The Taste Team tested out TwoCann in Swansea and discovered that it’s a great place with tasty food
Situated in a grade 2 listed structure, originally a grains store at Swansea Docks, Cafe TwoCann now resides amongst the restored city waterfront region of SA1, fringed by high rise flats and offices, affluent yachts and lively young professionals.
The front of the café oversees the award-winning Sail Bridge and, weather permitting, tables sit on each side of the building making the most of remarkable sunsets.
Within, exposed brickwork nods to the building’s industrial past though it’s modern use is enhanced by huge light-giving panes of glass, stainless steel and sleek furniture.
TwoCann’s firmness on being called a “cafe” rather than a restaurant only increases it’s warm, friendly demeanour.
And it prides itself on a daytime menu of sandwiches, jacket potatoes, burgers and salads, plus a selection of sweet treats.
For £7.95 you’ll enjoy a Welsh breakfast of bacon, laverbread, cockles, fried egg, mushrooms and toast. Or for the same price a pulled pork barbecue sandwich on toasted Brioche with apple chutney.
In the evenings however, this humble alcove comes alive.
Proprietors Catherine and Dennis Cann alter the menus each month, guaranteeing the freshest seasonal food in their meals.
Prices are very sensibly set, £23 for two courses or £27 for three.
I began with an elegant twist on a famed Swansea staple – cockles and garlic butter on brioche.
Over the table from me, the rabbit and pistachio terrine, accompanied by rhubarb chutney and toasted focaccia was another treat.
The main course, a rib-eye steak, perfectly captured the spirit of TwoCann, characteristic British ingredients, prepared simply and delectably.
Accompanied by sauté potatoes and a wine and onion sauce, this was a pleasure for the taste-buds.
The other half relished thyme scented supreme of chicken, cream of chanterelle mushroom and a fondant potato. Her uncommon quiet suggested it was to her taste!
Following such a traditional meal, how could I overlook the sticky date pudding, white chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Across from me, lemon posset was the dessert of choice, complete with meringue, macaroons and fresh berries.
Once again, no complaints there.
At the risk of fault-finding, and I confess I am looking for fault here, there were perhaps just the smallest finishing dashes missing from this dinnertime, which would push a spectacular dining experience from four to five stars.
The steak was possibly cooked 20 seconds too long for my taste (medium rare) and both main meals could have done with a dash more of the delightful additional sauces. Though on this I must declare that I am the kind of person who sinks his food in gravy.
And again, these are slight remarks, at an establishment that does not seem to pursue Michelin standards.
For the amount paid, this place is purely a jewel.
Find it at:
Cafe Twocann
Kings Rd, Swansea SA1 8PL
Contact: 01792 458000
