There aren’t many things that make you want to get out of bed at 6am, but when it comes to freshly baked pastries, it’s a completely different story. Tucked away on Freemans Parc industrial estate on Penarth Road, Cardiff, Petit Four Patisserie is pretty unassuming from the outside, but it’s caused a huge buzz since it opened, with them regularly selling products out, so to be on the safe side I got there super early
In fact, you probably wouldn’t know it was there unless you were looking for it. But there’s something I really admire about a business that doesn’t rely on flashy looks - it’s quietly confident, letting the quality of its products do all the talking with the “if it’s good enough, they will come” saying definitely ringing true in this instance.
It’s actually run by Michael Coggan, who has won a number of awards during his career and was most recently crowned the Great British Bake Off: The Professionals 2021 Winner. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
As you approach, you’ll spot the simple ‘Petit Four Patisserie’ sign above the door. Step inside and you’re instantly hit with the warm, buttery scent of pastries fresh from the oven.
You’ll find a small till behind which sits a dreamy display of croissants, pain au chocolats, cinnamon buns and more, while the open kitchen in the background offers a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes.
The selection on offer is nothing short of gorgeous as all the pastries look flaky, golden, and utterly irresistible. Even though there’s no seating, the vibe is still relaxed and welcoming. When I visited at around 7am they were just bringing out a fresh batch, and I genuinely couldn’t make a decision straight away. It was almost overwhelming in the best possible way.
One of the staff greeted us with a friendly “good morning” and suggested we grab coffees while we deliberated, which was a welcome tip, as I hadn’t been sure whether they served coffee. I opted for a vanilla latte, which turned out to be smooth and creamy and the perfect pastry pairing.
My friend and I took our delights back to the car and then drove home to properly plate them up in all their glory. That said, my only tiny criticism of Petit Four is the lack of seating.
But to be fair, it is a takeaway spot, and you could just as easily enjoy them parked in your car or on the go if you’re heading to work or wandering the area on foot.
I went for a pain au chocolat, while my friend chose a cinnamon bun. Both were exceptional. The pain au chocolat was everything you want it to be and was fresh, buttery, and generously filled with rich, velvety chocolate. It was crisp on the outside but not so flaky that it left you covered in crumbs, making it easy to eat without creating a mess.
My friend also added that her cinnamon bun was perfectly spiced with just the right amount of sweetness. Before leaving, I couldn’t help but eye up the afternoon tea offering, which looked seriously indulgent. If you’re stumped for Mother’s Day ideas, this could be a winning option.
I also spotted their macarons, which I’ve heard rave reviews about. I didn’t try them this time, but they’re firmly on my list for next time. Petit Four is one of those places that’s quietly brilliant - no frills, no gimmicks, but with exceptional quality. It’s well worth the early start.
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