our story
Andrew Minto is one half of the duo behind Buds, and a familiar name in the world of patisserie. He previously owned Minto’s Patisserie and was Head Chef at Gin & Bake, Cardiff’s much-loved dessert and cocktail bar. In 2021, Andrew’s skill and creativity earned him national recognition when he was crowned winner of Bake Off: The Professionals, alongside Michael Coggan. From delicate patisserie to bold brunch flavours, everything he brings to the Buds kitchen is rooted in quality, precision, and a serious passion for great food.
Kate Parsons is the other half of the Buds Café duo. With a background in street food through her own venture, Nomad Kitchen, and a deep love for quality, seasonal ingredients, Kate brings a thoughtful, down-to-earth energy to Buds. She’s passionate about curating menus that celebrate local produce and creating a space where everyone feels welcome – whether you’re grabbing a pastry to go or settling in for a slow, chat-filled brunch. Kate previously worked as Head Chef at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff and was part of the kitchen team at the acclaimed Hang Fire Southern Kitchen in Barry, experiences that shaped her bold, flavour-driven style.
After years of cooking up a storm in kitchens together, and each running their own food ventures, the pair behind Buds finally took the leap and opened their dream spot in July 2024. Buds Café is built on their shared love of tasty food, proper coffee, and making people feel right at home. With a small but mighty team behind them, they’ve created a space where good vibes (and great bakes) are always on the menu.
the buds behind the brews
Charlotte & Elle
Phoebe & Celt
JAY, Katie & RYAN
the producers we love
Our pork comes from Pentwyn Uchaf Farm in Mountain Ash, the home of Puff Pigs. Run by Wayne, the farm is just 25 minutes away from Buds and is dedicated to raising pedigree British Saddlebacks on a smallholding where animal welfare comes first.
Wayne’s mission? To raise the happiest, healthiest pigs possible – putting care, ethics, and sustainability at the heart of everything he does. From superb quality pork to award-winning sausages, Puff Pigs helps us keep our food miles low and our standards high. Supporting local, responsible farming is a big part of what we’re all about at Buds.
We love coffee! Our house espresso, Agua Santa, is a bold, dark-roasted Brazilian coffee from Fazenda São Lucas. It’s ethically sourced and roasted just down the road in Cardiff by Manumit Coffee Roasters – a social enterprise offering training, employment, and a fresh start to survivors of modern slavery.
The word manumit means to release from slavery; set free, and that’s exactly what their mission is all about: empowering individuals who’ve faced exploitation to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose, one roast at a time.
