Cariad

There are eight pubs in the small town where I live and countless* tea rooms. These all change hands from time to time and occasionally change name, too.

Since it opened, I think Cariad has changed hands three times but it's always retained its charm. I do tend to go to the Royal - comfier chairs and wi-fi - but Cariad is the best place to come and eat or to meet a friend for a hot chocolate, especially in the winter when they have the open fire lit.

Yesterday afternoon, I met Izzy and Milly there. Like me, Milly's not at her best when she's hungry, so me and Izzy did a bit of eggshell treading while Milly chomped her way through a sausage and egg bap. It was almost comical watching her good cheer and sense of humour return.

I suppose most people know this but just in case you don't, cariad is Welsh for 'beloved' or 'sweetheart'. There's lovely.

*by which I mean that I can't be bothered to count them