Its February. Its cold. It feels like its been wet forever. So what… here in Cardiff the traditional hwyl of Wales has been amplified with a splendid addition of hygge from Denmark…

Brod (pronounced Breuhl so I’m reliably informed) has been here in the city and Penarth for coming up to 10 years. Leafy Pontcanna is the longest established, followed by Penarth, and more recently on James Street in Cardiff Bay. All are supplied by their own bakery in Rhymney.

Okay, so I’m not one of the world’s early adopters. But, I have to say, on this occasion, I admit I’ve been missing out on something.

First, there’s the delightfully named Mad Brod for a lazy Sunday morning breakfast treat. A soft, light bread with this version covered by bacon and brie. [Today’s Observer newspaper helpfully provides proof of life, so to speak 😂]…

Alongside the Mad Brod, the above photo also includes a sweet version of proper Danish Pastries… this one being a Ginger, Rhubarb and Custard Spandauer. The following is the stanard-bearer Custard Spandauer from a previous visit (believe me, you really don’t just make one visit to Brod 😍).

If hygge is a Danish form of cozy, contented warmth on a winter’s day, it combines well with the Welsh sense of hwyl being a welcoming sense of joy in the moment. How better to relax and enjoy those quieter, slower moments in life.

Until we speak again, if you want a Danish pastry you really need to go to a Danish bakery and coffee shop. Those things our home-based bakers and supermarkets call Danish pastries… just aren’t by comparison.

The sourdough bread looks pretty good as well 😋