Food, Friendship & Fragments of History
Tucked away on the historic corner of Orchard Street and Alexandra Road, HQ Urban Kitchen Swansea—formerly known as Tapestri—is more than just a café. It’s a cherished meeting point for many of us who live in or love Swansea. Whether you’re catching up with close friends, enjoying a good meal, or soaking up the rich history that surrounds the place, this social enterprise café blends community spirit with cultural heritage.
A Place for Good Food & Good Company
HQ Urban Kitchen offers a warm, welcoming space in the heart of Swansea’s city centre, and it’s often my go-to spot to meet friends. On a recent visit, I caught up with my friend Caroline, who enjoyed her plate of scrambled eggs on sourdough—simple, hearty, and fresh. I chose the Falafel Bowl, a vibrant and healthy mix of marinated olives, humous, mixed leaf salad, and tangy pickled cabbage. It was delicious, though I still miss their former Dahl with Cajun Chicken—a spicy and comforting favourite. Fingers crossed it returns to the menu!
One of the things I love most about HQ Urban Kitchen is its atmosphere. Acoustic musicians often perform live here, creating a relaxed, intimate vibe while you eat. Back when the café was still called Tapestri, I hosted an event during Eurovision 2013, when Swansea’s own Bonnie Tyler represented the UK with “Believe In Me.” I rented the event space and threw a Eurovision party, screening the show on a large screen for fellow fans and friends. To kick things off, the Lotus Sisters Belly Dance Company dazzled us with a live performance—their vibrant moves setting the tone for a night of music, laughter, and shared joy.
Beyond food and music, HQ welcomes dogs and thoughtfully caters to a range of diets, offering plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.
The Building: A Historic Landmark with Stories to Tell
HQ Urban Kitchen occupies Llys Glas, once Swansea’s Central Police Station, built between 1912 and 1913. Architect Ernest Morgan designed the structure in a striking Baroque revival style, using Portland stone with red brick accents. Its tall clocktower and elegant façades still lend a sense of grandeur to the street corner.
The site also housed the city’s Fire Brigade in its early days. During World War II, the building endured the Swansea Blitz—a devastating wave of bombings in February 1941 that destroyed large parts of the city. Although bombs didn’t strike the structure directly, nearby blasts damaged it. If you look carefully at the southern end, you’ll spot pockmarks in the red brick—shrapnel scars that still whisper stories of Swansea’s wartime resilience.
Today, Llys Glas has found new purpose. It now provides student housing for the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) and hosts several Swansea College of Art programs, including Stained Glass, Product Design, and 3D Animation. The building also offers supported accommodation for individuals at risk of homelessness—another way this place continues to serve the Swansea community with compassion and care.
A Café With a Soul
In many ways, HQ Urban Kitchen reflects the best of Swansea—its warmth, resilience, creativity, and strong sense of community. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty breakfast, a vegan bowl, or just a quiet moment in a historic setting, this café feels deeply rooted in the city’s past while thriving in its vibrant present.
So next time you’re in Swansea, step off the busy streets and into this welcoming space. You’ll find good food, great company, and a building with stories in its walls.
Highlights:
✔ Vegan & gluten-free options
✔ Dog-friendly
✔ Live music performances
✔ Community events
✔ Housed in a building rich with history
Visit their Website
Food hygiene rating: Click here
References:
WalesOnline: Telltale evidence of the Swansea Blitz
Address:
HQ Urban Kitchen
Llys Glas, 37 Orchard Street
Swansea, SA1 5AJ