad and couscous with it, ordered cheese and tomato got cheese and ham, wouldn’t say overly worried about customer service, was an ok experience

Surfside has to be one of the best seaside cafes going. It is a regular haunt for our family and friends whenever we are staying in Caswell. Its great for breakfast and lunch - we love their bacon and eggs buns. The menu is simple but the food is well prepared and served by friendly staff.

We paid £37.50 for 2 burgers and 2 salads. The burgers were too processed tasting, 'plasticky' as they call it, for my husband and son. The 2 salads were utterly tasteless, some green leaves with tasteless tomatoes and cucumber. £8.30 for that with some ham or tuna on top! We all were hungry after so went next door for chips! On an intolerance note, they did at the least have an allergen list, but made no effort to offer even a GF roll or bread, hence why we had to have salads. The only good thing was the view and the bowl of water for the dog!

The location is near Caswell Bay.The service was excellent and the food was delicious.The staff were very friendly and helpful as they looked after as very well.The food is priced great.You can just sit and watch the glorious views of Caswell Bay.I would recommend this place to others.

This place was great. Lovely setting, staff very friendly, food good. I marked it down, because my pet hate is sticky menus and these were sticky. Otherwise it would have had top marks

We had breakfast here this morning. They were pretty busy, so we waited a little while for the food, but not too long. They managed our expectations well. The food was good, the coffee was great and the prices were high. But when it’s a lovely sunny morning, it’s well worth it.

We popped in here for coffee & cake after a walk on the beach. This cafe is clean, dog friendly with great service. We found the place friendly and inviting.

Every morning, while we are staying in Caswell Bay, we do the circular walk through Bishops wood, across to the golf course and join the coast path back to Caswell Bay, tradition makes us stop at the surfside for a coffee, rather crowded today 19/04/19, because of the bank holiday but still worth it.

We had drinks there today, nice views over Caswell but it’s quite pricey and the staff need to smile and Be a little more friendly!!

This can challenge almost any view from a coffee shop in Britain. Currently becoming my favourite little place for a piece of calm! Bring a book and stay for a while. Time is occasionally for wasting.

2 lacklustre foamed coffees from a machine (latte ) and 2 egg baps, £14.20. Apparently they are normal eggs, not from a golden goose.Fancy a cheese toastie? That'll be £7.30. Yes, you read it right. For a cheese toastie. In the Gower, not in London!Hmm, look, a captive audience, let's fleece them.Was a crap egg bap too!Pirates! ⚠️

Brilliant location - dog friendly inside so great if the weather's poorly. The burgers and bagels are delicious! There are no chips on the menu but the Surfside is happy for you to purchase chips from Meg and Ollie's, next door.A great please for lunch after a long Gower walk.

Lovely comfortable place amazing views across Caswell Bay. Fab coffee and homemade cakes to die for. Have been here every few weeks lately. It's lovely sat outside watching the sea. They supply blankets as well for chilly days.

two separate buildings owned by the same owner which meant I had to walk back and forth between both cafe's to order/pay/pick up my food. I ordered chips (£2.50) from one building, had to walk to the next building to pay, then had to walk back to the first building to pick up the food then walk to the second building to order a coffee. I ordered a cappuccino which was £2.80, which came in the smallest cup I've ever seen.. probably around espresso size. Chips were revolting and overcooked, worse than school canteen food. I'd strongly advise everyone to avoid this place and bring a packed lunch or starve until you get home

Needed a nice warm drink after spending several hours on the beach. Weather turned from sunny to windy and cold, so decided to go for a warm drink. Staff were friendly and we ordered hot chocolate with cream, a mugachino and a slice of blueberry backwell. Some tables were dirty, but the girls were quick to rectify that. A nice place to sit and watch the world go by!

Other drinks are available! After a windswept morning on the beach this was the perfect place to go. Good choice of food and drinks my tea and coffee cake hit the spot. Bonus that its dog and child friendly. Lovely view of the bay too!

