Swansea Reviewed

It’s pretty easy to ‘dunk on’ Swansea’s city centre; with the closing high-street shops, lack of free parking and anti-social behaviour issues – BUT – I am a passionate defender! I’m going to write a whole post on this at some point – but quickly, I think it’s not fair to compare it to Cardiff, and sure, we lack high-street shops – but we have loads of amazing small businesses, just like HQ Urban Kitchen, which we should be supporting.

HQ Urban Kitchen is more than just a cafe, with high-quality, healthy food – it’s a community space too. It very much welcomes groups to meet up, home-workers – providing desks/lamps/plugs, where other cafes can be pretty hostile, as well as hosting events.

There’s a lovely outdoor space too, under festoon lights which is dog-friendly – you couldn’t know you were sat in Swansea City Centre while enjoying a drink there.

It’s also a really attractive space, with a piano art installation, a lush outdoor area in a courtyard and church pews as seating. It’s a nice, welcoming environment.

Where is HQ Urban Kitchen?

Unless you know about HQ Urban Kitchen, there’s pretty much no chance of finding it on the off-chance as it’s tucked away in a courtyard, just opposite the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.

Stick this – The Old Police Station, Llys Glas, 37 Orchard St, Swansea SA1 5AJ, into your phone to find it.

HQ Urban Kitchen Menu

The food is great – fresh, locally sourced and well cooked with a massive vegan menu if that’s something you’re into. They also say that they can make pretty much anything on their menu gluten free, which considering the other day a friend and mine went into Founders and Co, and she couldn’t order a single thing because she can’t eat gluten – It’s a real hidden gem.

I didn’t get coffee, as I’d had one earlier from Mumbles Coffee, and I wanted to be able to sleep that night – but my friend did and it looks beautiful – I was very jealous.

I can give you some examples of things on the menu at the time of writing, but you’d be better off to follow HQ Urban Kitchen’s Instagram account, for an up to date look at their specials etc.

But some examples included:

• A full Welsh breakfast – £12.95 (I haven’t tried it yet – but this one is currently the best in Swansea IMO)
• Eggs Benedict – £9
• Classic Bacon or Sausage butty – £6.50
• Spanish Hash – £9.50
• Tacos (meat and vegan options) – £10.50
• Chestnut, Mushroom and Truffle Linguine – £6.50
• Teriaki Chicken Bowl – £12.50

Come to think about it, there was no children’s menu – not that I asked for one, so I could be wrong. There were highchairs and nice changing facilities though.

If the owners ever read this – honestly, put some toys/a little soft play area in the corner. Swansea is desperate for a super child friendly space with really good food and coffee – you’d get all the mums there!

HQ Urban Kitchen Reviews

So you know I rate it – but what do other people think of HQ Urban Kitchen?

I am an espresso lover. This was the best I have ever had. Nice environment, fast service, polite staff. Definitely recommend.

A great little cafe in Swansea. Went there with family and enjoyed a light lunch and coffees. Good food. Reasonable prices. Very pleasant sat out in the courtyard with the sunshine.

Love this place, it’s got a good soul. Lots of healthy delicious food served with big smiles – I could work in here all day. Great place for a meeting, good acoustics and plenty of power points along with free WiFi.