Cariad Café Bar has already gained an enviable reputation as being the go-to venue not only for the residents of Barry but further afield. Ken and Khlodia recently took over ownership and would like to welcome customers to sample their offering. We met Ken to find out more.
What are your backgrounds?
As a teenager, I worked at Little Chef and worked my way up the chain. When I moved to Malaysia, I opened a chippy restaurant and gained much experience in the industry there.
My core business is in the oil and gas consultancy and have been in this industry since I was 25. I’ve built successful companies in Asia while Khlodia’s family are in the manufacturing sector and own a bank back in her country.
Khlodia, managed two elite clubs in the Philippines so what she doesn’t know about customer service is not worth knowing.
Why did you choose to take over Cariad?
We love food! We love to cook and of course eat. We both have a big passion for discovering food and cooking. Khlodia comes from two heritages that are known for their food. She’s half Spanish and half Chinese and both those countries are known for the flavours of their food. She grew up learning how to cook from her grandparents, from both sides, and her dad also cooks amazing food. She has gathered all of these recipes and is excited to bring them to Cariad.
It was always our dream to own a restaurant, and when we heard that Cariad was for sale, once we saw it, we absolutely fell in love with it. We knew we had to just grab the opportunity and make our dreams become reality.
How long has Cariad Café Bar been open?
Cariad Café Bar had been open for years already and already had an excellent reputation, so it was a no-brainer for us to take it on.
What do you offer your customers?
We plan to keep some of Cariad’s old menu because “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Cariad’s famous “cook your own steak” will always be on the menu. There will be tapas and Khlodia’s special ribs/pork belly which has been with her family for generations. Her deep-fried chicken wings are out of this world. They are nothing like the normal typical wings but something not many people will have ever tasted before. We also have a vegan/vegetarian and pescatarian menu.
Customers can also pop in for tea/coffee and cake. We also welcome well behaved pooches.
What about food intolerances?
We are new to this and we still have to learn along the way. For now, we are focusing on our vegan/vegetarian and pescatarian menu. Going forward, we will be introducing gluten-free, soy based and dairy-free options.
Do you have special nights?
We support local talent by giving them paid gigs, and we plan to have someone performing every fortnight. These are very popular with our customers as they add something special to the occasion.
What has been the feedback so far from customers?
Since opening on March 1st, the feedback for our Sunday roast was amazing. Customers are raving about our lamb shank braised in Malbec for 24hrs. We are delighted and grateful for the fantastic support from everyone.
What do you think makes Cariad Café Bar stand out from the crowd?
We believe that it’s that we treat our customers as if they are part of our family. We are in an amazing location in the west end of Barry. The Knap is a very attractive part of the town and we are lucky that we are situated across the road from a lovely park which overlooks the bay.
What are your opening hours and what will you be serving at those times?
Wednesday until Saturday 10:30am to 11pm and Sunday 10:30am to 5pm.
What customers say…
A lovely cafe. We had a fabulous Sunday lunch today which was delish. Lovely friendly staff. You are doing a great job. We will be back and highly recommend the Sunday lunch. Compliments to the chef. Roma Uzzell
Really enjoyed the tapas and cook your own steak. My steak was prime quality and tasty, the tapas were to die for. Atmosphere, service was very good, and I loved the ukulele artist. Definitely recommend this place. Matthew Biggs
Cariad Café Bar
1 The Parade
Barry
CF62 6SD
01446 737276
For bookings please call 07934 240161
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