Only the crumbliest, flakiest pastry, could taste like Tenby never tasted before…

It can strike you at the weirdest times. You are going about your day when you get a whiff of buttery, baked heaven as you pass a doorway around Tenby. The divine fragrance makes your mouth water, your tummy rumble and your tongue tingle. It may be only two hours since your very decent breakfast, but what can you do? Powerless, rendered incapable of any emotion except CRUST LUST. Your knees feel weak yet can still carry you towards the shop window. Your eyes sweep lovingly over temptation that a Saint would struggle with. A craving so deep, a desire so powerful that resistance is futile. Indeed it would be downright disrespectful towards the baked goods on display, not to mention the skilled work that put them there.

You can guilt yourself as much as you like, but you never get over your love of baked goods in all their exquisite variety. And nor should you, because the love of beautiful baking is a pure emotion, and one of joy.

We know how it begins. Someone somewhere is devoted, talented and clever enough to learn to bake. They work and study, improve, gain confidence, move on from simple skills and they develop and grow. They make delicious food that friends and family adore and they hear how much they should open a bakery and sell their amazing produce to an appreciative public. It just must be, or the rest of us are denied delight and pleasure in portable, affordable little portions.

And so it was for Loafley on Upper Frog Street in Tenby.

A discovery of talent, a love of creation and a delight in perfection have created a superb little bakery, deli and coffee shop. Situated on this charming, bustling little street, Loafley has a courtyard for alfresco dining and supplies fabulous local cheeses, hampers, special occasion cakes and an extensive range of breads.

Noted for their excellent sourdough loaves, heavenly Welsh cakes and buttery, crumbly scones, Loafley deserves its place in the heart of Tenby’s thriving artisan fayre.

During your stay, a single visit here is unlikely; you will be popping back to try other yummy items from the menu. Doubtless, also, you will be packing a few items away for the drive home. Of course, you will require a fresh-baked Loafley loaf for toast and butties back at base. Of course!

An original Welsh recipe sparked the drive to recreate an historic, delicious pasty. If you fancy a taste of Wales that has created a popular, destination bakery, you will find it at the Pembrokeshire Pie and Pasty Company. Situated on St George Street for the last ten years, their headline Pembrokeshire Pasty has lamb, redcurrant and rosemary encased in divine flaky pastry. All the ingredients are sourced in Pembrokeshire for the whole menu, and it really does have something for everyone. Perhaps you will favour the famous Fiery Dragon with minced beef and chilli, or Popeye’s Pie with spinach, mushrooms and white truffle oil. For those who prefer their baked delights plant-based, the Indian Summer pasty with Bombay potatoes is a spicy, yummy treat.

The Pembrokeshire Pie and Pasty Company

You don’t have to take our word for how good the baking is here. Prince Charles declared his pasty “delicious”, and he is a man who knows good food when he tastes it. They have also won a Gold Star from the Great Taste Award judges, as well as a Best Product in Pembrokeshire award. The shop has a small amount of indoor seating and a bench seating area for those who just like a little breather while they savour the warm loveliness of their chosen pie or pasty. Absolutely worth a shirt-front full of crumbs and flaky bits.

During your lovely stay around Tenby, you will not want to miss the gorgeous walks, strolls and hikes between the stunning locations and villages. There are views that just make your heart sing. There should always be a treat halfway through a good leg-stretch to revive and reinvigorate. It is so much easier to set off with energy and enthusiasm if you know there are delicious, locally made baked goods waiting at your destination. If you choose to walk the beautiful coastal path to Saundersfoot, you will find three wonderful bakeries waiting for you.

On Cambrian Place in Saundersfoot, you will find the gem that is Periwinkle.

This well-loved establishment not only provides delicious baking but offers great lunches, light meals, afternoon teas and take-outs. Family and dog friendly, it is a cheery, friendly place to stop and try the tasty home baking. Relax with a very nice coffee or meal or get your breath back after a bracing cliff path walk.

Periwinkle offers the chance to explore your creative side with pottery painting classes and lots of events throughout the year. When the weather isn’t the best, it could well be the ideal place to entertain youngsters.

Just a little further along down The Strand in Saundersfoot, you will find the pretty and delightful Sue’s Pantry.

The window alone is a feast for your eyes as Sue and her team are famous for their beautiful cakes. Sue’s Pantry offer great pies and pastries, but feature more light, fluffy and heavenly sweet baking. If you love a good cupcake, you will be spoilt for choice. Beautiful to both look at and eat, Sue’s scrumptious cakes are perfect. Unusual flavour and decoration create the prettiest effects; the Eastern Promise is delicately flavoured with Turkish Delight or try the gorgeous Bailey’s Banger. If you are wanting spectacular, colourful and indulgent cupcakes, then candy floss, marshmallow and bubble gum fulfil every childhood memory. 

Also in Saundersfoot is Emporium Cakes…

…which must be sampled for the beautifully made, down to earth and good-hearted classic selection of bakery staples. A real treat is to see the stunning, wacky and original cakes made to order that this degree of talent can create. They also sell superb handmade chocolates and cards. If you have a special occasion to celebrate during your time in Pembrokeshire, this could be the ideal place to purchase something extraordinary indeed.