London's First Dedicated Welsh Cafe Bara Opens in Peckham

South London is set to welcome a groundbreaking new culinary destination as Bara, the capital's first cafe fully dedicated to Welsh cuisine, prepares to open its doors at 44-46 Choumert Road in Peckham next month. This exciting venture aims to fill a notable gap in London's diverse food landscape, where Scottish and Irish establishments have long thrived, but Welsh representation has been conspicuously absent.

A Celebration of Welsh Produce

The cafe's name, Bara, meaning 'bread' in Welsh, reflects its commitment to showcasing the finest ingredients from Wales. The menu is a carefully curated homage to Welsh culinary traditions, featuring produce sourced directly from various regions across the country. Expect to find Pembrokeshire lobster, Caerphilly cheese, Anglesey sea salt, Carmarthenshire coffee, and beers from Portmadog among the offerings.

Founded by South Wales-born chef Cecily Dalladay, a former contestant on Masterchef: The Professionals, and Zoë Heimann, ex-head chef of Clapham's Pique Cafe, Bara represents a passionate mission to elevate Welsh food culture in London.

Hearty and Innovative Menu

Bara's menu promises to delight with a range of inventive and comforting dishes. Highlights include:

Pembrokeshire Lobster Rolls – a seafood treat featuring fresh Welsh lobster.
Caerphilly Cheesesteak – made with eight-hour smoked Welsh beef brisket and melted Caerphilly cheese.
Brown Crab Rarebit – a twist on the classic Welsh rarebit, enriched with brown crab.
Traditional Swansea Breakfast Sandwich – stuffed with cockles, dry-smoked streaky bacon, buttered leeks, and laverbread (a Welsh seaweed paste).
Welsh Honey Butter Pancakes – a sweet option showcasing local honey.

From 7.30am on weekdays, breakfast options will include traditional bara brith (Welsh tea bread) and a leek bubble and squeak, egg, and cheese focaccia.

Welsh Drinks and Community Focus

The beverage selection is equally Welsh-centric, featuring:

Still and sparkling water sourced from Welsh mountains.
Tiny Rebel Welsh lager and Gaza Cola.
Coffee from Coaltown Roasters in Ammanford, a former mining town.
A wine list that includes traditional method Welsh sparkling wine.

Beyond the food and drink, Bara's founders have outlined ambitious community initiatives. Once open, they plan to establish a chefs-in-residency programme, partner with local food banks, launch an entry-to-work scheme to support marginalised groups, and offer vouchers to ensure the cafe is accessible to all in the community.

Founder's Vision and Opening Events

Co-founder Cecily Dalladay expressed her enthusiasm, stating: 'As a proud Welshwoman, I am keen to shine the spotlight on the incredible produce coming out of Wales. I feel like as a nation Wales is underrepresented in the London food scene, and I'm excited to showcase these exceptional suppliers. Our food and coffee taste better because the ingredients and suppliers create them with care and attention.'

While the cafe's full opening is scheduled for Valentine's Day, it will mark St Dwynwen's Day (Welsh Valentine's Day) on Saturday, January 24, by handing out free Caerphilly cheesesteaks and vegan focaccias filled with smoked tofu and shiitake XO. This gesture offers a tantalising preview of what's to come at this unique addition to London's vibrant culinary scene.