Lifelong passion becomes career after new bakery opens at market

A young woman’s lifelong passion for baking has now become a career after she opened a stall at Ffos Caerffili.

Cwtch Bakes, which sells Welsh cakes with a variety of different fillings and flavours, opened at the container market early in July.

Owner Bethan Greenslade, 25, has nearly ten years experience of working in the hospitality sector, including as a waitress and as a barista, but her passion has always been baking.

But the idea of opening a bakery at the the market, in Caerphilly town centre, came after visiting last summer.

“My boyfriend turned to me and said that I should be here, and I just thought what are you waiting for?” she said. 

Bethan’s distaste for currents and dry fruit encouraged her to explore alternative flavours when baking her Welsh cakes. She has now perfected more than ten varieties.

“Visitors really love the chocolate orange,” Bethan said. “Obviously, the traditional Welsh cake is a top seller too, but visitors have really embraced the variety on offer.” 

Originally from Cardiff, Bethan was taught how to bake by her mother and grandmother, and went on to study bakery at Cardiff and Vale College, before later studying for a business degree at the University of South Wales.

“I went through multiple names, but I wanted something warm, comforting and Welsh. I said Cwtch Bakes for the first time one day and didn’t look back.” 

“My family and boyfriend really encouraged me to go for it and played a massive part in me coming to Ffos,” Bethan said. 

“I’m really loving life here, and I’ve already been approached for a wedding favour in my first week.” 

Cwtch Bakes is open from 9am to 5pm between Tuesdays and Saturdays, and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.