MANNINGS: COFFEE & CONVERSATION

In the picturesque town of Fishguard, a unique café experience awaits you at Mannings. With its roots deeply embedded in the local community, Mannings has transformed from a small greengrocer to a vibrant café that offers a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors. We sat down with the owners to explore their inspirations, passion for coffee and what makes Mannings a beloved gathering place.

What Inspires You?
Being born and raised in Fishguard, owning Mannings brings us a deep sense of pride. This is our hometown and creating a welcoming space for the locals is something that means a lot to us. We wanted to build a place where people can gather, relax, and feel at home—whether they’re grabbing a coffee on the go or settling in for a meal with friends and family.

We’re also inspired by the small, everyday moments: knowing our regular customers, seeing familiar faces and being part of the daily rhythm of the community. Using local ingredients, like fresh Morfa Milk, allows us to celebrate and support the incredible producers right here in Fishguard, contributing to a sustainable and connected community.

In Terms of Being Inspired by Cities, Would You Say There’s Any One Place That Inspires You?                                                                                                    

Bristol’s vibrant café culture has been a big inspiration for us at Mannings. Each visit to the city shows us how cafés there aren’t just places for coffee—they’re community hubs where people connect, relax, and enjoy quality food and drinks.

We’ve brought that same idea back to Fishguard, creating a welcoming space where locals and visitors can feel at home. Bristol’s commitment to local ingredients also inspires us to celebrate and support our own local producers, keeping our community at the heart of everything we do.

What Made You Want to Open Up a Café?
We started Mannings as a small greengrocer in Fishguard, driven by the need for a local place where people could shop for fresh produce. It wasn’t long before we invested in a coffee machine and to our surprise, the coffee quickly became a hit with the community. As demand grew, we realised we needed a bigger space to serve both coffee and food.

That’s when we made the decision to convert the old Fishguard bank into what Mannings is today—a vibrant café serving coffee, food, cakes and much more. While we’ve expanded into a full café, we’ve stayed true to our roots and still offer fresh, locally sourced produce and groceries alongside everything else.

What Made You Choose Coaltown?
We chose to use Coaltown Coffee at Mannings after visiting their shop for a takeaway and being blown away by the incredible taste of their coffee and the vibe of the place. It was clear they shared the same passion for quality and community that we value and we knew their coffee would be a perfect fit for our café.

What Do You Love the Most About What You Do?
What we love most about what we do is the amazing team we’ve built—they’ve truly become like family. There’s a sense of pride and joy in working together every day. We also love the creativity that comes with crafting new dishes, using locally sourced ingredient's and seeing our customers enjoy them.

What Do You Love the Most About Your Location?
What we love most about the location of Mannings is its central spot in Fishguard, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. The building itself has a rich history as the old HSBC bank and we’re proud to preserve its beautiful features. One of our favourite aspects is the original wooden carved bank counter, which adds a unique charm and character to our café.

Describe Your Relationship with Coffee in Three Words
Deeply brewed love.

What’s Your Go-To Coffee Order?
Flat white. Every time.

What’s Your Favourite Coffee Shop You’ve Ever Visited?
Can we say Coaltown? Because it certainly is!

How Do You Brew Coffee at Home?
We usually wait until we’re in the shop so we can brew it properly on our La Marzocco coffee machine and of course with our delicious Coaltown coffee beans.

As a Business, What Are You Most Excited About Right Now?
As a business, we are most excited about Christmas! It’s our favourite time of the year! We love decorating the shop to create a festive atmosphere, coming up with new seasonal drinks that capture the spirit of the holidays and crafting personalized hampers for our customers. It’s a joy to spread holiday cheer and create memorable experiences for everyone who walks through our doors.

Mannings Café is more than just a place to grab a coffee; it’s a celebration of community, quality, and creativity. With a strong connection to their hometown and a dedication to supporting local producers, the owners have created a unique space that resonates with the heart of Fishguard. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the warm atmosphere and delicious offerings make Mannings a must-visit destination.