A content creator and her friends were impressed by the palatial decor when they visited a café often praised as ‘the most beautiful in the world’, but there was one drawback
15:22, 24 Oct 2025Updated 15:30, 24 Oct 2025
A content creator has complained about the price of water in an expensive hotel (stock)(Image: Getty)
A content creator who went to one of the most beautiful cafés in the world loved her experience at the famous venue, but couldn’t believe the prices on the menu, especially after discovering how much a bottle of water would set her back.
Posting her financial ordeal on TikTok, Claudia Sierra and her friends revealed to her 45,000 followers on the platform the eye-popping price tags at the New York Café in the Antara New York Palace Hotel, Budapest.
The café is considered one of the most historic and luxurious cafés in the world and is beloved for its interior decoration, featuring chandeliers and frescoes. It was also a meeting point for Hungarian artists.
Discussing what she observed before she went in, Claudia said of the stunning restaurant: “Look at the coffee shop where we stopped for a cup of coffee. They can take my ribs out right here, I don’t care.
“All I see is people flipping through the menu on repeat, trying to find something reasonably priced.”
Upon flicking through the menu themselves, Claudia and her friends became shocked when they saw how much a bottle of San Pellegrino water cost, €12.50 (£10.91), a figure reflected in an online version of the menu.
A friend of Claudia’s said: “The water bottle costs 12.50 euros.”
Instead, the group opted for tap water to save a little bit of money.
Another friend added: “Oh, we’re going to have such a good breakfast! I’m crying. Thank goodness they gave us a little bit of tap water to wash down the biscuit.”
The water isn’t the only pricey item on the menu, with a cappuccino costing €11 (£9.59) and grilled ham and cheese sandwiches with sour cream flavoured salad priced at €16 (£13.95).
Claudia and her friends aren’t the first people to note how high prices can be in popular restaurants. Luxurious eateries have long been alluring for the experience of being in them, and being able to say you’ve visited.
Earlier this year, another content creator visited Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane in London, a venue which has just 13 seats at the sushi counter and is one of the UK’s most expensive restaurants.
The restaurant, which launched in 2023 and was masterminded by Shinji Kanesaka, charges around £420 per person for its set menu. So impressive is the experience, that one visitor described it as ethereal.
They wrote on Google: “The most amazing sushi I’ve ever had outside Japan. Awesome food, service and atmosphere. Only 13 sushi bar seats in entire restaurant, 9 in main and a more private 4 seater. Pricey but ethereal.”
On the expense, one diner wrote: “Yes it is expensive, however the experience is extremely intimate with only a few small sittings each night. Further to this the ingredients used are absolutely the best on offer.
“I have honestly never been served a blue lobster and the Kobe beef was certainly as good as the best wagu I have previously tried in Japan.
“The whole team was extremely professional and very attentive. The Sake pairing was again exceptional with the sommelier describing each in amazing detail.”
One UK man visited the world’s most expensive cafe, Cedric Grolet, in Monaco. After ordering a coffee and some pastries, he was shocked to receive a bill that left his wallet empty
Some of the world’s most innovative but expensive desserts come from French chef Cedric Grolet, but they may set you damage your pocket(Image: STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images)
It seems like the cost of a coffee and pastry has soared everywhere. Whether you’re popping into your neighbourhood Greggs or a hip independent bakery, it’s hardly shocking to fork out £5 or more for a flat white and croissant.
But while that stings your purse, it pales in comparison to what’s available at one of the globe’s most lavish cafés, where a basic sweet indulgence can exceed your entire weekly grocery bill. Head south to France and you’ll discover Monaco, the billionaire’s paradise. This minuscule principality is famed as the beating heart of Formula One, home to countless multi-million pound superyachts – and its legendary casino.
Perched above that very casino within the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, an upmarket patisserie has gained notoriety for its exquisite pastries and bakes – alongside the astronomical prices they demand.
Stroll through the marble foyer and you’ll discover what’s been branded the “world’s most expensive café”, Cedric Grolet.
Grolet is a globally celebrated French pastry chef boasting millions of social media fans and honours, including “Best Pastry Chef in the World”.
The Monte-Carlo branch marks his Mediterranean debut, following phenomenally successful launches in Paris, London and Singapore, though given its setting, it appears among the most expensive.
His masterpieces are immediately identifiable, with puddings crafted to mirror lemons, peaches or strawberries perfectly on the exterior, before unveiling intricate layers of mousse, cream and sponge inside.
