The Story Behind TOST Bakehouse

TOST means “toast” in Welsh — golden, warm, and impossible to resist. The word itself goes back to the Latin tostare, “to scorch or roast.” By the Middle Ages, bread was browned over fire to preserve it and deepen its flavour. By the 16th century, toast was even dropped into wine, giving us the timeless ritual of “raising a toast” in celebration.

For us, TOST is about both nourishment and togetherness — a simple slice of toasted bread and a reason to gather, celebrate, and share. That spirit is at the heart of everything we do here.

Our home, Llanwrtyd Wells, has its own story of warmth, gathering, and wellbeing. The town was founded on the discovery of the sulphur spring in 1732 — known locally as Ffynnon Ddrewllyd or “the Stinking Well.” Believed to have healing properties, the spring drew visitors from across Britain. By the 19th century, Llanwrtyd had grown into a thriving spa town, with hotels, pump rooms, and even a railway to welcome the thousands who came here to “take the waters.”

Just as the spring once brought people together in search of health and connection, TOST Bakehouse is our way of continuing that tradition. We want to be a place where locals and visitors meet, celebrate good food, share good company, and raise a modern-day “TOST” or toast to community.