The Big Rock Cafe, a beloved micro bakery situated in the heart of Porthmadog’s high street, has become a local institution, drawing crowds with its unique offerings, most notably its highly sought-after monkey bread. Located just a short walk from the picturesque harbour and offering stunning mountain vistas, the cafe is a regular morning fixture for many, often marked by a patient queue of customers eager for a taste of their signature treat.
A Family-Run Porthmadog Gem
Since 2005, Graham and Charlotte Whiteman, along with their eight children, have been the driving force behind the Big Rock Cafe. This family enterprise operates as a micro bakery, diligently baking a variety of goods daily, including spelt and bloomer breads, savory sausage rolls, and sweet cinnamon buns. The cafe’s entrance, a charming corner door, opens into a surprisingly spacious interior that belies its initial appearance. Beyond the display of breads, cakes, and doughnuts, the cafe extends to the rear, revealing two distinct, rustic seating areas. One of these spaces features a striking vaulted ceiling with a large skylight, bathing the area in natural light and creating an inviting ambiance.
Unique Menu and Culinary Delights
The Big Rock Cafe’s menu is as distinctive as its name, featuring creatively named dishes alongside more traditional fare. Patrons can explore options like ‘rarebit wham bam,’ ‘lamb bigini,’ and ‘Guando.’ A particularly intriguing item is the ‘muddy welly,’ a puff pastry creation filled with a savory mix of garlic mushrooms, potato, cheese, spinach, onion, and nutmeg. For breakfast enthusiasts, the cafe offers hearty deals, including breakfast stacks with sausage, bacon, and hash browns, as well as breakfast burritos packed with bacon, sausage, beans, potato, egg, and cheese. The cafe also caters to various dietary preferences, with many vegetarian and vegan options available, including their popular homity pies, which are a flavorful combination of potato, spinach, cheddar, garlic, and nutmeg encased in pastry.
The Star Attraction: Monkey Bread
The undisputed star of the Big Rock Cafe’s offerings is its famous monkey bread. Originating from Hungary, this delightful pastry consists of soft, pull-apart pieces of baked dough, traditionally baked in a Bundt pan and often enhanced with jams or sauces. The Big Rock Cafe’s rendition elevates this classic, coating it generously with cashew nuts and pumpkin seeds, and infusing it with a delicious, sweet cinnamon sauce that permeates the entire loaf. This unique twist has clearly resonated with customers, as evidenced by the consistent queues and the frequent orders of this shareable treat.
Beyond the monkey bread, the cafe’s counter displays an array of tempting doughnuts, some adorned with substantial dollops of jam or cream. Novelty items like ‘five in a boat bread’ sit alongside more familiar rock cakes, adding to the bakery’s eclectic charm. The cafe also offers a range of branded merchandise, including mugs, t-shirts, and coffee beans, allowing visitors to take a piece of the Big Rock experience home with them.
A Deeper Dive into Sweet Treats
During a recent visit, the monkey bread was sampled, confirming its irresistible appeal and justifying the customer enthusiasm. The tasting experience extended to other sweet offerings, including a chocolate cookie described as being as large and flat as a frisbee. This cookie boasted a crumbly yet chewy texture with an intense chocolate flavor and a consistency akin to a brownie, making it an ideal accompaniment to a coffee. Another indulgence was the rich chocolate brownie, noted for its dense, brick-like quality and profoundly delicious taste. While challenging to cut due to its density, the brownie delivered a powerful chocolate sugar rush with every bite.
Exceptional Beverages and Service
To complement the rich desserts, a takeaway mocha was ordered. Despite a slight wait for its preparation, the mocha was exceptionally velvety and chocolatey, ranking among the best tasted. The barista’s method of melting real chocolate and whisking it vigorously before incorporating it into the coffee clearly distinguished it from beverages made with standard chocolate powder, proving the extra effort was well worth it. Throughout the bustling periods, the staff maintained a patient and friendly demeanor, enhancing the overall positive experience for customers navigating the queues.
An Enduringly Welcoming Atmosphere
The Big Rock Cafe is more than just a place to grab baked goods; it’s described as a charming, old-fashioned cafe that exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Its unique and interesting array of bakery items, particularly the standout monkey bread, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone in the Porthmadog area. The cafe’s commitment to quality, unique flavors, and friendly service ensures that it remains a popular spot, with its delicious offerings often selling out quickly.
