TOST: Café or Coffee Shop?

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.

Café (a very common term in Wales)

A café is typically associated with:

• Food first, coffee second

• Full breakfasts as standard (e.g. fry-ups, bacon rolls, toasties)

• A broader food offer including lunch options such as sandwiches, jacket potatoes, and soups

• Sit-down service, with ordering at the counter or table

• A more local, practical, sometimes traditional feel

• Common phrasing: “Let’s go to the café for brekkie”

Coffee shop

A coffee shop is more commonly perceived as:

• Coffee and drinks as the primary focus

• Lighter food options, such as cakes, pastries, bagels, or paninis

• Greater emphasis on coffee quality and choice (e.g. espresso-based drinks, flat whites, alternative milks)

• Often independent/artisan or chain-based (e.g. Costa, Starbucks)

• A more modern, social, work-friendly environment

In practice

• A venue calling itself a café may still serve excellent coffee.

• A coffee shop may still offer substantial food.

• However, expectations differ:

  • For a traditional Welsh breakfast, customers typically choose a café.

  • For a casual coffee meet-up, they are more likely to choose a coffee shop.

So where does TOST sit?

TOST aligns more closely with the coffee shop definition. Its focus is on high-quality coffee and hot and cold drinks, complemented by lighter food options such as cakes, pastries, bagels, and paninis.

Looking ahead, there is a clear opportunity to extend the offer to include:

• Healthy breakfast options (e.g. granola)

• Fresh, hearty lunch options (e.g. nutritious salads)

Does the distinction matter?

Only insofar as it helps manage customer expectations.