Cardiff? Anyone ate there?

[GroobySteven]

Anybody know a good, higher end restaurant in Cardiff?

[LibertyHarkness]

its cardiff .. good luck :) best bet stick to the millenium harbour

[SammiValentine]

know a nice burger bar near the stadium :D

[robertlouis]

Anybody know a good, higher end restaurant in Cardiff?

You were ok till I got to the bit that said "higher end". :whistle:

Seriously, Liberty's right. I think there's a Malmaison Hotel there which has a good restaurant and waterside views.

[GroobySteven]

Yeah thought it was a stretch but maybe someone could come up with somewhere better where the kebab munchers like Liberty and Sammi eat.

[Prospero]

I spent four day in Cardiff about five years back. Never found one good restaurant. The Castle is nice though (for hitory)

[LibertyHarkness]

the harbour is probably the nicest part of cardif ,, and it has like 1 restaurant or 2 ...but its cardiff the place is a shithole ..its up there with birmingham .

[JoeyFink]

Im from Cardiff. Granted its no London not many places on the planet are. It used to be a shithole but has improved massively over the last 10 years. I take it you're not a Rugby fan liberty?

Yep - Cardiff Bay is your best bet.

[LibertyHarkness]

not a rugby fan no .. not a football fan , dont really like any sport other than F1 ...

I dunno Joey London is a shithole as well , just it has lots of nice bits dotted around it , but overal london is a raging dump lol

See i knew the bay was the better bit , i stayed in bay before .

[Prospero]

Oh c'mon Liberty - London is the centre of the universe (lol) but joking apart, it is a terrific city - one of the best on the planet along with Paris and New York. Restaurants, parks, art galleries, museums, history, theatre, the river, the people.

As Dr Johnson (nearly said) "A T-girl who is tired of london is tired of life."

[LibertyHarkness]

nahhh i disagree ,, london has some nice things to see yes , but overal its quite scummy, lots of scummy people ... i agree with the other thigns to see and do ,, but for me its actually the majority of the people i dislike .. but then i dont really like people all that much anyway ...seeing as i would pretty much put half the human race to the torch to sort it out .lol but its better than cardiff, mancs, brum, liverpool etc ...

Nope give me Leafy Surrey/Ascot/Windsor any day

[Prospero]

You're really a country girl at heart then... so why not some pictures of you amid the rural greenery?

[LibertyHarkness]

dunno if i can post pics of me sucking off a horse ? lol

wouldnt say country girl ... i long for the sea ..i enjoy being near water , love the sea at night in the darkness its amazing ..

The only reason i moved into london was purely to escort nothing other than that ,, i had no desire to actually want to live there for myself as such .. it was just a means to an end , a tool if you will ..

[Prospero]

I'll pass on the horse pics. Maybe you should live in a lighthouse. You know you can rent them for holidays.

And then you can retire to Bournmouth and have a little bungalow with roses round the door and call it "donefucking"

ps are you still around next week in your rural retreat?

[LibertyHarkness]

lighthouse would be epic... i would love to buy like an old oil rig and convert it to my home .. or some old mental asylym place .. that would make an awesome abode ..

i am around next week yes .

[Prospero]

A mental asylum by the sea - sounds like that movie "Shutter island" by Martin Scorsese...

I don't know if you can actually buy a lighthouse but the landmark trust rents them out.

Next week - excellent... I'll call

[LibertyHarkness]

i could squatter rights in a disused one maybe lol

ok cool but dont call me the day you want to see me .. i need at least 24hours notice . x

[Prospero]

Message understood.

[gerragscross]

here are a couple of nice places

http://www.thepotcafe.co.uk/ nothing to do with weed

And

http://www.madeirarestaurante.co.uk/


BTW Caroline street (chip alley) is a sight to behold on a rugby international Saturday evening, not for the faint hearted

[Suckerpunch]

As Liberty said London is a fucking dump & the rest of the world will see come the olympics

[Prospero]

What cities would you suggest are better, suckerpunch? Maybe squeaky clean places like Zurich or Berne? dull dull dull

[Suckerpunch]

I don't like cities full stop being in England there are much nicer places than London. People think anything north of Hull (another shit hole) either don't exist or your into Scotland. Give me England's great countryside any day of the week

[Prospero]

Ahhh... okay well I can understand if cities are not your thing. But the Uk does have some vile cities (Brum for instance) and some great ones - London or Edinburgh. The English countryside is gorgeous. A great place to visit.