Some of the traditional pastries might not necessarily empty your wallet, but they’re still decidedly on the expensive side. For instance, a pain au chocolat will set you back a hefty €12, but with some more luxurious pastries available, one visitor soon fell into the sweet trap and was left with a massive bill.
During a visit to the bakery that he later shared on TikTok, Charlie Betts ended up shelling out an eye-watering £140 on just a few items and a matcha.
Upon arriving at the bakery, he said: “There’s life like looking at fruits, I don’t even know what they would be, maybe little chocolate tarts? I’m not sure, but I think it’s going to be quite good. Hopefully, the best sweet treats I’ve ever had in my life.
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“This has got to be the best thing of my life. I’m really scared of what the price is going to be.”
Ordering a chocolate chip cookie, a peanut, mango and strawberry styled dessert, and a final special rose tart, the bill was certainly on the steep side. Each dish was clearly meticulously assembled with layers of mousse, foams, cake and jams all rolled into something scrumptious, but can any baked good justify such a high price tag?
Charlie summarised: “If price isn’t involved, I’m going to give it a solid 8.5 out of 10. My most expensive meal ever.”
Many in the comments were as shocked at the price. One person wrote: “As a pastry chef, those prices are ridiculous.”
While another added: “I get hives at the price of Costa, can’t imagine what medical condition I’d develop here.”
HELLMANN’S has stepped in to cover the cost of repairing a Spanish café set ablaze by an angry customer who couldn’t get mayonnaise with his sandwich.
The mayo giant pledged to foot the bill after the shocking arson attack at Cafetería Las Postas near Seville, Spain, last month.
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Hellmann’s will cover repair costs for a Spanish cafe set ablaze over a mayonnaise disputeCredit: Jam Press/@postaslospalacios
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A customer set fire to Cafetería Las Postas after being told mayonnaise was unavailable
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The suspect was arrested after causing up to £7,000 in damages to the cafe
A Hellmann’s spokesperson said: “Cafetería Las Postas, we’re sorry we weren’t there. From now on, you can count on us.”
The brand promised to restore the premises and ensure the condiment will never be missing from its shelves again, Euro Weekly News reported.
Owner José Antonio Caballero called the incident completely “surreal” and said there was “no explanation for what he did.”
He explained: “First one waiter and then another the second time this gentleman asked for mayonnaise gave him the same answer which was that the bar didn’t have a kitchen and the sandwiches came ready-prepared and we didn’t have sauces.
“At that moment he walked to the garage opposite, returned to the bar with a bottle in his hand which we discovered afterwards had petrol inside, and asked the first waiter: ‘Are you sure there’s no mayonnaise?’ without giving him time to reply.
“There’s no explanation for what happened. It was awful.”
As flames shot towards the ceiling, terrified customers – including children as young as four – scrambled to safety while staff fought the blaze with an extinguisher.
Caballero said the fire left damage of up to £7,000 but praised “quick-thinking workers” for stopping it spreading.
At least 15 killed in horror fireball crash after truck packed with workers smashes into taxi on Mexico motorway
He added: “The important thing is that nobody was injured. There were young children and elderly people around. Imagine if someone had been hurt.”
The 50-year-old suspect was arrested within minutes in a nearby square after burning his hand.
Police said he was taken to a health centre under guard and is due in court.
Investigators are probing why he started the blaze, with reports suggesting he was with two others at the time.
The mayo-fuelled attack has since divided opinion online after Hellmann’s public response.
Some hailed the move as clever marketing, while others blasted it as insensitive.
One local fumed: “Hellmann’s, it’s a little in bad taste, no? Will you get noticed? Yes. But at what cost? I don’t think a brand like yours needs to do this.”
Another said: “What happened is not a joke.”
A third remarked: “Taking advantage of someone’s misfortune to do marketing.”
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Las Postas cafeteria is located in Seville. SpainCredit: Jam Press
The summer rain in Mexico City has been driving Meme del Real crazy. “This season of permanent torrential downpour gets to a point where you’re like, ‘Enough,’ he says with a sigh. “There’s people who really enjoy it, but I’m done. It’s too much introspection to be in here all day, to not be able to go outside. It forces you to try other things, to find a conversation within that rather than a resistance.”
