The Baffle Haus café in Pontypool, co-owned by Wales rugby union star George North, has been recognized for its innovation and named one of the most innovative coffee shops in the entire UK. The inaugural Grounds of Innovation Awards, presented by BRITA Professional, celebrate the UK’s vibrant café culture and the creativity that emerges from coffee shops. Baffle Haus secured the third spot in the top 10 rankings.
Baffle Haus originally started as an Instagram page in 2015, initiated by friends Sam Daymond and cricketer Andrew Salter. The platform allowed them to connect with national and international brands, as well as like-minded individuals who shared a passion for biking. Through various collaborations and networking opportunities, the Baffle brand gained momentum.
The café’s growth was further fueled by its participation in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, where a group of friends, riders, and subsequently business partners bonded over their love for bikes. From there, Baffle Haus continued to flourish. In March 2021, the café opened its doors for takeaway coffee, solidifying its presence in the industry. Following this success, Baffle Haus established a physical retail space in November 2021, offering customers a personalized shopping experience. In September 2022, the café expanded further by introducing a kitchen with three full-time chefs, serving locally sourced fast-casual style food.
The latest addition to Baffle Haus is a set of meeting rooms, officially unveiled in February this year. These rooms now provide the local community with a co-working space and offer businesses a venue to host meetings and training sessions.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Daymond said, As I look back on the last two years and reflect on the journey, it is incredible to see this little takeaway coffee spot grow into the destination we have now, and I couldn’t be more grateful for all of our customers. He also highlighted the café’s ambition to provide high-quality cooked food that matches the excellence of their coffee, as well as offering apparel and technical gear that was typically only available online. Despite requiring time and reinvestment of all profits into the business, Mr. Daymond expressed his pride in where Baffle Haus stands today.
We are thrilled to have secured a place in the top three most innovative cafes in the UK. Baffle Haus’s foundations are built around the petrolhead community, which thrives on innovation, Mr. Daymond added. The café has become a place where visitors can showcase their latest modifications to their beloved vehicles, viewing them as an extension of themselves, and using their style and creativity to express their passion.
The success of Baffle Haus can be attributed not only to its innovative approach but also to the wonderful community that surrounds it. The café has become a special place for many, and its co-owners are excited to share this award with their supportive visitors.
Baffle Haus is a shining example of the creativity and innovation found within the UK’s coffee shop culture. With George North as a co-owner, the café is likely to attract even more attention and establish itself further in the industry. As Baffle Haus continues to expand and evolve, coffee enthusiasts and fans of the Wales star can eagerly await what the future holds for this exceptional café in Pontypool.