But to dismiss London as a shithole is relative - even with an inherent dislike of cities. If you've ever been to Cairo or Teheran or Bombay or many many other really hellholes I think you'd give London higher marks.

[LibertyHarkness]

haha london is going to implode once the olympics start .. i am glad i moved out in time .... london well that area anyway will be a no no zone for ages .. good luck getting about in traffic mwuahahahaha.. hello to increase crime rate :)

[Suckerpunch]

you did right liberty

[robertlouis]

Yeah thought it was a stretch but maybe someone could come up with somewhere better where the kebab munchers like Liberty and Sammi eat.

"Kebab munchers"??? Are you being smutty again sir? :whistle:

[robertlouis]

Ahhh... okay well I can understand if cities are not your thing. But the Uk does have some vile cities (Brum for instance) and some great ones - London or Edinburgh. The English countryside is gorgeous. A great place to visit.

But to dismiss London as a shithole is relative - even with an inherent dislike of cities. If you've ever been to Cairo or Teheran or Bombay or many many other really hellholes I think you'd give London higher marks.

You knew I'd throw in a plug for my home city, Glasgow, but it has arguably the finest and virtually untouched Victorian centre of any city in the world together with the glories of the tobacco mansions in the Merchant City.

And the friendliest people you could hope to meet.

Be prepared for your arteries to fur if you want to eat though.

[robertlouis]

And just for Seanchai, I've had more good nights out in Newcastle than any other English city. The Geordies know how to have a good time, and their city is architecturally superb, with its mix of Georgian and early Victorian and its wonderful inner city suburbs like Jesmond.

Howay the lads!

[Stavros]

I'll pass on the horse pics. Maybe you should live in a lighthouse. You know you can rent them for holidays.

And then you can retire to Bournmouth and have a little bungalow with roses round the door and call it "donefucking"

ps are you still around next week in your rural retreat?

Why would anyone want to set foot in a dismal, run-down and jaded dump like Bournemouth, never mind retiring to it? I think the problem with London is that it has some outstanding buildings, and is easily one of the finest cultural venues in the world, but it is not an attractive city to be in: it is overcrowded, grubby, and has one of the worst transport infrastructures in the industrialised world -Amsterdam has the architecture, the canals, a cultural scene that cannot rival London or New York but its still in the world's top ten, and a relaxed ambience that makes it one of the nicest places to live in and visit. I have a good friend from Cardiff but he avoids it as much as he can, but that's for family reasons. From personal experience the most desolate cities in the UK are on the south coast from Plymouth in the west to Dover. Lyme Regis can be exhilarating, but its not a city and should be avoided when the crowds are there.

[GroobySteven]

And just for Seanchai, I've had more good nights out in Newcastle than any other English city. The Geordies know how to have a good time, and their city is architecturally superb, with its mix of Georgian and early Victorian and its wonderful inner city suburbs like Jesmond.

Howay the lads!

Newcastle is great, since moving back I've got to appreciate the beauty of the city even more. Good eats, great pubs and plenty to do. I live next to Jesmond and I can walk into the city but live in a green conservation area.

I liked Glasgow a lot and ate very well there. Two Fat Ladies (fish restaurant) and Brian (somebodies) were good. Edinburgh is the gourmet capital for me -and my favourite UK city.
I'll not hear anything said about London though. It's stunning, it's electic, it's unlike any other city on earth. Yes it has ugly parts but the history, the cultures, the diversities more than make up for that.

I've lived in Amsterdam for two yrs also. Nice place - gets very dull after a while. I love to visit but can't see myself living there again, I'd select Munich or Berlin for a Northern European city.

[robertlouis]

Newcastle is great, since moving back I've got to appreciate the beauty of the city even more. Good eats, great pubs and plenty to do. I live next to Jesmond and I can walk into the city but live in a green conservation area.

I liked Glasgow a lot and ate very well there. Two Fat Ladies (fish restaurant) and Brian (somebodies) were good. Edinburgh is the gourmet capital for me -and my favourite UK city.
I'll not hear anything said about London though. It's stunning, it's electic, it's unlike any other city on earth. Yes it has ugly parts but the history, the cultures, the diversities more than make up for that.

I've lived in Amsterdam for two yrs also. Nice place - gets very dull after a while. I love to visit but can't see myself living there again, I'd select Munich or Berlin for a Northern European city.

