A new cafe catering for those who are intolerant to gluten has just opened its doors in Cardiff. Against the Grain on Merthyr Road in Whitchurch is the city's first completely gluten-free coffee shop and launched at lunchtime on Saturday, June 25.
Started by Frazer Twigg, who previously worked at an energy company, the cafe will serve a selection of coffees and cold drinks, light meals and home-made snacks, all free from gluten with no risk of cross-contamination - something many cafes struggle with.
Speaking of this new and exciting venture, owner and director Frazer explains: "My partner (Chris Thomas) was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease (an intolerance to gluten) in August 2018. It soon became apparent that there aren’t many places in Cardiff that catered for someone with this condition.
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"Vegan places seemed to be the better option, but neither of us are vegan, with that and no real guarantee of cross contamination. This left us disappointed as we enjoyed just popping out to grab a coffee and snack/cake on a regular basis. We continued to grab a coffee, but I felt it was unfair that I could eat whatever and he couldn’t. So this became a thing of the past."
After his position within a large energy company became redundant in 2019, Frazer decided to open a coffee shop with the severance funds.
"I took many courses to ensure it was something that I’d like to do," he says. "The project was started but halted due to Covid. Two years later, we found a better premises based in Whitchurch village and thought we’d share our experience with Cardiff via social media. Our followers have grown massively since posting a picture of the keys to the shop."
With the financial help of a micro-loan from the Development Bank of Wales, Frazer's dream to open this coffee shop with his partner - who will be working there on weekends- became a reality this weekend.
“Against the Grain is very personal to us which is why I’m particularly grateful to the Development Bank for their help in making it happen. I’m really touched by the interest this has generated. We both are."
Against The Grain can be found at 44 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff. CF14 1DJ.
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