A Conversation with Medina

Introducing Medina, one of our favourite places to get a fresh loaf, a homemade pastry and of course exceptional coffee. If you're nearby and haven't already popped in, you're missing out big time. Here's everything you need to know!

FIRSTLY, TELL US ABOUT MEDINA

Medina is a Mediterranean inspired cafe bar, bakery & food shop. We make all our own cakes, pastries & bread in-house. Ottolenghi style substantial salads form the core of our menus. Fresh is a key word. Coffee is fundamental.

We’re quite dynamic, always ready to switch it up! We are now located in two locations with the cafe in a newly renovated building which we managed to buy for ourselves in 2024, a landmark moment. The bakery and shop are in another characterful building 5 minutes up the road. All in the heart of Aberystwyth, West Wales where the sun sets the best.

IF YOU WEREN’T RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT JOB WOULD YOU BE DOING?

I’ve been told I should be a politician but I think that would drive me insane. I’d love to run a campsite with a farm shop and have chickens and goats and my dog, maybe one day!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO ENJOY COFFEE?

Easy! Short, black, sometimes iced.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING WITH EXTRACT?

I love the knowledge, care and passion that everyone at Extract brings, not only for the coffee but also for the mechanics of service, the technicals and for looking after my team.

SWEET OR SAVOURY?

Savoury

WE BRITS HAVE THIS ODD OBSESSION WITH THE MEAL DEAL. WHAT’S YOUR DREAM COMBO?

Chicken caesar wrap, salt & vinegar disco crisps and I think you can’t beat a can of coke occasionally.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR?

I’m looking forward to lots more great coffee & bakes.

SINCE STARTING YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT’S BEEN YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT?

I think in a single word - Growth. I never imagined it would become as big an operation as it is now. I never set out with that ambition. When I actually stop to think about where we are now and how I started 11 years ago, I feel very proud of how far I’ve come. Very grateful to all who have joined me on the journey on both sides of the counter.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS?

At this moment in time sadly, it would be hard not to be a bit negative, which makes me really sad as I love what I do and I love this industry. I would certainly urge them to think carefully about it. Hospitality is not in a good place right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it work. You just need to have realistic expectations, a robust plan, a good support network and a way of standing out.

ASIDE FROM YOUR OWN BUSINESS, WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT TO GRAB A BITE TO EAT OR A COFFEE?

Ultracomida, a great local Spanish deli & tapas bar.

If you'd like to find out more about Medina, we suggest checking out their Instagram here.