Jesmond is beautiful - I'm jealous. Embra is good for eating, no doubt. Next time you're in Glesca, make sure you try the eateries down Ashton Lane at the back of Byres Road and that bit of the west end in general - there's more to it than the gloriously-named Ubiquitous Chip. I'm gigging back home in a few weeks and already know where I'll be eating every night. The curry houses on Gibson St will feature heavily.

Haven't played in Newcastle for years, but have all over the rest of Northumberland and Durham too. If you hear of any good acoustic venues in the city, I'd be very grateful - three pints of Youngers No7 or Fed, your choice! :party:

[markyboy21]

There are some very good places to eat in Cardiff; The Vegetarian Food Studio (many awards); Bully's; De Courcey's; Mint And Mustard (voted best Indian Restaurant in the UK by the House of Commons); Caesar's Arms and my favourite, The Custom House (El Puerto) in Penarth, which has a very good wine list at reasonable prices. There are also many places of interest and some beautifull parks; Cardiff Castle; Caerphilly Castle (one of the largest mouted castles in Europe and with a tower leaning more than the one at Pisa, damaged in the Civil War);Castle Coch (The Fairy Castle, as it looks like one from a fairytale); St. Fagan's Castle, The Natural History Museum which is regarded as one of the best open air museums in Europe ( all museums are free entry);many Dr Who, Torchwood and Gavin and Stacy Locations; Bute Park (130 landscaped acres in the very centre of the city); Roath Park (has been voted in the top ten free tourist attractions in Britain) and finally, Cathay's Park with Alexander Gardens.

[Prospero]

Full marks to Markyboy for responding with something REALLY addressing the OP.

[GroobySteven]

Jesmond is beautiful - I'm jealous. Embra is good for eating, no doubt. Next time you're in Glesca, make sure you try the eateries down Ashton Lane at the back of Byres Road and that bit of the west end in general - there's more to it than the gloriously-named Ubiquitous Chip. I'm gigging back home in a few weeks and already know where I'll be eating every night. The curry houses on Gibson St will feature heavily.

Haven't played in Newcastle for years, but have all over the rest of Northumberland and Durham too. If you hear of any good acoustic venues in the city, I'd be very grateful - three pints of Youngers No7 or Fed, your choice! :party:

Cumberland Arms, The Cluny, have good venues.
http://www.thecluny.com/ - this group puts on a lot of live music.
Let me know if you're up this way.
Pint of Rivet Catcher, Radgie Gadgie or Admiral Collingwood!

[SammiValentine]

take your own butties. simple

[jessfuta]

Good info from Markyboy. I'd also highly recommend the potted pig. Great cellar restaurant near castle. Cardiff has improved massively over the last few years. Cardiff bay has loads of restaurants (15+ easily), but a lot are chains. Best IMO is Mimosa. Enjoy!

[GroobySteven]

Thanks Marky and Jessfuta - just coming in town for a wedding and then back out so not time for much sightseeing - just looking for somewhere good to eat the night before.

[The Piper]

Don't bother with food.....go straight on the BRAINS.

[GroobySteven]

Don't bother with food.....go straight on the BRAINS.

Planned - don't worry about that!

[robertlouis]

Cumberland Arms, The Cluny, have good venues.
http://www.thecluny.com/ - this group puts on a lot of live music.
Let me know if you're up this way.
Pint of Rivet Catcher, Radgie Gadgie or Admiral Collingwood!

Thank you - I look forward to that pint!

[cynikosasqwatch]

Hey,
There are some nice restaurants in Cardiff Bay. Cardiff is very much an upcoming city, if the Welsh assembly stick to the plans and it is what you make it really.
I love living here, a bit slow as the economy was heavily dependent on coal, industry all of which have shut or grinding to a halt. Nothing much on the Transgender scene, so if you looking to invest then there's a gap lol.

Plus the crime rate in Cardiff is so much lower than most cities in England!!!

[markyboy21]

Thanks for the complements.

If anyone has a little more time to spend in Cardiff, there are some interesting statues in the centre, 'Nye' Bevan (founding father of the NHS); Gareth Edwards (legendary rugby player); Lord Tredegar on Sir Biggs ( one of the officers who led the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava, and a very well respected Tory in a Labour dominated country, as he gave rent rebates to his tenants in times of depression and supported many good causes; and finally, 'Peerless' Jim Driscoll, who gave up the chance of a world title fight against an opponent he had previously dominated, because he had promised the nuns of Nazareth House Orphanage that he would raise money for the orphans at a charity event. Illness and injury prevented future world title chances and the American Press nicknamed him 'Peerless' Jim Driscoll.