Surrender has been a big theme lately in the life of the longtime vocalist and keyboardist of legendary Mexican alt-rock group Café Tacvba. Del Real — a Swiss Army Knife of a musician who has produced for the likes of Julieta Venegas and Natalia Lafourcade, among others — has been unpacking his life after a recent move back to the Mexican capital, after five years in the idyllic Valle de Bravo. About two hours away from CDMX, the lakeside town became his district of solitude.
It was in this escape from city life that the singer-songwriter was able to be quiet enough to tap into something beyond himself. With his own studio, a broad space overlooking a forest, he had the mental space to look inward. Perhaps more importantly, he gave himself permission to welcome the inspiration that arrived without him seeking it.
“It’s not that I went to this place and said, ‘OK, now I’m going to find inspiration.’ It was more of a tension within myself that naturally unraveled,” says Meme of his “Walden” moment. “From that exercise of exploring old songs and ideas in process, something started to bloom within me in a way that had never happened before. It was a moment that invited me into a solitary process that I hadn’t undertaken with any formality or intention. If these songs have anything to do with where I was physically at the time, I do think that distance I had from everything manifested itself as music.”
The songs on Del Real’s first solo album — the title yet to be revealed — plumb the depths of silence and sonic expansion. He is unpretentious in his experiments and unafraid to get playful. “Tumbos” is a warbling electronic love song intercepted at times by plinking bachata strings. Del Real swelters on futuristic bolero “Incomprensible,” which takes the old-school Cuban torch-song genre and pitches its emblematic guitar to psychedelic new heights. Atmosphere is everything here: Two of the soon-to-be-released tracks border on ambient, zeroing in on the sounds of church bells and chirping birds and the expansive feeling of mushrooms blooming across a forest floor.
These little mountains of fire blaze with a gentle heat emanating from Del Real’s voice. Die-hards and casual fans of Café Tacvba have heard “Eres” at least in passing, a smash from the group’s 2003 album, “Cuatro Caminos,” that features Del Real on lead vocals. He’s still singing about love: Careening norteña-inspired “Embeces” sees Del Real’s voice soar over warbled trumpets, and lead single “Princesa” layers cinematic orchestration with trip-hop beats and sweltering lyrics about failed promises and proclamations of loyalty.
For those who can’t get enough, Del Real is set to preview some of the new music with a special performance on Sept. 2 at the Grammy Museum.
“These songs arrived, and I couldn’t look the other way. It was an instinct that was stronger than me, a now-or-never moment,” says Del Real. “I’ve found that every unknown and every challenge has left me with a lesson. When I’m onstage [with Café Tacvba], I play and sing, but I also love to dance and express myself with my body. Before we can play, when we’re children, we hear a rhythm and dance. It doesn’t matter if you look ridiculous, but you made something. It’s better to make a fool of yourself and experiment rather than not live what you’re feeling.”
De Los spoke with Del Real over Zoom from Mexico City as he’s settling into a number of beginnings: a new home, a new daily rhythm and his first solo project, which is out next month.
There are so many places where artists go to isolate and channel, but you weren’t looking for that at all. Listening to the album, I heard the parallels between the songs and the space that natural environments bring. There are two tracks that border on ambient, focusing on the sounds of a church bell and a small sound that grows into an encompassing roar. The creative act is intuitive and spontaneous, and I think it makes a symmetry with the cycles and forms of nature. Having such a tangible way to witness creation left a deep impression on me, to be in such an exuberant forest coexisting with so much.
How was making this solo record different from making a Café Tacvba record? I have a certain experience of creation with the band — of making an album, a project, a video, a tour, a spectacle — but these songs manifested themselves almost like they rose out of the floor to meet me. At my old house, the studio I made was surrounded by a massive forest. I really felt like I was yet another element of nature in that cycle of life that I had to live there. Something bloomed in that moment for me. More than the result, the experience itself for me was its own project, and it’s been so personally valuable to me that anything that comes of that is a consequence, an extra gift. The process was transformative, like nature itself, something that couldn’t be controlled or manipulated.
