If you really want to experience everything Cardiff has to offer than a little local insight can go a long way in the wonderful Welsh Capital. With a real boom of independent shops, restaurants and markets, this city is starting to create a real buzz. Most of the action happens within walking distance of the city centre, so it’s the perfect place to explore and support local creative talent and producers.
1. Riverside Farmers Market
This happens every Sunday on the riverside just behind Cardiff Rugby Stadium and is literally one of the best places to get fresh farm produce as well as artisan breads, cheeses and veggie delights.
2. Pontcanna and Pipes Brewery
London is not the only place that has excellent local craft beer, while we may not have as many up this way, we do have Pipes which produces excellent beers and Ales stocked in independent eateries across Cardiff. Located in one of the most beautiful and affluent parts of Cardiff, it’s worth the walk down Cathedral Rd on a Saturday when they offer Beer sales to the public. The Brewery is also located opposite Kemis, a wonderful whole-food deli and cafe that has some of the best salads around.
3. Chapter Arts Centre in Canton
This is THE place to watch independent films and theatre productions in Cardiff and draws in the real art crowd. They have a great cafe bar which stocks local produce and there is always something going on from exhibitions to talks, comedy nights and pop-up craft markets. This place has a great atmosphere and is always busy.
4. Vintage Fashion
If you’re looking for something a little unique and different Cardiff is great for that, there are some amazing independent and vintage shops and The Arcades are the first port of call with Hubbard’s Cupboard and Vintage Zizou and then a quick walk over the Cardiff Fashion Quarter. If you prefer home-wear than try out Jacobs Antiques.
5. Time for Tea?
Looking for something other than your typical coffee shop? There has been a real resurgence of interest in tea of late within the capital, it pretty much started with the lovely Waterloo Teahouse which can be found in Roath and Penarth and offers a delicious afternoon tea (booking advised). Rumour has it that they are opening a new tea shop in one of the arcades very soon, but you’ll also fined Barker Teahouse here with more than 60 different blends of tea.
Cardiff really is so much more than Rugby and Pubs and is being developed left right and centre as well as encouraging independent businesses to move into the city. With lovely green spaces surrounding the centre, the quick train to the bay and areas such as Pontcanna and Whitchurch offering a little peace away from the hustle and bustle, now is the time to visit so why not plan your next break. You can choose from two Cardiff Travelodge hotels: St Mary’s Street and Queen Street, so you really don’t have an excuse not come and see for yourself.
