Patisserie Valerie, Cwmbran - Torfaen

We were at Cribbs Causeway shopping and decided to stop at Patisserie Valerie for a coffee and a snack. There are plenty of places to grab coffee at Cribbs, but what sets Patisserie Valerie apart is the table service. We were promptly seated and had a look at the menu. Despite the crowd, the service was excellent and we didn't have to wait long to place our order. Unfortunately, my first choice, the apricot danish, was sold out so I opted for Valerie's Welsh Rarebit instead. Our food arrived quickly, which was a pleasant surprise considering how busy the restaurant was. Valerie's Welsh Rarebit was served with a pickled egg, tomato chutney, cheddar cheese, and a side salad. This was my first time trying rarebit and I was intrigued to see how it would taste. The dish was delicious, with a subtle mustard flavor and perfectly cooked egg. The tomato chutney, while tasty, was a bit too sweet for my liking. Overall, it was a satisfying light meal. I had a flat white with my snack, which was decent though not the best I've had.

The restaurant was very crowded, but the wait for a table, food delivery, and service were all acceptable. However, the staff seemed disengaged and the afternoon tea was somewhat lacking. The atmosphere could also be improved.

I really enjoy Patisserie Valerie at Cribbs Causeway mall. It is a lovely spot to have lunch or a coffee and cake. I have tried their afternoon tea before (using a Groupon voucher) and it was delightful. The sandwiches and cakes were fresh and tasty. I also had their carbonara for lunch once, which was delicious! It may be a bit pricier than some other places, but the food is always top quality and the staff are friendly and welcoming. I definitely recommend giving it a try!