I love that you describe the songs as arriving; that’s very different than creating with the intention of connecting to a muse. To your point about movement, there’s so much of it here: bachata, cumbia, electronic music … so much to dance to. Everything you describe came about very organically. My dad was a musician, and he devoted his life to music. At home, my mom and dad and siblings and I all grew up hearing a lot of music across genres. I got very familiar. Watching my dad [on the trumpet] with his orchestra play at parties, specifically all of these formal Latin American genres to dance to …
When I started making the songs, the genres rose out pretty organically. If it came out sounding like Ministry or a norteña or a bolero or disco or punk, then that’s what it was. If creating doesn’t have that playful factor, if it doesn’t translate honesty, then it becomes so intellectualized. I think it’s a balance between spontaneity, a game between the organic, the intellectual, the conceptual. When I listened to all the songs, I really didn’t know if it was an album. I approached Gustavo Santaolalla [Godfather of Latin rock] to get his feedback, and that’s when it became clear to me that something was happening.
The songs were there, as I built them there in this place I described to you, like beyond just composing on guitar, piano and making a demo, it was like, “Well, what if I add something else?” I started experimenting, and before I knew it, there were already quite robust and complex arrangements in most of them. But another thing is that, when I [would] bring a demo to [Café Tacvba], I [would] sing it, and that [was] it. But in this case, the same thing. Gustavo told me, “Hey, one of the things that’s interesting is the way you’re singing … What’s happening on a vocal level, that seems to me to be revealing a very clear picture of you at this moment.” So, nothing, it stayed that way.
When I was trying to find the throughline here, I was thinking about the subject matter: There’s a lot of love and yearning here. Would you consider yourself a romantic? Based on some interviews I’ve been doing, they haven’t asked me this question, but the term “romantic” has come up. And it’s not that I’ve thought about it or assumed it, but I think that if romantic means, in my case, finding a translation of what I feel and what I reflect on and resonating well with it, then yes.
I’ve also found myself — who hasn’t in these times? — being attentive and reflecting on the issues that are happening around the world, all the horrors of certain situations and in certain regions. But I definitely find that there is beauty in human relationships or in personal relationships, in relationships with your personal, universal, cosmic or internal ecosystem, with paradoxes, with what is opposed. I don’t know if that’s romantic, but that’s it. Even at the end of the world, in the midst of so much horror, love and beauty are the things that give us the desire to want to go on, right?
This album is so sonically forward-thinking, and I’d say it’s aligned to the current zeitgeist of genre mixing. Where do you situate it? I am also very attracted to the way in which I don’t understand much of what is happening with these new generations and all the music, all the art and creation that is taking place. It seems that, as in other eras, attention was focused on the situations that were happening around them, socially and politically, and there was a lot of talk about it and criticism was made. Today, it seems that this generation is not observing that, but I have discovered in my theory that discourse is more powerful precisely because it is not talked about directly, but rather it is talked about as, “I am going to have a good time and enjoy it because this is coming to an end … I have no choice but to take what I have and what I can do and what I can experience with my gang, with my people, and with this global digital community.”
I find that very powerful and very sad at the same time. I mean, it’s very sad to think that there is a generation that sees the world as ending. That’s my take on it — that there’s little hope, that everything is so complex that it’s better not to look at that. “Just look at what’s in front of me, because I’m young and because if I don’t take advantage of my youth to have a good time right now, I don’t know if I’ll make it to the next stage. Or I don’t see how.”
In our time, at least in my time, I think there was more. The outlook was clearer. You could see further ahead.
This interview was conducted in Spanish, translated, edited and condensed for clarity.
On the corner of East 4th Street and South Evergreen Avenue on a recent Friday night in Boyle Heights, a large crowd gathered in front of Picaresca Barra de Café swaying to the syncopated beats of Los Chicos del Mambo. Near the band, Natalia Lara of Tortas Ahogadas El Águila filled birote salado rolls from Gusto Bread with carnitas. But the main event was underway inside the cafe: a latte art throwdown.
Throwdowns, special menus, omakases, pop-ups, speakeasies and out-of-the-box events are part of L.A.’s growing underground coffee scene. And they might be the best way to tap into what’s happening in the world of coffee. Cuppings, signature drink service and guest barista takeovers add to the diversity and creativity of these coffee experiences, which keep evolving.
“Each one is offering something special and has varying approaches with some very limited coffees or methods,” says Mikey Muench of Senses Café Projects, a pop-up that has made its way around Los Angeles from the Lasita window in Far East Plaza in Chinatown to restaurants, breweries and cafes such as Homage Brewing, Canary Test, Ondo, HIGTE and Woon.
