A popular Cornish bakery brand has officially opened its first ever Welsh location this week, bringing a new food and drink destination to the heart of North Wales.
Cornish Bakery launched its brand new site in Betws-y-Coed on Tuesday 21 April, marking a major milestone for the independent business as it expands into Wales for the first time.
The new bakery, located within part of the village’s distinctive railway building on Station Approach, has been transformed into a modern, design-led space while retaining many of its original features. The opening was celebrated with help from the Betws-y-Coed Ukulele Club, adding to the community feel of the launch.
Spanning 2,500 sq ft, the site is one of the company’s largest to date and also introduces a brand new concept, ‘RISE by Cornish Bakery’, designed to offer a more flexible, all-day hospitality experience.
Betws-y-Coed, often described as the gateway to Eryri, is one of North Wales’ most popular inland tourist destinations, making it a natural fit for the brand’s growing portfolio of locations in high-footfall areas.
The building itself has a long-standing place in the community, having previously operated as the Alpine Coffee Shop since 1976. Cornish Bakery has said it is committed to respecting that legacy while becoming a positive addition to the village.
More than 15 year-round jobs have been created through the opening, with the business also pledging support for Wales Air Ambulance as part of its community involvement.
Cornish Bakery managing director, Mat Finch said, “This is a very special day for us as we open our first ever Cornish Bakery in Wales. Adding to that, this is our first ever RISE by Cornish Bakery concept bakery – so there is so much to be excited about. We’ve been looking for the right places and spaces in Wales for a long time and Betws-y-Coed is an iconic and very special destination. And this expansive building offered a rare opportunity to respectfully enhance a stunning property for both locals and visitors.”
Designed with both locals and visitors in mind, the bakery can seat up to 166 people across indoor and outdoor areas, alongside a takeaway hatch for those on the move, particularly walkers, cyclists and tourists exploring the surrounding area.
Inside, the space blends modern industrial design with traditional features, including restored timber flooring and retained slate elements. The layout has been created to highlight the theatre of baking, with fresh products taking centre stage.
The menu features the brand’s well-known range of pasties, sausage rolls and baked goods, alongside newer additions such as pistachio and shakshuka croissants, as well as small plates and drinks available throughout the day as part of the new ‘RISE’ concept.
Mat continued, “We’re especially excited to create a space that feels authentic to its Welsh surroundings while introducing a unique hospitality experience for this very special village. Our goal is not just to open a new bakery, but to become a part of the ongoing story of and community within this remarkable place.”
