Ann's Pantry in Moelfre celebrates 100 years as Anglesey's village café by the sea

There are not many independent cafés that get to blow out a hundred candles, but Ann's Pantry in Moelfre is one of them. The café on Anglesey's east coast first opened its doors in 1926, and in 2026 it is celebrating a full century of feeding locals and visitors.

The café has been owned and run by Laura Pritchard Griffiths since 2003. Laura did not grow up in Moelfre, but she has deep roots in the village: both her grandfather and her father were once the village butchers. Before taking on Ann's Pantry she ran Caban Laura in the beach car park, a venture that has since grown into Anglesey Ice Cream.

"Reaching 100 years is incredibly special," Laura told the North Wales Chronicle. "Very few independent cafés get to celebrate a centenary, and it's a privilege to be looking after such an important part of the village's history." She describes herself and her team as simply the current custodians, and says it is lovely to hear people explain that they first came with their grandparents and are now bringing grandchildren of their own.

The building has its share of stories. Local legend says the original owner managed to get hold of chocolate during wartime rationing, which made the café hugely popular, and that after the war, when Sunday drinking was banned, beer was served in teapots. The name honours the founder, and it is understood there have been two Anns in the café's history.

Today the menu runs from hot chocolates and afternoon teas to Moroccan tagines, with breakfast, lunch and children's menus. Produce is sourced locally and seasonally wherever possible, including Cwt Mwg smoked salmon from just along the coast in Dulas, and the bread and cakes are baked on the premises. The café's own website sets out its aims: Fairtrade tea, coffee and hot chocolate, herbs and apples grown in its own garden, less single-use plastic and a fair wage for staff.

Laura believes consistency is the secret. "We've modernised the building, refreshed the menu and moved with the times, but we've never tried to become something completely different," she said. "Hospitality is about making people feel comfortable, and that's something that never goes out of fashion."

Ann's Pantry is also a hub for village life. Welsh learners meet there for Sgwrs a Panad, the Moelfre Mermaids swimming group gathers there, and the café hosts themed supper club evenings. It is also home to Flore, a gift shop selling cards, clothing, books, jewellery and Welsh language items.

To see menus, book a supper club or share your own Ann's Pantry memories, visit annspantry.co.uk.