Senses Café Projects allows Meunch to explore the coffees he enjoys drinking and to experiment with new tools and brew methods, he says. He focuses on pour-overs. “It’s my personal favorite way to enjoy coffee,” says Muench. “I am also experimenting with the nostalgic flavors of my childhood. I’m half Thai and half German. The majority of the beverage ideas and components are inspired by my Asian heritage.”
Yasuo Ishii, founder of leading-edge Tokyo roaster Leaves Coffee, was a guest brewer at Kumquat Coffee downtown last March. Other barista guest appearances at Kumquat have included brewers from Fritz Coffee in Seoul and Ditta Arigianale in Florence.
A few hard-to-get reservation-only coffee omakases also have popped up in L.A., such as Nobu Coffee at Courage Piano Lounge in Gardena, serving coffee hand-poured into a fabric Nel filter in a traditional Japanese kissaten style. Tangible Gratitude serves by reservation only a five-course sensory tasting experience in its Hermosa Beach design studio for $125 per person.
Strategic planning unlocks access. Follow coffee experts, specialty roasters and professional baristas from the high-profile competition circuit on social media; they often drop breadcrumbs to the next opportunity.
Keep up with the 2025 U.S. Coffee in Good Spirits Champion Jerry Truong, for example. He recently guest-bartended special shifts at Hollywood cocktail bar Night on Earth and Johnny’s Bar in Highland Park to serve his competition-winning coffee cocktails. Other key players include Frank La of Be Bright; Kay Cheon of Dune Coffee Roasters in Santa Barbara; World Barista Champion Michael Phillips of Blue Bottle; and consultant Jaymie Lao.
In addition to cafes, restaurants and farmers markets, coffee events are spilling into culinary festivals, art galleries and retail stores around the city. Automaker Rivian recently invited Cheon to make coffee with his Slayer espresso machine on the back of an R1T truck in its Venice showroom garden. The cafe kiosk at fashion brand Goodfight’s Historic Filipinotown shop has become a favorite destination for the coffee community.
“Coffee pop-ups are happening all the time in Los Angeles where your favorite baristas can express their ideas, and coffee folks, professionals and enthusiasts can celebrate coffee in ways you just don’t see in cafes every day,” says Lao.
Here are nine places where you can check out previews of yet-to-open cafes, guest baristas serving rare coffees, special pop-up menus or multicourse tastings.
Callum Ryan, 24, paid £35 for a general admission ticket to walk around the Buckingham Palace gardens on July 22, 2025, and was surprised to find a cafe at the Palace
Callum Ryan discovered the usually closed Buckingham Palace cafe
A tourist was left gobsmacked after discovering a “secret” café at Buckingham Palace and being charged an “extreme” £11 for a slice of cake and a bottle of water.
Callum Ryan, 24, had shelled out £35 for a general admission ticket to explore the Palace gardens on July 22, 2025. To his surprise, he stumbled upon a café nestled behind the Royal residence, open for a limited 10-week period during the summer months until the end of September.
Despite being taken aback by the price list, which included an afternoon tea box for two priced at £50, Callum decided to treat himself to a slice of carrot cake and a bottle of water. The content creator from Wandsworth, London, found the Palace’s pricing “reasonable” given the regal surroundings and expressed his desire to return with his girlfriend.
Have you been shocked by the price of something on holiday? Email [email protected]
He shared: “It wasn’t rammed in the café, and wasn’t as busy as I thought it would be, which was nice, and the atmosphere wasn’t too bad either. I would pay money for this again, and I would love to take my family and girlfriend here because I think this is a really good experience.”
After spotting an advertisement online, Callum booked his visit to the Buckingham Palace gardens on July 22, 2025. Upon paying £35 for a general admission ticket, he discovered the café situated on Buckingham Palace’s West Terrace, just beyond the exit from the State Rooms.
Callum added: “You see a lot of Buckingham Palace behind the scenes, and you get to see things that you never see before. There were things that have been there since the palace first opened, and I even got to see the spot where all the Kings and Queens take their royal pictures.
“It was actually a really cool experience, and there is a strict no pictures protocol, which I thought was good.”
Callum nipped in for a bite to eat and reckons the priciest thing on the menu was an afternoon tea box – costing £50 but feeding two people. Though he reckons coffee is fairly priced, with a hot chocolate and a cappuccino setting you back around £3 to £4 each.
Callum said he would return
Callum opted to keep things simple and grabbed a carrot cake and a bottle of water, which set him back £11. He said: “It was banging. The cake was really good, and as the bottle of water was reusable, it was nice to take it home. The atmosphere in the café was nice and everyone in there was loving it.”
