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Going out for a breakfast at the weekend is the perfect way to ease into a low-key, chill out day or set you up nicely for an all-dayer of fun activities, or at the pub watching a match. But there's usually one item, served around Wales and the rest of the UK, that's delicious when done right but ultimately disappointing when not. The humble hash brown. Too many I've eaten that are soggy, pale, packed with way too many onions and they make me wish I'd left them alone altogether. I love breakfasts and have an unnatural penchant for a hash brown, I'll admit I've eaten way too many from the fast food chain with a golden M. I stand by the fact they are immense, but they are not the ones I am dealing with today. Over in the US they're another kettle of fish altogether, proper hash browns there are a nest of shredded potatoes smashed on a griddle rather than the deep fried, golden tokens or triangles we get here. But that aside, the good news for me and other hash brown/breakfast food lovers is that I've found the greatest ones I've tried so far in this country and they are on a busy high street in suburban Cardiff. Not only are Hard Lines purveyors of incredible coffee, but their diner-style breakfasts - served up at their Canton cafe are unmissable, especially if you love American-style menus with cracking ingredients. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here I'd been to Hard Lines many, many times since they opened. Sampled their diner plates with pancakes, bacon and their moreishly salty rosemary potatoes, their brecwast bap and their burrito - a long-time firm favourite of my friendship group that frankly was the weekly treat during the dark time that was lockdown. On a totally spontaneous visit recently - I didn't book, gosh! - I saw what was on the specials menu and was completely sold. It was a simple hash brown topped with a lightly creamy, chivey, herby dollop of sauce on top. I could barely decide what else I wanted as that was my only focus. It was so simple, so delicious, the hash brown itself was devastatingly crisp on the outside and had the appropriate amount of fluffy potato inside. It was not greasy at all and the topping complimented the fried disc brilliantly. People familiar with Hard Lines might wonder, "but you've eaten the brecwast bap which contains the hash brown, right?" Don't be fooled, the bap is indeed delicious with a stack of hash, egg, cheese, bacon - if you like - and sauce all cwtched in a brioche roll. But while the elements work in sandwichy harmony, the special solo hash brown side showcases its worth having one on its own, too. In keeping with my dramatic personality, that hash brown is literally all I've thought about for 48 hours and I really hope they keep it on the menu or have it as a regular special. It was really delicious. And if you're wondering am I including the recent trend of mini hash browns (akin to US's Tater Tots) - no I am not, I want a potato product as big as my palm(ish) to qualify as a hash brown. More brilliant Welsh food: Tiny village bolthole sells one of Wales' best sandwiches and I have to stop on every drive west Aside of world-beating (oh, I'm committed) hash browns, Hard Lines do cater for non potato-obsessives on their menu and you won't go far wrong ordering a stack of pancakes, a chorizo hash or one of their lush sandwich specials like pork provolone or chicken scarparellio. Regular roasts and rotating blends make their drinks menu a must, and if you've already eaten coffee and a pie is a must. Pumpkin or pecan rule autumn of course, but their Key Lime is a constant and a winning pick-me-up. Hard Lines serve breakfast daily until 3pm. Prices for breakfasts range from £4.20 to £12 for the Big Diner. The hash brown special was £4. Find them on Cowbridge Road, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1GX