Needed a drink (hot day), coffee came in the smallest thickest cup you could imagine (150ml), £2.50. Also when I asked for ice for cold drinks, they said they don’t do ice! This is a cafe just after you money.

We planned on using the facilities of this cafe even before we arrived at Caswell Bay just for ease. I really didnt want the hot dog type food that the snack bar behind the cafe offers so to have fresh and "home cooked" we had no choice. The day was busy so the wait was long, all that was fine. I just wish it wasnt so expensive. They have no competition beyond the snack bar so it seems unnecessary to price it so high... even so, we enjoyed it.

Before I begin, I should clarify that I am no geek, that cannot live without their mobile phone. I was actually awaiting some important information to be sent to me, which could have been at any time.Finding that I had no signal on my phone, I thought that the Caswell Surfside Cafe may have WiFi.My wife went up to the cafe to inquire if they had WiFi and if so, what the password was. This was met with a blank stare by the girl at the counter. She, in-turn called another waitress over. Who stated that "There was WiFi but it was needed for the cameras" and therefore they were not allowed to give it out.The smell of BS nearly overtook the smell of the seaside.Won't be using their facilities in hurry - it may be needed for the Cameras!

Beach cafe with nice cake ,coffee and a place to sit with a smashing view. Very busy on a sunny day.

A great place to top up on coffee and something sweet. Dog friendly and very popular. Location is right on the beach so you can't miss it.

Yes the location, right above the beach, is a big selling point for this restaurant but there is more to it than that. We visited on a sunny Sunday before the hottest Early May Bank Holiday Monday on record. The car park was packed and the bay and three cafes busy. The staff of Surfside, who all looked very young, were under pressure but in my opinion coped brilliantly with friendly and efficient service. We had two burgers and two panini's and we all enjoyed them, my Wild Boar and Chorizo Burger was very tasty and well garnished. A good place for a snack particularly if you forgot to think about packing a picnic for the beach.

Always love to stop here after a long walk, but did think at this visit that the light lunches are very expensive and taking advantage of location and market. £7.10 for a basic toasted sandwich seemed a little high. Little untidy too behind the counter. Best to pop next door for old fashioned seaside chips and delicious dinky doughnuts next time, view still the same.

Had a thoroughly enjoyable walk from Caswell Bay to Langland and back, stopping at this cafe for morning coffee. Sadly, quite a let down. An ok interior but run by staff of a younger generation, who appeared to have no customer service skills.Also very pricey. Flat white coffee at around £3.20 is far more pricey than most cafes, even filter coffee was £2.50.We didn’t eat but the bacon rolls looked very greasy and with minimal presentation. With fabulous views and outside seating for the warmer weather, they could do so much better if they were more affordable and showed a bit more tlc. A shame.

Walked to Caswell bay from Langland on Sunday 25th March 2018 and popped into the Surfside cafe for a snack. We both had warmed bagels with brie and cranberry sauce, very tasty with tea/coffee. Glorious views from the cafe and the outside seating area. Young staff who were pleasant and busy keeping the tables clean as there was a large turnover of customers.

I had visited previously after a long walk in the cold and rain and found it very warm and welcoming. However, during recent visit my husband pointed out debris under where food was being prepared and the fact that cucumber was being chopped on top of bread crumbs! Noticed also tables weren't being cleared. Shame lovely spot.

Arrived for a snack before walking in Feb. Some tables were occupied but none of free ones were clean. Member of staff did clean our table when asked but none of others! Floor around windows was very dirty. Food was overpriced and staff not committed to good customer service. Cards not accepted. They need some competition!

We had a lovely lunch with a wide choice of dishes. Having walked from Langland to Caswell in the rain it was great to be able to sit by the log burner. There are blankets too for those really cold days. The two young people running the cafe cooked our food to perfection ( BLT and the bbq stack burger were delicious). It doesn’t serve alcohol or chips but there’s plenty to choose from. It’s well worth a visit for the views too .