ONE popular London swim spot is getting a huge makeover with new facilities and green spaces.
The West Reservoir Centre in Stoke Newington that’s been open to swimmers for 20 years is getting an upgrade.
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The West Reservoir at Stoke Newington is undergoing a makeoverCredit: Alamy
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Designs reveal more accessible and attractive areasCredit: better.org
Found in north London the West Reservoir Centre sees thousands descend on the reservoir for open-water swimming, sailing and kayaking courses.
While the reservoir is about to undergo a transformation, the actual water isn’t – because it’s a reservoir.
Instead, the surrounding area will become much more accessible and greener, too.
The goal is to create “a more welcoming destination for both local residents and visitors.”
Designs reveal a new cafe, reception area, grass edge and two accessible entrances.
Other additions include modern changing rooms and cycle parking spaces to encourage biking to the reservoir.
There will be new accessible bridges built over the north and south parts of New River.
Plus, a new walkway on the east side of the reservoir will be created.
The website states that the centre will remain open throughout the project “for the thousands of people who visit the site each week for open water swimming and water sports.”
The work is expected to be completed by summer 2026 at a cost of close to £3.5 million.
New £4million lido to open in UK next year
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The reservoir is used for wild swimming, paddleboarding and kayakingCredit: Instagram
It’s all being funded by the Greater London Authority as an effort to improve community spaces and create a better space for the people of Stoke Newington.
Caroline Woodley, Hackney mayor, said that the changes are “about so much more than bricks and mortar”.
She continued to describe the centre as “one of Hackney’s hidden gems, a place where communities connect with nature, get active and enjoy some of the borough’s most stunning open-water views.”
The reservoir has a number of swim courses ranging from a 100m warm up lap to a 300m loop.
As it’s an outdoor course, they are dependent on weather conditions and water temperature.
At West Reservoir Centre, the cost for a single open water swim is £10 for non-members and £7.70 for Pay As You Go members.
Hafren Forest is a haven of peace and beauty, with its cascading waterfalls, wildlife, and trails that take you through ancient woodland and to the source of the River Severn
Hafren Forest is one of Wales’ hidden gems(Image: Portia Jones )
Stepping onto the woodland trail, you’ll immediately be struck by the crisp air, tinged with the earthy aroma of damp pine and moss – a sensory reminder that this is nature in its rawest form. This is the lesser-known Hafren Forest in Mid Wales, home to cascading waters, trails and a quaint café just a short drive away.
Hafren is a meticulously managed woodland with an intriguing history and an abundance of trails to discover. Originally planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1930s for timber production, it now offers much more than just rows of trees.
Now under the stewardship of Natural Resources Wales, the forest strikes a balance between commercial forestry, conservation, and public enjoyment, making it a crucial habitat for wildlife and a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts.
The name ‘Hafren’ derives from the Welsh term for the River Severn (Afon Hafren), which embarks on its impressive journey to the sea right here. Over the years, Hafren Forest has transformed into a popular and accessible walking destination, with its blend of natural beauty, heritage features and well-maintained trails drawing visitors all year round
The trails here are clearly marked and welcoming, meandering through groves of pines and firs. Their natural symmetry forms archways overhead, framing the path ahead.
You’ll see rushing waterfalls here (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
When sunlight pierces the clouded sky, it floods in golden beams, lighting up leaves and bark, reports Wales Online. The River Severn, or Afon Hafren as it’s locally known, takes the spotlight here. It originates from the slopes of Pumlumon, with its concealed source nestled just beyond the forest.
Initially, it’s merely a tranquil stream meandering through the trees with quiet resolve. However, it soon gains momentum, cascading over rocky ledges and morphing into thunderous waterfalls that carve their way through the landscape with unyielding vigour.
Forest trails
There’s an abundance of trails to explore here, all clearly marked from beginning to end. Starting at the Rhyd-y-benwch car park, the paths guide you through towering trees, alongside rushing waterfalls, and even to the hidden source of the River Severn.
Cascades Walk (0.9 km, 30 minutes, Accessible)
The Cascades Walk is a gentle amble suitable for all visitors. It commences with a sloping path from the car park and leads to a scenic boardwalk that skirts the riverbank. Along the route, water cascades over rocks, providing a calming backdrop to your woodland walk.
