It was okay but there was no latte art probably because it was very busy with people ordering coffee. The coffee presentation wasn't great. But it was good that they were using a proper espresso machine with a grinder.
The restaurant bit was closed but we got sandwiches and cake - vegetarian sandwiches were available and gluten free cake options too. We were greeted by the cafe staff when we arrived and they were pleasant enough. The tables and chairs were mostly clean but the floor did look like it could do with a sweep (it was the end of the day and they were packing up as we were eating). Sandwiches are quite pricey at £5.50 a pop and cake was a minimum of £3.50-ish. Lots of hot drink options with snazzy syrups on offer too. The light was on the picture but appears hot food is served from 12 - 3.
We visited Y Gegin on a Monday afternoon in December for a hot drink to warm us up at the end of our visit to St Fagans. The restaurant was very clean and tidy and there were plenty of tables available. We ordered a cappuccino and hot chocolate and were happy with the drinks and the speed of service. The staff member who served us was very friendly and helpful. They were unable to accept cash payments at the time we were visiting and there were plenty of signs to let people know this. Paying by card was very easy and straightforward, although they didn't accept American Express cards. We enjoyed our drinks and found the prices reasonable (£7.50 for the lot, which is about the same as most high street coffee chains).
Every time we have been to this cafe, the tables haven’t been cleared. Food and rubbish everywhere! It seems really badly run with inexperienced, untrained staff. For the amount of money you have to pay, this is not the service you would expect! More staff and better organisation is required. If running this cafe in an unorganised chaotic manner is to maximise profit it will backfire! Who wants to wait ages for a coffee and to remind staff that you ordered food, when you have to part with your hard earned money. When you finally get to your table, it’s covered in food, rubbish and crumbs from previous customers. A serious management problem. Such a pity, St Fagans is an amazing museum!
Unlike other commentators found the staff were delightful. It was disappointing to see no cold food in their fridge at 12:30, though there was hot food (chips, cottage pie, various other things). There were plenty of seats and the prices were very reasonable.
Worst quiche I have ever tasted - pastry rock hard and tasteless filling. Had to get water from a dribble at the water fountain and water was lukewarm. Decaff coffee good though. Chocolate slice was poor and obviously mass produced.
Y Gegin is located at Museum of Welsh Life, Cardiff CF5 6XB, UK
You can find directions to Y Gegin by following this map link