Gathering Ground

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Reviews

1. Simon Mallin ★★★☆☆

   The Boomerang Lounge Breakfast Review Location: Victoria Park, Canton, Cardiff Meal: £8.50 breakfast (1 of everything) + £3 coffee = £11.50 I was excited to kick off my Cowbridge Road East Breakfast Challenge at Boomerang Lounge, a café I’ve visited many times before. It’s in a fantastic spot next to Victoria Park, a dog-friendly gem of a park, and the café itself is equally welcoming to dogs—a big plus for me. The venue has a nice vibe, is very clean, and the outdoor seating is a great option on warmer days. The staff were lovely, and I received a warm welcome from a chatty Italian gentleman behind the counter, which was a nice touch. With all these positives, I was hoping the breakfast would match the experience I’ve come to expect from this place. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark, and while I don’t like giving negative reviews, I feel it’s important to share an honest account of my visit. I opted for the smaller breakfast (£8.50) rather than the £14 “Big Boy Breakfast,” which doesn’t include tea or coffee. With a coffee added, the total came to £11.50. For that price, I was expecting good-quality produce, decent portion sizes, and proper cooking. Here’s what was on the plate: 1 piece of back bacon: It was fine for me, but undercooked—especially the fat, which many people wouldn’t eat. 1 fried egg: The white wasn’t fully cooked, and it was slightly cold. Baked beans: Lukewarm at best, which was disappointing. Black pudding: A wafer-thin slice. Black pudding isn’t expensive, and a proper thick slice would have made a big difference. Mushrooms: Finely sliced rather than a whole flat mushroom. For a café that leans on a “fancier” vibe, this was surprising. 1 slice of toast: Thin, standard supermarket bread, served cold. A wedge of bakery-style toast would be much better. Cumberland sausage: The highlight of the plate—hot, tasty, and well-cooked. Overall, the breakfast felt underwhelming for the price. The portions were small, and the quality didn’t justify the cost. For £8.50, I’d expect better produce, proper cooking, and more attention to detail. Suggestions for Improvement: 1. Replace sliced mushrooms with a whole flat mushroom. 2. Serve a thick slice of black pudding instead of a wafer-thin one. 3. Upgrade the toast to bakery-style bread and serve it warm. 4. Ensure all items are properly cooked and hot when served. I’m glad I didn’t go for the £14 “Big Boy Breakfast,” as it would’ve just been more of the same, and I would’ve been even more disappointed. I want to emphasise that I don’t enjoy giving negative reviews, especially to a local business. The staff were wonderful, the venue is lovely, and I know how tough it is to run a business. I hope this feedback is taken in the constructive spirit it’s intended. There is so much potential here, and with a few tweaks, Boomerang Lounge could deliver a much better breakfast experience that justifies its price point. Final Score: For the breakfast itself: 5/10 (based on produce, cooking, and value). Adding an extra point for the venue and service brings it to a 6/10. This isn’t the strongest start to my Cowbridge Road East Breakfast Challenge, but I’m hopeful they can improve. On to the next stop! #CookedBreakfast #EnglishBreakfast #BigBoyBreakfast #Bacon #FriedEggs #BaconSandwich #LocalCafe #Cardiff #Canton #CowbridgeRoadEast #FoodReviews #Foodie #BreakfastChallenge #CafeReview #BreakfastHunter #SupportLocal Please follow me on Facebook and Instagram @internationalbreakfasthunter

   1 year ago
2. Beth Davies ★★★★★

   Great food, lovely atmosphere and friendly service. They had a great board where you can pre buy food or drink so if anyone is struggling, they can get a free meal/drink. Such a great idea

   1 year ago
3. Rhys Peters ★★★★★

   So it turns out that there’s more than one of these cafes and this one is great too. Location is fantastic on the corner of Victoria Park and the corner position is ideal for catching some sun on a nice day. Food and coffee is excellent with the savoury Welsh cakes being a signature option here and at the Roath location. Really friendly staff - shout out to Robin for a lovely conversation with my breakfast. They also had posters up for Dirty Gnocchi doing evening food there, so we will definitely be back for that. Unexpected in this location but definitely recommended. There’s also parking outside, which is at a premium in this area.

   almost 2 years ago

1. Craig C ★☆☆☆☆

   One of the worst experience I could ever have, my child who is 4 years old wanted to use the little ladies room, went in an a absolutely horrible lady said that it is not a public toilet even after explain it was for her she said she did not care! Could not believe what I was being told! I live in the same area and now know I will never use that cafe and will tell others! Women was large build body with bad blonde highlights! Utterly let down by local business!

   almost 3 years ago
2. Marie Ayres ★☆☆☆☆

   Called in to get a takeaway cappuccino. I liked the name and it seemed like I might get a really nice coffee there. Unfortunately it was way too hot - too hot to drink even - so the milk was scorched. No sweetness in the milk makes for an unpleasantly bitter tasting coffee. On the plus side, friendly service and irresistible carrot cake.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Carlie Balmont ★☆☆☆☆

   Twice me, my partner and little boy have had issues with this place never again!! Both times me and my partner have walked through the door so we can grab just a coffee and few steps into the shop the woman which im guessing is the owner.... have shouted over too us in a rude way very rude way if I say so myself.... sorry we are not serving food and sorry we are closing!!! When infact the time she said she was closing she was still open 30 mins after she said this!!! Said this in a rude and disrespectful manor really embarassing even the people sat in the shop was shocked! Is it because my partner is in a tracksuit and a cap? Are we not good enough for your shop? This is unacceptable wont be going near this place again thats for sure.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Roger Williams ★☆☆☆☆

   The reviews below are from the old pancake shop which was bright and breezy and always busy.This new coffee shop however is dark and dingy and quiet. Nice cup of coffee, and the lady working there was lovely but i'm sad to say it's nowhere near as good.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Tatiana Pirvu ★★★★☆

   Good time spent here. Quality a bit sandwich. One bad one great. Great idea with the concept. People enjoyed it and I enjoyed the desert. I can't put a finger what was wrong with the savory I've chosen. Maybe too simple and perhaps not well cooked the toast that was cold and the eggs little uncooked. Great taste for the sorbet and crepe! Nice looking and feeling fresh.

   almost 4 years ago

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