It will be the fifth branch of the popular bakery
The first bakery opened in Pontcanna in 2021(Image: Ground Bakery / Instagram)
A Cardiff bakery is set to open another site after having planning permission approved. Tom Simmons will open the latest branch of the hugely popular Ground bakery on Merthyr Road in Whitchurch, according to Cardiff Council planning documents.
The Whitchurch site would mark Ground’s fifth branch in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, with other locations in Pontcanna, Penarth, Cowbridge and Canton. Since their first Pontcanna branch opened in 2021, it’s proved to be an instant hit for Cardiff’s brunch scene.
While the bakery are yet to announce their newest venture themselves, Cardiff Council has granted permission for the new “retail bakery and coffee shop”.
Planning documents state that the café will serve hot and cold drinks, cold food, warmed baked goods, soups and toasted sandwiches.
The new café will be located on Merthyr Road just down from Domino’s and opposite the popular gluten-free café, Against the Grain.
Since developing their brunch emporium around the city, Ground have become famous for their special overnight bacon which is cured for between eight and 48 hours. The bacon is then cooked to be crispy on one side and tender on the other and is loved by many.
Ground Bakery is a popular brunch spot for many in Cardiff(Image: Ground Bakery / Instagram)
Their most recent bakery in Canton opened in The Laundry Quarter at the start of 2024, with one recent visitor calling their breakfast “exceptional” on Tripadvisor.
Pembrokeshire-born Simmons owns Ground with his partner Lois and has investors including former Welsh rugby international George North.
The chef, who became the youngest contestant ever to reach the quarter finals of MasterChef: The Professionals in 2011, first made his mark on the Cardiff food scene when he opened Thomas by Tom Simmons in Pontcanna back in February 2020.
Tom opened the restaurant after three years running his flagship restaurant at Tower Bridge where he showcased the finest Welsh produce in London.
The award-winning Cardiff restaurant won the AA Welsh Restaurant of the Year 2024/25 with its unique food inspired by French cuisine and Tom’s upbringing in Pembrokeshire.
Ground are currently offering a brilliant deal which lets brunch lovers enjoy two-four-one breakfasts on Tuesdays from 9am to 3pm. Customers can enjoy the deal with any of their breakfast baps and ‘eggs your way’ dishes.