Striving to be the Best Coffee in Mid Wales — Why People Travel to TOST

Introduction

Coffee is a journey of discovery. As we explore roasters, both local and further afield, and experiment with blending roasted beans, we do so with curiosity, respect, and the understanding that learning never truly ends. This applies not only to blending, but also to appreciating the entire coffee supply chain: from growing and harvesting to distribution, roasting processes, and extraction methods that bring out the best in each cup.

We are not experts claiming perfection - we are students in coffee, continually refining our palate and deepening our appreciation for everything that is coffee.

Each blend teaches us something new. A small adjustment in ratio or a subtle tweak in extraction can shift balance, body, or brightness. Some combinations surprise us; others challenge us. Every cup offers insight.

We honour the craft of those who grow and roast these beans, and we approach blending as a way to highlight their work - seeking harmony, balance, and character in every cup. We recognise that many others have years of experience honing their skills, and we respect their knowledge. In that spirit, we remain committed to improving and fine-tuning our own understanding and abilities.

We may not achieve perfection every time, and our latte art is a work in progress, but we are always striving to improve. That thoughtful, patient, and open-minded pursuit is what makes the journey meaningful.

Serious Coffee, Made Properly

At TOST, coffee comes first. We work with carefully sourced, high-quality roasted beans — often single-origin espresso and rotating specialty coffee chosen for clarity, balance, and character in the cup. Espresso is dialled in daily, milk is textured with intention, and every drink is prepared to deliver a consistent, well-crafted result.

From a short, expressive espresso to a balanced flat white, cortado, cappuccino, caffe latte, or macchiato, the focus is always on flavour rather than trends. Every coffee is brewed to specialty standards so that what you taste is intentional — not accidental. It’s serious coffee made without fuss but with real attention to detail.

Frequently Recommended as One of the Best Coffee Spots in Mid Wales

TOST is frequently recommended as one of the best coffee spots in Mid Wales, and many visitors rate it among the top cafés in Mid Wales for coffee quality. Regulars often describe it as coffee worth travelling for, and it’s increasingly mentioned alongside other leading Mid Wales coffee shops when people compare serious coffee destinations in the region.

Travellers, cyclists, walkers, and motorcyclists regularly plan their journeys around a stop here — drawn by consistently well-made drinks served in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Coffee Worth Travelling For

Located in the small town of Llanwrtyd Wells, TOST has become a natural stopping point for people exploring the Cambrian Mountains and surrounding countryside. Visitors often arrive expecting a quick roadside coffee and leave surprised to find drinks that feel on par with top specialty cafés far beyond Mid Wales.

The goal is simple: deliver coffee that stands confidently alongside leading specialty cafés, while remaining approachable, friendly, and grounded in a real community setting.

Precision Behind the Bar

To do the beans justice, we run two espresso machines — affectionately named Basil and Doris. Working side by side, they pull precise shots all day long. Most days Doris handles the busy rush while Basil keeps things steady, helping ensure consistency from the first coffee of the morning to the last cup served.

You can also personalise your drink with a small range of syrups if that’s your thing — because great coffee should still feel welcoming and flexible.

TOST House Blend

We blend roasted beans, aiming to bring out the best from each origin — creating a cup that’s bold, balanced, and full of character.

Our TOST House Blend uses a medium-dark roast base, combined with complementary lighter notes, creating a balanced flavour profile that is built on mainly Arabica beans supported by Robusta, sourced from high-altitude farms across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

The Arabica brings sweetness, clarity, and layered notes of dark chocolate and nuts, with a smooth, balanced acidity. The Robusta — naturally higher in caffeine — adds depth, structure, and a fuller body, enhancing intensity while contributing to a thick, velvety crema.

Slow-roasted for balance and consistency, the result is rich and composed: creamy in texture, gently roasty, and lingering on the finish. By pairing Arabica’s flavour complexity with the strength and crema-building qualities of Robusta, our House Blend delivers a cup that is both refined and satisfyingly bold.

Fairtrade certified / Rainforest Alliance certified and sourced from smallholder farmers, it reflects our commitment to quality, traceability, and responsible sourcing.

Guest Beans

Alongside our House Blend, we feature rotating guest beans sourced from roasters across Wales and the Welsh–English borders, supporting local craft and regional producers. We also explore exceptional roasters from further afield across the UK and beyond — all Fairtrade certified / Rainforest Alliance certified where possible, bringing diverse roasting styles and flavour profiles to our menu. This rotation keeps our coffee selection seasonal, dynamic, and open to discovery.

Not Just Coffee

While coffee is at the heart of everything we do, you’ll also find:

• A thoughtful range of teas, including herbal options

• Properly made hot chocolate

• Cold drinks and alcohol-free options

But coffee remains the focus — carefully made, consistently good, and always worth the journey.