Caerphilly, a town in Wales just a 10-minute train ride from Cardiff, offers a blend of ancient history and modern food culture, with a castle and a food hall that has earned high praise from a well-known comedian.
The town's origins date back to the Roman conquest of Britain, when forces built a fort they occupied from AD 75 until roughly the mid-second century. Its most prominent landmark is Caerphilly Castle, one of the largest fortresses in the country, known for its imposing mediaeval walls and encircling moats.
Historic Castle and Leaning Tower
Constructed during the 13th century, the castle is the second largest in Britain and ranks among Wales's most spectacular landmarks. It even features its own Leaning Tower, reminiscent of Pisa's famous structure but on a more dramatic angle.
After exploring the castle, visitors can walk a short distance to the town centre, which has grown up around the fortress. Within minutes, they reach Ffos Caerfilli, a food hall built in 2023 from repurposed shipping containers.
Food Hall With Independent Traders
Ffos Caerfilli is home to more than 20 independent traders, offering food and drink stalls, handcrafted homeware, and vintage treasures. It has become a central part of the town's food and events scene and is widely regarded as the home of the "best Mexican food" in south Wales.
Bab Haus, run by chef Leyli Homayoonfar, serves authentic street food. Homayoonfar made her debut on Saturday Kitchen Live earlier this year. Comedian Rhys James described the tacos as "the best thing I've ever tasted in my life" on the podcast Off Menu with James Acaster and Ed Gamble.
More Than Just Tacos
For those who are not taco fans, the food hall also offers sweet treats from Cwtch Bakes and stone-baked pizza from Estraneos Pizza. With options to suit every taste, Caerphilly holds a special place in the hearts of many visitors and locals alike.
