LOLFA: COFFEE AND CONVERSATION

Introducing Steff, the visionary behind Lolfa, a unique café inspired by the vibrant cafe culture of Spain and infused with a Welsh touch. We had the pleasure of chatting with Steff about his inspirations, experiences, and what drives him in his journey with Lolfa and Coaltown.

Here's what he had to say:

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Customers and staff inspire me. For customers, it's about creating a space they are proud of and ensuring they leave with a positive experience. For staff, it's about fostering a happy and safe environment. We’re constantly tweaking things to enhance the customer experience. By focusing on these goals, the business model takes care of itself, as they are the key components of any hospitality business.

IN TERMS OF BEING INSPIRED BY CITIES, IS THERE ANY ONE PLACE THAT PARTICULARLY INSPIRES YOU? 

Lolfa Carmarthen originated with a Spanish theme in mind, inspired by my time in Madrid and Barcelona. I loved the small plates style of eating and the day-to-night cafes where you could have a beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail next to someone enjoying a slice of cake and a coffee. I appreciate flexible spaces, and while the weather in Spain allows for more year-round use, I wanted to bring that same flexibility to Lolfa Carmarthen, creating a space where customers can enjoy good food and coffee in a social setting.

As for Lolfa Llandeilo, we’ve developed a slightly different concept as a day-based cafe. Over the last six months, we’ve started running pop-up evenings, reintroducing small plates, themed nights, burger nights, etc. These events have added a nice change of atmosphere. Creating a flexible space, even down to the interior and bar design, it has been a challenge, but I’ve drawn inspiration from the minimalist themes of Spanish cafes and added a Welsh spin.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO OPEN A CAFE?

I was a guide runner for a blind athlete for over 10 years, which involved a lot of downtime abroad. During that time, I explored many coffee shops and started to envision my own space. My first business, Sgiliau Play Centre, led to the creation of the first Lolfa. I felt Carmarthen needed a space with Spanish influence and small plates. When the right opportunity came up, I decided to go for it.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE COALTOWN?

I’ve been working with Coaltown for nearly five years. At Lolfa, we pride ourselves on supporting local independents. When I started the business, I was looking for a local coffee supplier. Scott’s story of bringing employment opportunities back to Ammanford inspired me, and I wanted to be part of that journey. Coaltown's growth has given us great credibility, and our customers have grown with Coaltown, which all started from Scott’s ambitions.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

It's all about the people—customers and their stories. It’s an honour and a privilege that people choose to spend their downtime in our establishments. I also enjoy working with colleagues, solving problems, and the fact that no two days are the same. Challenging yourself and others brings out the best and leads to personal and company growth.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LLANDEILO?

In Lolfa Llandeilo, it’s the diverse demographic we attract. We have a mix of town and country living. On any given day, you could see retirees, families with dogs, local students, or Scarlets players. We’ve created a flexible, welcoming space, which comes down to the service, customer interaction, and our staff being themselves. The staff play a massive part in making customers feel welcomed and eager to return.

DESCRIBE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WIH COFFEE IN THREE WORDS:

Based on my first coffee, peaceful, therapeutic and empowering. It sets you up for the day.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO COFFEE ORDER?

In the morning, anything black—starting off short and moving to something longer throughout the day. After lunch, a cortado or flat white, and that’s it for the day.

HOW DO YOU BREW YOUR COFFEE AT HOME?

La Marzocco Linea Micra.

WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE COFFEE SHOP YOU'VE EVER VISITED?

Based on my earliest experiences, it has to be Little Man Coffee Co in Cardiff. They’ve always been ahead of the curve in their offerings and ethos. It was my go-to spot for catching up with friends. Whenever I’m in Cardiff, I make sure to visit. They offer great coffee and a super chill environment, which I find important.

AS A BUSINESS, WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR?

We’re excited about our manager Alice having a baby. She’s been with us for over five years, and we’re thrilled for her family. We’re also excited about Anna stepping in as the new manager, bringing her own style and energy. Additionally, we’ve had success with pop-up nights and are looking forward to more. We’ve applied for planning permission to extend our outside seating area, which will be great for year-round use.

Thanks so much to Steff and his staff members for welcoming us and for the lovely coffee!

For delicious coffee and scrumptious brunches and lunches, we highly recommend paying a visit to Lolfa next time you’re in Llandeilo.

If you’re considering joining the Coaltown family, you can put in a wholesale enquiry here.