Mackenzie Crook visits a local cafe for cake

Castell Coffi, run by Ian Crawford and his wife Leigh, opened in February this year and has become very popular.

The store, located near Caldicot Castle, has become a hit with fans and tourists who love coffee and freshly homemade Welsh cakes which are served hot throughout the day.

Regulars aren’t the only visitors, as Channel 4 is currently in the area filming the second series of its comedy-drama The Change, and crew and cast members regularly drop in for lunch during their breaks.

Ian and Leigh were, however, shocked when a top Hollywood actor paid them a surprise visit earlier this month.

Mackenzie Crook, star of the hit Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and BBC comedy Detectorists, visited Castell Coffi on Wednesday June 12 and gave Ian the shock of his life.

Ian Crawford said he was “shocked” to meet one of his favorite actors, Mackenzie Crook, in his “humble family shop”. (Image: Ian Crawford) He said: “We’ve seen our Welsh cakes gain a big reputation, but seeing Mackenzie Crook standing in front of me in our humble family shop was a bit of a shock.

“I was surprised when he said he wanted some of my Welsh cakes, and when he and the rest of the team ordered food, I knew we had to impress.”

Castell Coffi’s Welsh cakes, made from a recipe passed down from Ian’s mother, have already gained a great reputation as a favorite with many people traveling from Cardiff, Newport and Bristol to try them.

Ian continued: “Mackenzie is probably one of my favorite actors, so it was a pleasure to meet him, and he was so nice.

“It seems we’ve managed to impress as the team keep coming back for takeaways and more Welsh cakes.”

Castell Coffi’s Welsh cakes have gained a great reputation, with people coming from as far as Cardiff and Bristol to try them. (Image: Ian Crawford) According to Ian, the cast and crew of The Change are expected to stay in the area for a few more months while filming, so he’s looking forward to the chance of another visit from the A-list actor.

He added: “I’m still reeling from the shock of serving one of my favorite Hollywood actors, although I’m sure it will wear off in a few years!”

If you would like to try a Castell Coffi Welsh Cake, you can visit the store near Caldicot Castle between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday and keep up to date by visiting their Facebook group.