A quick snack at the smartest cafe in town on a dazzling September morning
The temperature was rising on my trip out to Colwyn Bay. But Porth Eirias was a sanctuary from the sun.
I know some like it hot, to quote from the classic Billy Wilder film, but it was a cool and welcoming place to go for a refreshing drink. It also has its own, free car park.
So I called in and there were already people sitting outside, overlooking the bay. I ordered a latte and homemade Welsh cakes and sat on a stool at the high, breakfast bar style tables to wait for the drink.
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The bustle was building in the adjoining restaurant with customers arriving and the clink of glasses indicating lunch-time wasn't far off. But I just wanted a snack.
I went over to collect the drink and brought it back to my table. I have to say that those Welsh cakes - sitting temptingly on the counter and packaged in see-through plastic, were the best I've ever tasted.
So often Welsh cakes are rather solid and tasteless - a perfunctory nod towards baking but not really memorable. These light, doughy discs, however, were just the opposite: fluffy and crumbly with a delicate, sugary flavour.
I never thought they'd be like a meal in themselves but with a satisfactory latte they kept me going until I ate tuna sandwiches at home for lunch.
While I munched the Welsh cakes I glanced around the room. Beside this cafe's tables there's a well-stocked fridge with a variety of products. I noticed a jar of the Bryn's Kitchen-branded Sos Coch (£4.80), the Bryn's Kitchen Salad dressing (£5.10) and Raspberry and Lime jam (£5.80).
They looked good and may well have been delicious if those Welsh cakes were anything to go by. I didn't succumb to temptation to buy one on this occasion although I'd like to have a meal in the main restaurant one day.
The facts
Location: Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay LL29 8HH
Food: Delicious snack
The bill: Welsh cakes & a latte £7.10 in total
Atmosphere: Stylish and cool
Service: Efficient and professional
Verdict: A unique spot for a refreshing drink