Here in Cardiff - and the surrounding areas - we have a pretty impressive selection of utterly indulgent doughnuts - from Cardiff Dough and Co and Who Cult to Kreme of Cardiff in Cardiff Market. And now there's a new kid on the block in the shape of German brand Royal Donuts, founded by Turkish-German entrepreneur Enes Şeker in 2018, which is set to open on Clare Road in Grangetown on Saturday, December 17.
With stores in France, Switzerland, Germany and more, Cardiff has been chosen as the UK's first branch - thanks to 26-year-old Stephen Ibrahim who hails from Swansea and is the Welsh store's director.
Explaining how his collaboration with the brand came about, Stephen says: "On a visit to Germany, I saw the brand Royal Donuts and it caught my eyes immediately with their eye-catching doughnuts and variety they provided. There are filled and unfilled and even croissant inspired doughnuts called crossnuts."
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He added: "We first got in touch with them about just over a year ago but it did take me a long time to get everything sorted as I did and still do have a very busy schedule. After many post-Brexit obstacles that we had to deal with we were finally able to bring the brand here to the UK."
As for how he managed to wangle Cardiff as the UK's flagship store - not London - he tells us: "When I visited the franchise HQ in Germany to sort the contracts out they suggested we should open our first branch in London, however I was reluctant and wanted our first branch to be in the Welsh capital being from here and I believed Cardiff would be a great first choice and would give the Welsh capital something unique."
The store will be swinging open its doors on Saturday, December 17 at midday and of his jubilation at it finally opening, Stephen says: "We are so excited to finally be able to open the doors to our donut shop and welcome all who have been waiting patiently for us to open.
"The reasons we chose Clare Road is we wanted to be closer to the centre of Cardiff and this was the closest thing we got, however we are planning on opening more locations in Cardiff - watch this space!"
As for the donuts they have on offer, punters can expect drool-worthy treats that include cookie donuts that ooze cookie dough, Oreo donuts that come with strawberries and have an Oreo sandwiched in the middle of the donut, and donuts topped with pretzels, fruit, sweets, chocolate and so much more. Once open they will also be selling milkshakes, coffees, and smoothies.
Much like its donuts, the interior of the treat store is also extravangant and bright with neon signage, bright pink decor and windows whose detailing looks like icing is dripping down the sides - sounds delicious.
While there are no seating areas in the store, it is the perfect place to grab a doughnut on your way to the centre of town or - in the opposite direction - the bay.
You can find Royal Donuts at 34 Clare Road from Saturday, December 17 from midday. It will be open seven days a week. You can get more food and drink stories straight to your inbox by subscribing to our what's on newsletter here.
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