Winter is upon us which means it’s that time of year again! Beaujolais Nouveau Day is traditionally celebrated on the third Thursday of November when the new wine from the region’s first harvest is uncorked. The red wine is fresh and fruity with berry tones, served slightly chilled to bring out the flavours.
Bars and restaurants across the city like to celebrate the harvest in style and there are a wealth of options to choose from on November 16th. No wine party is complete without the finest selection of menus, specially crafted for the occasion, and live entertainment to top it off.
Here are It’s On Cardiff’s top picks for Beaujolais Day 2023:
Butterfly Brunch
What: Cardiff’s worst kept secret, The Butterfly Brunch, is gearing up for another fantastic Beaujolais Party! The event, which takes place in a secret central location each year will promise “a journey of taste, sound, and style” and those who are eagerly anticipating this year’s offering should not be disappointed. The Butterfly Brunch Boho Experience has an itinerary to marvel at including 6 hours of live entertainment! Yes, guests can expect an immersive concert style production of music and bespoke décor… only the best for this popular calendar event.
The first hour comes with free-flowing unlimited Prosecco, followed by a 2-course meal which fuses flavours and dishes that accompany the fruity notes of France. Tickets start from £65 and the venue boasts tables for 4 people right through to 10 for a big bash gathering at the hottest party in town from 2pm-7pm this Beaujolais day.
Where: The Depot
Book via the butterfly brunch website – www.butterflybrunch.co.uk/bookings
Ty Madeira
What: Cardiff’s family run Portugese restaurant are once again hosting Beaujolais Day and this time, it’s even bigger and better. Celebrations at the award-winning restaurant features a set lunch menu of the finest traditional cuisine served between 12pm and 2:30pm. Starters on offer include: pate, grilled sardines and melon with Madeira wine; with the main courses focussing mostly on chicken, pork and fresh fish options. Ty Madeira’s long-running harvest celebrations are always a sell-out with exciting afterparty entertainment included in the £60pp ticket. They are also raising money for charity with the proceeds of an auction and raffle going to The Pituitary Foundation.
Where: 32 St Mary Street
Call to Book : 02920224477
Pasture
What: Beaujolais Day at Pasture is a sophisticated affair and a hotly anticipated one at that! In advance of this day, Pasture have crafted a 4-course set menu to tingle the tastebuds of foodies and wine connoisseurs alike. From 12pm – 9:30pm, guests can gather to “celebrate fire-based cooking” with the finest cuts of meat and local Welsh produce. Some of the delectable delights on offer range from crab toast to flame-grilled monkfish and even miso cauliflower. Accompanied by a glass of cava, this indulgent menu and in-house entertainment comes in at £85.
Where: 8-10 High Street
Le Monde
What: Priding themselves on the best local meat and seafood and traditional Galician methods, Le Monde is an up-market choice to celebrate Beaujolais Day in style. Their ethos is “provenance and fine wines” and so where better to toast the first drops of the Gamay grape’s annual offering. Le Monde’s signature Brasserie counter is a unique experience and with a huge selection of fish and shellfish, and meat and poultry, there is sure to be a tasty choice for everyone…to accompany their wine of course.
Where: 60-62 St Mary Street
The Deck
What: Never one to be beaten, The Deck has a wonderful offering on November 16th in the shape of a 3-course meal and glass of Beaujolais (what else?) for £49.95! The specially curated Beaujolais Day menu is a French feast: from fresh mussels to chicken liver parfait to start; followed by main dishes such as hake and chorizo cassoulet or a hearty, slow-cooked beef bourguignon; and not forgetting desserts like sugar and lemon French crepes, The Deck has captured the essence of Beaujolais celebrations and the stunning setting of the marina is sure to compliment the feel-good spirit of the harvest.
Where: Penarth Marina
The Old Custom House
What: Beaujolais Nouveau is eagerly anticipated at the Old Custom House with the promise of “a celebration to remember”. One of their self-professed favourite days of the year, the indulgence that comes with Beaujolais Day is replicated in The Old Custom House’s top quality a la carte menu which boasts everything from fresh whole lobster to baked goats cheese, and Breconshire venison steak. Fine wine selections and live entertainment and an unbeatable atmosphere are the cherry on top of this Berry-nice wine appreciation day.
Where: Penarth Marina
Laguna Kitchen & Bar
What: Situated within the Park Plaza Hotel, Laguna Kitchen & Bar is an award-winning restaurant proud to serve “British cuisine with a twist”. Laguna recognises the social prominence of Beaujoilair Day and thus wants to raise a glass to the “vin de primeur” with an annual bash like no other. The party features quality wines served across their restaurant, Plaza Suite and Moroccan themed bar KUKU and an exquisite 3-course lunch.
From £55 per person, diners can get their fill of French entrees and mains such as beef fillet medallions and wild mushroom ravioli, all served with roasted seasonal root vegetables, with tarts, crème brulees and cheeses for afters. As well as all this, the celebration will feature live entertainment followed by a resident DJ to keep the good times, and good wine, flowing.
Where: Park Plaza, Greyfriars Road
The Parkgate Hotel
What: The luxurious hotel has the uncorking of the new wine marked on their calendars and invites guests to immerse themselves in the festivities too. The flagship event is celebrated with an itinerary of live entertainment from a guitarist/vocalist during the day, following by music from their in house DJ into the evening. Reservations are available between 12:30pm and 9:30pm for the Parkgate’s 3-course table d’hote menu served in their elegant restaurant The Sorting Room.
Their menu is a feast of culinary delights from scallops and duck platters to start, sole and braised shin of beef with all the trimmings are options for the main dish and for dessert, tarts and chocolate fondant are on offer. Priced at £60pp, this package also includes a complimentary glass of Beaujolais Nouveau on arrival. A celebration of French food and the first fruity taste of the harvest, The Parkgate hotel invites people to “paint the town red” in the finest setting.
Where: Westgate Street