At the boardwalk’s end, a raised viewing platform offers a splendid spot to pause and soak in the surroundings before looping back along a broad, well-maintained path through the forest.
Severn-Break-its-Neck Trail (2.3 km, 1 hour, Moderate)
The Severn-Break-Its-Neck trail is as thrilling as its name implies. Starting from the car park, you’ll meander along a gentle path by the river until it opens up into a meadow.
Here, a boardwalk brings you closer to the sound of gushing water. After a short climb, the Severn-Break-Its-Neck waterfall comes into sight.
At this point, the River Severn roars down a rocky ravine, its raw power tangible as you cross the footbridge above.
The return journey follows a forest road, offering panoramic views through the trees and a chance to recover after the steeper sections.
Blaen Hafren Falls Trail (6 km, 1.5 hours, Moderate)
For a more extended hike, the Blaen Hafren Falls Trail provides a longer, more immersive stroll through the forest canopy. The route follows a well-maintained gravel path alongside the River Severn, leading you through peaceful woodland.
As the trail climbs, glimpses of the surrounding forest appear before unveiling the cascading Blaen Hafren Falls hidden amongst the trees.
Benches scattered along the way offer spots to rest and soak in the scenery. The trail loops back via a forest road, making it a rewarding choice if you’re up for a hiking challenge.
Source of the Severn Trail (13 km, 5 hours, Strenuous)
This is my preferred route in the Hafren Forest as it leads to the source of the River Severn. It’s astounding to think that the mighty River Severn, which spans over 200 miles, begins its journey here in Hafren Forest.
Its humble beginnings on the slopes of Pumlumon quickly gather pace as the water carves its path through the forest, forming a series of lively cascades and waterfalls.
As you traverse the trails, the river’s sound alters, becoming more potent and persistent. Each stride brings you nearer to the water’s rhythm, building like an overture before unveiling its concealed source beyond the edge of the forest.
Reaching the source is no ordinary stroll. A steep ascent takes you onto the moorland, where a simple, carved wooden post marks the precise spot.
Cobblers Tea Room is worth visiting (Image: Portia Jones )
Beyond Hafren – long-distance adventures
Hafren Forest also serves as the starting point for two epic long-distance walks. The Wye Valley Walk traces the River Wye for 136 miles, while the Severn Way follows the Severn’s journey to Bristol.
For a shorter challenge, the Sarn Sabrina circular walk offers 25 miles of myths and landscapes named after a Celtic river goddess. Cyclists can also explore the area via the Sustrans National Cycle Network, which meanders through the forest and beyond. It’s a fantastic way to experience the region’s beauty at a faster pace.
Afternoon tea at Cobblers Tea Room
If all that walking has left you famished, jump in the car and head to the charming market town of Llaindloes.
Here, you will discover the vintage Cobblers Tea Room on the High Street, a cosy spot for coffee and cakes. Step inside, and you’re greeted with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods still warm from the oven.
This quaint, traditional tea room has been a hit with locals since it changed hands in December 2018. Their reasonably priced menu boasts homemade treats. Cakes are baked on the premises, and depending on the season, you can enjoy mince pies in winter or gelato in summer.
Sandwiches are freshly prepared to order, and the daily homemade soup is just the ticket for warming up after a long forest walk.
This is my favourite route in the Hafren Forest as it leads to the source of the River Severn.(Image: Portia Jones )
I love the forest trails(Image: Portia Jones )
You’ll see rushing waterfalls here(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
It’s a carefully managed woodland(Image: Portia Jones )
There are plenty of trails to discover here(Image: Portia Jones )
Cobblers Tea Room is worth visiting(Image: Portia Jones )
A BRIDGERTON star has revealed a phone thief threatened to stab her in a cafe attack before she bravely tackled him.
Genevieve Chenneour was sitting in a Joe & The Juice in Kensington, South West London when the terrifying ordeal happened.
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Genevieve Chenneour told This Morning about her ordealCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Genevieve plays Clara Livingston in the Netflix show Bridgerton
Zacariah Boulares snuck up behind the 27-year-old and swiped her phone on February 8.
Genevieve – who plays Clara Livingston in the hit Netflix show – revealed that the “full on scrap” lasted for about five minutes.
She pinned the 18-year-old thief to the floor but has now said he threatened to stab her.
“I was threatened with being stabbed, so it became a matter of life and death,” she told ITV.
