Braf Caffi a Stiwdio | Braf Cafe and Studio
We’d been surfing in a rare summer swell in Dinas Dinlle on the Llyn Peninsula and we were in need of warming up. The wind was so strong and we were sheltering behind a wall in the car park peeling off our wetsuits and laughing about the situation we’d put ourselves in.
We felt refreshed and energised but tired by the beating the Irish Sea had delivered to us, so we looked across the road towards a cafe we’d already spotted on previous visits to the small historic coastal village. This cafe is one of a few small, independent businesses along the shoreline in Dinas Dinlle, but it was the one which caught our eye. Its signage, branding and asthestic was really pleasing. Both modern and completely infitting to its Welsh coastal habitation.
We were hungry, thirsty and excited to see what Braf could offer us…
The interior was light, airy and calm. It was quite full and we grabbed the last table available, but it didn’t seem chaotic. The large windows and natural light gave the space such a welcoming feel. The staff were super friendly and happily switched between their native Welsh tongue and English. We asked what vegan options they had and we had plenty to choose from including some vegan Crempogs (pancakes) with Biscoff and banana. A couple of orders of pancakes and coffee later, we were sat in our comfortable vintage style chairs taking in the atmoshphere of the busy, fresh and contemporary eatery. Families, friends, couples and dogs filled the tables and conversation and laughter filled the air. It was a relaxing and comfortable space to unwind and relax. The other food in the fridges, including cakes, looked really good and people’s plates were filled with sweet treats.
Our coffee arrived first and it was excellent. The beans were from Poblado which is an artisan roastery in Nantlle, Snowdonia. It is important to us that cafes use local roasteries. Supporting other local businesses is vital in this capitalised society, and Braf are doing it well.
Next our Crempogs arrived and wow, they were fantastic! Soft, fluffy and really tasty. Exactly what we needed after a busy morning in the surf. We were so grateful they catered for a vegan diet. We’ve noticed a vast improvement along the Llyn Peninsula over the last few years with more and more vegan friendly dishes being included menus in the area.
Menus change for special occasions such as a Palestinian cuisine night, raising money for Palestinian charities and using local vegetables from Tyddyn Teg Cooperative and Henbant Permaculture Farm. Another sure sign this cafe is doing what’s right for its community and the wider world.
The cafe has a studio space next door which is used for a Yoga, Pilates, sensory sessions and meditation. What a wonderful place to relax and unwind! It’s available to hire so get in touch with them if you’re local to Dinas Dinlle and you’re after a space.
Outside there was a hand painted hut adorned with amazing signwriting, readt for the busy summer months ahead. We’ll be back to see what it looks like with its hatch open. I can just imagine the queues when the sun is shining!
With our frequent visits to the Llyn Peninsula, we feel we’ve found a new favourite cafe right along one of our favourite beaches. If you fancy a longer walk you can park along the coast at Aberdesach and walk along the pebble beach, or up on the coast path exploring the Iron Age Fort which sits above Dinas Dinlle. For more information on Dinas Dinlle and its surrounding area visit here. Or click here to read about its Iron Age Fort.
For more information on Braf and how you can visit them, follow the links below…
Braf translates to Fine in English. Maybe that’s simply just a comment on how they grind their beans. We like to think it’s a comment on how they are re-fined. Everything they do creates something better. They are refining the modern coffee shop.
