Hello dear
Welcome To The Hours Cafe & Bookshop at Brecon Cathedral
The Hours Cafe & Bookshop at Brecon Cathedral offers a tranquil retreat infused with history and community spirit. Nestled in the picturesque Cathedral Close, this cafe serves homemade delights, including hearty soups and delectable quiches, complemented by locally baked bread and Welsh butter. The inviting atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a warm meal or indulging in delightful cakes, such as the Coffee & Walnut Cake or Limoncello Tiramisu. Patrons rave about the friendly staff and the beautiful cathedral views, making it a top destination for Sunday roasts and memorable gatherings. Embrace the charm and taste of The Hours as you relax in this stunning locale.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Homemade Soup with locally baked bread & Welsh butter
Homemade Carrot Slaw (vg)
Carrot Cake (gf)
Victoria Sponge
About
The Hours Cafe & Bookshop at Brecon Cathedral
Nestled in the serene surroundings of Brecon Cathedral, The Hours Cafe & Bookshop offers a delightful blend of culinary pleasure and literary ambiance. Located at Cathedral Close, Brecon LD3 9DP, this charming establishment has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it's an ideal place to unwind, enjoy a meal, and contemplate the many tomes lining the shelves.
Upon entering, you'll instantly feel the friendly vibe, thanks to the dedicated staff who provide exceptional service. Patrons have shared heartwarming reviews, like Steve Curry who praised the “brilliant friendly staff,” and Huw Llewellyn who commended the team for hosting a lovely gathering. This attention to hospitality makes The Hours a haven for those looking for comfort and community.
The menu is a feast for the senses. Highlights include the tempting A Pilgrim’s Repast, available either for one (£13.95) or to share (£26.95). This offering showcases an enticing platter featuring an array of meats and cheeses paired with Welsh chutney, homemade carrot slaw, olives, and warm bread slathered with Welsh butter. It's a true celebration of local flavors that speaks to Brecon's rich culinary heritage.
For those with a penchant for sweets, The Hours doesn't disappoint. Customers rave about the Lemon Drizzle Cake, Victoria Sponge, and the Carrot Cake — particularly the gluten-free option that caters to diverse dietary needs. These homemade treats are perfect companions to a cup of freshly brewed coffee while you immerse yourself in a good book.
One mustn't overlook the fantastic Sunday roast, lauded by Karen Davies as one of the most tender and exquisitely presented meals she's had. The combination of succulent beef and perfectly cooked vegetables, alongside a glass of red wine and an exquisite limoncello tiramisu for dessert, creates an unforgettable dining experience.
Surrounded by beautiful, green, and peaceful historic grounds, The Hours Cafe & Bookshop not only invites you to indulge but also to explore. Take a moment to wander through the stunning Brecon Cathedral, where you can admire its ancient architecture and the poignant history of the South Wales Borderers. It’s a location that captures the heart, inviting you to linger a little longer.
If you find yourself in Brecon, The Hours Cafe & Bookshop is an absolute must-visit, whether you’re after a cozy meal, delicious cakes, or a moment of reflection among books. Don’t forget to book ahead, as this gem quickly fills up, especially during the bustling weekends!
For inquiries, you can contact them at +44 7726 375274. Enjoy your visit to this unique culinary and cultural oasis!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Lovely little cafe with brilliant friendly staff who gave a very warm welcome, not often seen these days ”
“ Wow!!! Came for Sunday lunch today with family and so glad we made the effort. One of the loveliest Sunday roasts I’ve had in a long time. I had the beef which was tender and cooked to perfection. The vegetable selection was delicious and the meal was beautifully presented. I had a lovely glass of red with my main meal. The dessert was amazing. I had the limoncello tiramisu. Beautiful. The atmosphere was lovely and relaxed with views across to the cathedral. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The Hours is a must visit . The best Sunday roast in town. ”
“ Nicky , Lyndsey and their team did an amazing job catering for my fathers memorial at the cathedral, about 300 people. They made what could have been a stressful day a very happy and relaxed affair. I could not be happier. ”
“ Amazing Sunday lunch, lovely food plus amazing service in a beautiful location. Just two things, make sure you book, and leave room for the gorgeous deserts! ”
“ Come here all the time being a Brecon local. Friendly staff, a reasonable variety of foods and cakes (could do with a bit more0 but the feather in the cap is the location. Being set in the curtilage of beautiful Brecon Cathedral the setting is sublimely gorgeous, green, peaceful, historic and lowers your heartbeat by about forty beats. Apart from the tea and cakes you can walk inside this stunning cathedral and even see the historic military chapel and view the iconic colours of the South Wales Borderers that were involved in the Zulu wars.* There is also a lovely little shop and toilets on site. *The 24th Regiment - South Wales Borderers - established their Regimental Depot in Brecon in 1873 and the Havard Chapel in Brecon Cathedral was dedicated as the Regimental Chapel in 1922. In 1934, the famous Colours carried by the Regiment during the 1879 Zulu War were deposited in the Chapel. The Queen's Colour 1/24th was saved by Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill after the disaster at Isandhlwana. Both officers, who were killed by the Zulus, were each later awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross. These particular Colours, because of their significance, were encased in 2002 to prevent further deterioration. ”
“ This is a nice place to come for lunch and we're glad to walked a little bit further out for it. Staff were friendly and attentive. we had the Welsh rarebit and the vegan sandwich - the bread for both was so fresh and delicious. Prices were reasonable which was nice as many other places in Brecon are on the higher side. Places to sit both inside and outside in a lovely location. ”
“ Just such a lovely experience! Service was exceptional- table service was informative and enthusiastic . Really warm and friendly. I'd come back for that alone! Food- lunchtime specials- was wonderful- well balanced, tasty and authentic. Great coffee. It was busy with a large table of 12 ahead of us but we were reassured that there wouldn't be along delay and there wasn't. Can't recommend enough- felt like days of old, with real pride in their offer and care for the customer. ”
“ Spotless pleasant surroundings all staff so friendly and well the homemade food is absolutely delicious and the homemade rhubarb sponge is simething else. ”