“I remember kicking him back with my leg to create space in case he had a weapon on him.”
She described it as a “life-changing, crazy moment”.
The star said the ordeal has left her feeling scared to venture outside and she has even left her home in the capital to take a “break” from the lawless city.
Astonishing footage from police showed Genevieve grabbing Boulares’ shoulder as she realised her phone had been taken.
She then tackled the serial thief to the ground with the help of another customer.
Genevieve managed to take her phone back from Boulares before repeatedly hitting him with it in the posh cafe.
She previously claimed she suffered a concussion in the horror in February and said even her dog was “traumatised”.
The star added: “They didn’t expect me to stand up for myself – but I did.”
Algerian national Boulares previously pleaded guilty to stealing the phone.
The teen also admitted common assault against fellow Joe and the Juice customer Carlo Kurcishi, who had stepped in to help.
Boulares pleaded guilty to a separate charge of theft after he swiped a black leather hand bag from a diner at a pizza restaurant.
The court heard he has 12 previous convictions for a total of 28 offences – all relating to theft.
The New York Café in Budapest is one of the most beautiful cafes in the world, with marble columns, frescoes and crystal chandeliers making it the perfect place to take a selfie
Tourists queue for hours to take the perfect Instagram picture
Envision a café where the décor takes centre stage, outshining the coffee itself. A grand establishment that magnetises swarms of Instagram enthusiasts trying to capture the perfect shot for their feeds. Welcome to the New York Café in Budapest, where the entrance proudly proclaims it to be “the most beautiful café in the world.”
It’s a claim that’s hard to dispute. This 125-year-old café, with its majestic marble columns, breath-taking frescoes, and dazzling crystal chandeliers, entices thousands of visitors and TikTok enthusiasts to marvel at its splendour.
As you step inside, you’re transported to a scene reminiscent of a grand European palace, complete with intricate frescoes, glittering chandeliers, and stately marble columns. It’s like entering a time capsule from the opulent Belle Époque era (a period aptly named the “Beautiful Age” in French).
The New York Café menu features a mix of Hungarian and international dishes, fancy cakes, and freshly brewed coffee.(Image: Portia Jones)
The New York Café is a hotspot for tourists, welcoming approximately 2,000 customers daily, with queues stretching down the boulevard.
Situated on Erzsébet körút Street, the shop was initially constructed in 1894 under the guidance of Hungarian architect Alajos Hauszmann. It began as the Hungarian headquarters for the New York Life Insurance Company, whose owners envisioned a coffee house within the building.
The café’s interior was meticulously crafted by Flóris Korb and Kálmán Giergl, who infused it with an Italian Renaissance flair. The ceilings feature intricate frescoes by artists Gusztav Mannheimer and Ferenc Eisenhut.
Built in the Italian Renaissance style, the New York Cafe is the most famous cafe in Budapest.
Hungarian coffee culture
The New York Café menu offers a blend of Hungarian and international dishes, decadent cakes, and freshly brewed coffee. Afternoon tea for two is priced around €72.50, which equivales to £61.10, and main courses range from €23 to €36, which equivalates to £19 and £30.
It’s one of the prime spots to sample Hungarian cakes, including Dobos Torte, a Hungarian classic featuring layers of sponge cake and chocolate buttercream topped with caramel; Sacher Torte, a rich chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam; and Opera Cake, which boasts layers of almond sponge, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache.
The food and drink are served with an artistic flair, though reviews vary, and its steep prices often draw criticism from Trip Advisor reviewers. If you’re not averse to spending a bit more, try their 24-carat gold cappuccino, paired with Valrhona chocolate and raspberry cake, for a lavish start to your day.
Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel
The Cafe is actually located within the historic 5* Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, a grand stay in the heart of Hungary’s capital.
Within this majestic and historic building, you’ll discover a modern hotel boasting 185 rooms, a cave spa and high-end restaurants. 19th-century grandeur and Italian Renaissance style have been seamlessly combined with contemporary features to create a luxurious city stay.
Rooms vary in price and size, ranging from classic and superior to suites, and are elegantly adorned with plush Italian furnishings and sleek mod-cons.
Their gourmet buffet breakfast offering is particularly noteworthy. It includes a generous spread of locally sourced produce, featuring pastries, pancakes, cold cuts, cheese, and eggs cooked to order. Just keep an eye out for the selfie-takers!
