After months of closure, restaurants will finally be able to open again on Monday 26th April for Al Fresco dining. We absolutely cannot wait to get back out enjoying the incredible Cardiff food scene, after way too long being stuck indoors. Frankly, rain or shine we know we will be desperate to head out and get back to our favourite spots.
We have put together a list of just a few of the top places in Cardiff that will be opening at the end of the month for outdoor dining. There is so much variety here that every taste will absolutely be catered for:
Penarth
Starting just outside the city centre, Penarth has an incredible array of restaurants that are coming back, allowing you to soak in the gorgeous views of the bay.
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The Deck – I do not think anybody on this list has had a tougher year then The Deck. Beating fire, storms, and pandemics to come back stronger than ever. Their floating bar is going to be such a perfect place to grab some pints and one of their famed burgers.
COFFI Co – also found down the bay and by the barrage, a highlight for us in the COFFI Co venues is their rooftop garden opposite Penarth pavilion. The views from here are breath-taking and it is the perfect stop off while strolling along the coast.
Oyster Catcher – Just up from The Deck, the Oyster Catcher is one of those classic British pubs. Sip a pint in their beer garden in what will hopefully be the start of a lockdown free summer.
Mermaid Quay
We are certain Mermaid Quay will be absolutely buzzing after a winter lockdown and that most places will pop back up with the rule change this April. We have all been quite shocked by the recent scenes of illegal gatherings taking place, and we are eager to put that in the past and see the Bay return to normal. We are most excited to try a newcomer that may have opened last year, but we have not had the chance to enjoy properly yet thanks to the pandemic.
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Gin & Bake – part of the COFFI Co team. A breath of fresh air, we really want to try their afternoon tea and selection of Gins. Honestly can you think of any better way to shake of the lockdown blues? Bookings have already started, and we expect them to be packed on opening day, at a safe distance following regulations of course.
Food Markets
A real emerging trend in the last few years; food markets with alternating vendors and incredible variety have become so popular in the capital that there are four of our favourites opening on the 26th. All on this list were a huge summer hit so they are expected to deliver big openings.
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The Depot – already releasing their line up for opening week and it is packed with firm favourites. Bearded Taco, Franks and Dirty Bird are loved across the street food scene and this trio alone is worth a trip to the outdoor market in a few weeks.
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The Bone Yard – Home of Dusty Knuckle, one of the best handmade Pizza companies the city has to offer. We are sure the shipping container studios will deliver something special throughout the year.
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Corporation Yard – these guys have not been caught napping by the opening announcements. They have spent the last few weeks constructing a brand-new outdoor bar, and improving the facilities, all the make Corporation Yard one of the hottest Al Fresco dining joints in town. No word yet on the current vendors but you better believe they will deliver tasty treats for you to devour.
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Street Food Circus at Merthyr Mawr – introducing the Forest Feastival! Described as eight weekends of deliciousness in a woodland, near a castle, by the sea, starting the first weekend after the lockdown lifts. You better believe this is going to an event to remember. Tickets are already selling fast so hurry to avoid disappointment.
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The Goodsheds – Brand new Barry box village, Goodsheds, will reopen this week and is going to be jam‑packed with top streetfood traders and a Michelin‑starred chef
Described as UK’s first ‘urban high street’ where people will be able to work, socialise, exercise, drink and eat, Goodsheds is a mix of renovated railway buildings and shipping containers.
🖥 ‑ www.goodshedsbarry.co.uk
Town Centre & Suburbs
Finally, the centre of it all, what is opening in central Cardiff? We are sure there will be more than just this list, but these are the places we have heard about that have an outdoor area to use after April 26th. As with the others on this list, we are certain they will all be busy in the first few weeks so it might be an idea to get some bookings in now to avoid disappointment.
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Jacobs Rooftop – one of the best spots in town for pop-up events, Jacobs Rooftop has hosted Lost Lands Cinema, food festivals, live music and more. They have promised to deliver another summer packed full of events and we cannot wait. Interestingly as well, they also promote themselves as a wedding venue, as the rooftop is the perfect size for a maximum of 30 people, complying with restrictions.
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Coconut tree – making use of the outdoor space on Mill Lane, it is the perfect spot to grab some cocktails and street food and enjoy the sunshine. Since opening we have always enjoyed their coconut inspired drinks and Sri Lankan food which up until January 2022 will be 50% off Monday to Wednesday! Cannot say fairer than that.
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Nook On The River – normally at a major disadvantage here without any outdoor seating areas at their usual spot on Cowbridge Road, Nook have taken up residence next to Llandaff rowing club with enough space for 35 socially distanced guests. Enjoy their ‘small plates’ style and treat your taste buds in the sun!
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Heathcock – This pub has been quenching thirsts for over a 100 years and will continue to do just that post covid. Their beer garden is strewn with lights and furnished with plants, it’s perfect for an after work unwind with some delicious food.
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Botanist – cannot go wrong with this one for Al Fresco dining and drinking. With their rooftop bar, pod tables and Build-A-Brunch menu, its all set to reclaim its spot in the centre of town. Easy to head over and fuel up before getting in that massive queue for Primark, right?
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Ty Madeira – latecomers and spontaneous planners, Ty Madeira is perfect for you. Opening their Taittinger Terrace on St. Mary’s Street to walk-ins only. So, you can swing by for your helping of battered cauliflower no problem.
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Thackeray – utilising their cracking beer garden, the Thackeray will be brining the classic summer pub vibes back at the end of April. Take the family and treat yourself to a pub lunch and a few pints. Honestly, how amazing does that sound after months stuck indoors?
Motel Nights – home of Wing Wednesday, Chips of Champions and Side Piece Street Food, the community coffee house of Canton returns. The team are ready to once again shake some cocktails and pull pints in a return of one of the hippest new places in town. Opening last year in between lockdowns, we are eager to see Motel Nights take off this summer.
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Spit & Sawdust – outdoor hospitality next to a vertical skate ramp. Unique on this list and we cannot wait to get back to the sipping beers with the rest of the Cardiff skating community. After a spring clean and a new menu launch, Spit & Sawdust are ready to open the bar in April then the first indoor skate sessions from 3rd of May. Book everything in advance dudes.
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Tommy Heaney – fancy to finish. UISCE by Heaneys is opening for outdoor oysters, wine and small plates in their tent and courtyard areas in Pontcanna. Bookings now live and great news they are hiring! Nice to see places beginning to grow again. That is worth celebrating with Caviar and Cider surely.
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Pontcanna Inn – The Pontcanna Inn is ideally located on Cathedral Road, close to Sophia Gardens and a short walk from the University, now has an impressive gazebo with a clear roof, which looks absolutely stunning.
🖥 www.pontcannainn.com
And that is our list. Anymore that you guys hear about, make sure to give us a shout so we can add them to our list of places to swing by. Let us hope this is the start of a summer of great food and drink, even if it is only outdoors for now!
