Sunday, November 24, 2024

Awards and adieus

Why is it that there never seems to be unremittingly good news about the businesses at Victoria Park? What fate gives local gastronomes with one hand, it seems to take away with another.

No sooner than Hiraeth had settled into Nook's old premises (receiving a glowing report from Soliciting Flavours for its fixed-price lunch) and Pettigrews had scooped the impressive title of Craft Bakery of the Year at the UK Baking Industry Awards (in the face of plentiful and fierce competition), than award-worthy burger joint Ansh announced that they'll be closing their doors before Christmas.

In a city that has never been short of burger options, theirs are second to none - thanks in no small part to the involvement of Shaun Jones, of superb butcher Oriel Jones, guaranteeing the top-notch quality of the meat patties. The closure is a devastating blow - especially if the proposed opening of a smaller outlet in Pontcanna, only announced in August, has been abandoned (the Wales Online report doesn't make it clear).

Both Pettigrews and Oriel Jones would have been worthy of a mention in this Guardian article, in which food writers pick their local food heroes - but Cardiff is at least represented, with local restaurateur James Sommerin singing the praises of the legendary "Aladdin's cave" deli that is Wally's.

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