Amidst the vibrant culinary landscape of London, where global cuisines flourish, one Celtic neighbour has been notably absent—until now. The capital is set to welcome its first dedicated Welsh café, Bara Cafe, which opens its doors in Choumert Road, Peckham, on Thursday, February 12. This exciting new venture promises to infuse South London with a distinct Welsh flair, offering a unique dining experience that celebrates Welsh culture and produce.
A Culinary Collaboration with MasterChef Talent
The café is the creative vision of Zoë Heimann and chef Cecily Dalladay, who gained recognition as a quarter-finalist on MasterChef: The Professionals. Their partnership brings a blend of culinary expertise and passion to the project, aiming to showcase Welsh ingredients and traditions in a modern, accessible way. In an Instagram announcement, the duo explained that ‘Bara’ means bread in Welsh, symbolising a universal food that connects people across cultures and embodies community and peace.
Welsh-Inspired Menu Highlights
At the heart of Bara Cafe is a menu that emphasises native Welsh produce, with several dishes drawing inspiration from Welsh history. A standout offering is the Swansea Breakfast, featuring smoked bacon, sweet leeks in butter, Pembrokeshire cockles, and laverbread on toasted focaccia—a delicacy historically cherished by Welsh miners. Other notable items include the Bara Brith, a traditional Welsh fruit loaf, and an array of focaccia flatbread options.
These focaccia dishes include:
- Lamb-iri harissa focaccia: Slow-cooked Welsh lamb shoulder in Lamiri harissa, served with yoghurt and dill-dressed cucumbers.
- Saffron coronation chicken focaccia: Coronation chicken paired with charred pineapple, mango and scotch bonnet salsa, and baby gem lettuce.
- Crab rarebit: A twist on the classic, made with Pembrokeshire brown crab, Caerphilly cheese, and Purple Moose beer rarebit, accompanied by a fennel salad.
Weekend Specials and Community Focus
For weekend visitors, Bara Cafe offers a special treat: the Pembrokeshire Lobster Roll, available exclusively on Saturdays. This indulgent dish combines Pembrokeshire lobster with lobster bisque mayonnaise, chives, and lemon, all nestled in a soft sesame roll. The café’s philosophy centres on people and flavour, with all food lovingly homemade to highlight quality ingredients and a passion for feeding the community.
As London continues to expand its culinary horizons, Bara Cafe represents a significant addition, filling a gap for Welsh cuisine in the city. Its opening in Peckham is poised to attract food enthusiasts eager to explore new tastes and support local, sustainable produce. With its focus on Welsh heritage and innovative dishes, this café is set to become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors alike.
