Cycling through Mid Wales is an experience like no other. From the peaceful lanes of Llanwrtyd Wells to the challenging terrain of the Devil’s Staircase near Abergwesyn, the region draws riders looking for both adventure and scenery. For those tackling these routes, TOST Coffee Shop has become the ideal place to pause, refuel, and prepare for what lies ahead.

At TOST Wales - Coffee & Bakehouse - espresso isn’t just a drink — it’s the heart of what we do. One of the ways we create a balanced, bold, and memorable shot is through post-roast coffee blending. By sourcing high-quality roasted beans from trusted local and international roasters, we combine them to deliver our signature TOST House Blend, ensuring every espresso cup is consistent, complex, and full of character.

In the smallest town in Britain, on the edge of the Cambrian Mountains, TOST is quietly shaping a new kind of coffee culture. This is a café built not just to serve coffee, but to celebrate honest food, place, craft, and community.

If you’re searching for the best coffee in Powys, you’re not alone. Over the past few years, Mid Wales has quietly built one of the most exciting independent coffee scenes in the UK — from artisan espresso bars in market towns to cosy rural cafés serving specialist and locally roasted beans.

Wales is quietly becoming one of the UK’s most exciting destinations for independent coffee. From small-batch roasters in North Wales to speciality cafés transforming Mid Wales and Cardiff’s fast-moving coffee scene, a new generation of coffee shops is reshaping how Wales drinks coffee.

One of the most common questions people ask in cafés is simple: should coffee be drunk straight, or with milk? And if you’ve ever travelled in Italy, you may have heard that cappuccino is only a morning drink. So what’s the real answer?

Mid Wales is one of the UK’s best regions for motorcycling. Quiet roads, sweeping bends, mountain scenery, and long stretches between towns make a good café or coffee shop stop an essential part of the ride.

The practice of serving espresso with a sidecar of water has its roots in European coffee culture, particularly in Italy, Austria, and Central Europe.

Here in Mid Wales, we’re lucky. Our upland springs and reservoirs naturally provide water that is clean, balanced, and positively suited to specialty coffee. It’s soft enough to preserve delicate flavours, yet naturally mineral-rich enough to support a full-bodied, satisfying extraction.

Coffee flavour is shaped long before it reaches the cup. While brewing technique matters, the bean itself and how it is treated account for the majority of what you taste.

Set deep in the Cambrian Mountains, Llanwrtyd Wells is one of the most rewarding cycling bases in Mid Wales. Quiet roads, relentless climbs and wide-open scenery attract riders who value space, challenge and uninterrupted miles.

From the legendary Devil’s Staircase to flowing forest singletrack, this area offers something for both road cyclists and mountain bikers.

Crema is the golden foam on top of espresso, created when pressurised carbon dioxide and oils emulsify during extraction. While many variables play a role, some matter far more than others.

We have been using rocket (aka arugula) as “rocket fuel” - in some of our bagels and sometimes on the side.

Did you know that rocket is extremely nutrient-dense with very few calories and a normal serving has important vitamins and minerals that support health.

You may not consider there to be a meaningful difference between a café and a coffee shop, or feel that the distinction is particularly relevant. However, we felt it was worth exploring the perceived differences between the two.

In Wales (and the wider UK), the distinction is not a legal one, but is largely shaped by vibe, menu, and customer expectations.

Not everyone wants a full caffeine kick, but that doesn’t mean they want to compromise on flavour. In 2026, low-caffeine and decaf coffee are stepping out of the shadows and becoming a key part of the specialty coffee scene.

A 焙烙（ほうろく / hōroku, often written “horoku”) is a shallow ceramic roasting pan traditionally used in Japan over charcoal or an open flame. It’s one of the oldest ways to roast coffee at home.

Wishing you a 2026 filled with good luck, good health, and lots of happiness.

Dymuno 2026 llawn o lwc dda, iechyd da, a digonedd o hapusrwydd i chi.

In the smallest town in Britain, on the edge of wilderness and at the gateway to the Cambrian Mountains, it feels that something quietly special has taken root. TOST is more than a coffee shop and bakehouse - it’s a modern gathering place shaped by landscape, community, and a belief that great food and great coffee bring people together.

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas! We hope your day is filled with peace, love, and happiness ❤️

Dymunwn Nadolig Llawen i bawb! Gobeithiwn y bydd eich diwrnod yn llawn heddwch, cariad a hapusrwydd ❤️

Motorcycle Tour - The TOST Cambrian Loop: ~110 miles. A relaxed day ride on empty B-roads, mountain passes, valleys, reservoirs, stunning countryside and sweeping bends.