[GroobySteven]

Thanks for the complements.

If anyone has a little more time to spend in Cardiff, there are some interesting statues in the centre, 'Nye' Bevan (founding father of the NHS); Gareth Edwards (legendary rugby player); Lord Tredegar on Sir Biggs ( one of the officers who led the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava, and a very well respected Tory in a Labour dominated country, as he gave rent rebates to his tenants in times of depression and supported many good causes; and finally, 'Peerless' Jim Driscoll, who gave up the chance of a world title fight against an opponent he had previously dominated, because he had promised the nuns of Nazareth House Orphanage that he would raise money for the orphans at a charity event. Illness and injury prevented future world title chances and the American Press nicknamed him 'Peerless' Jim Driscoll.

Fuck that. Where did Tom Jones live?

[SammiValentine]

Thanks for the complements.

If anyone has a little more time to spend in Cardiff, there are some interesting statues in the centre, 'Nye' Bevan (founding father of the NHS); Gareth Edwards (legendary rugby player); Lord Tredegar on Sir Biggs ( one of the officers who led the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava, and a very well respected Tory in a Labour dominated country, as he gave rent rebates to his tenants in times of depression and supported many good causes; and finally, 'Peerless' Jim Driscoll, who gave up the chance of a world title fight against an opponent he had previously dominated, because he had promised the nuns of Nazareth House Orphanage that he would raise money for the orphans at a charity event. Illness and injury prevented future world title chances and the American Press nicknamed him 'Peerless' Jim Driscoll.

My hometowns swimming pool was named after "nye bevan" , not sure why dont think he had any direct connections. uhm wouldnt recommend vsiting either :D

[SammiValentine]

Fuck that. Where did Tom Jones live?

council house in wigan x

[robertlouis]

council house in wigan x

Nah, next door to Max Boyce and round the corner from Charlotte Church.

[rd996]

Ms Harkness. There is no area in Cardiff called 'millennium harbour'. I think you mean Cardiff Bay which is full of bars and restaurants. There are actually several great and many good places to eat across the city. You clearly know nothing of Cardiff. It is far from being a 'shithole' and I've been to many UK cities including living in London. I guess you think you're being clever and funny slagging off a city you clearly know nothing about (presumably you were here on a short 'professional visit'). If there's one thing I can't abide it's uninformed, sweeping statements.

Take care and have a good weekend.

[GroobySteven]

Ms Harkness. There is no area in Cardiff called 'millennium harbour'. I think you mean Cardiff Bay which is full of bars and restaurants. There are actually several great and many good places to eat across the city. You clearly know nothing of Cardiff. It is far from being a 'shithole' and I've been to many UK cities including living in London. I guess you think you're being clever and funny slagging off a city you clearly know nothing about (presumably you were here on a short 'professional visit'). If there's one thing I can't abide it's uninformed, sweeping statements.

Take care and have a good weekend.


Awesome. I'm so happy to see participation. You joined this forum in 2008 and of all the nailbiting topics, this is the first to encourage you to post?

Welcome! Where would you suggest I eat in Cardiff at the end of the month with the missus and some other non-Carfifian guests? The pub is sorted (The Waterguard).

[GroobySteven]

Thanks for the tip for El Puerto - an interesting concept at that restaurant and much enjoyed by myself and 7 guests. Excellent food.
Cardiff is awesome and I'll be back for a longer visit for sure. Stayed at the St.David's Hotel in the Bay which was great, spent some time up in town (Bodega Bar) and attended a wedding in a beautiful venue in the Bay.
Thanks everyone.
Cool city.

[robertlouis]

Thanks for the tip for El Puerto - an interesting concept at that restaurant and much enjoyed by myself and 7 guests. Excellent food.
Cardiff is awesome and I'll be back for a longer visit for sure. Stayed at the St.David's Hotel in the Bay which was great, spent some time up in town (Bodega Bar) and attended a wedding in a beautiful venue in the Bay.
Thanks everyone.
Cool city.

Glad you enjoyed it. It's always at its very best imo when Wales are playing a rugby match at the Millennium Stadium. Great crack, great stadium, great place. And Brains is the business.

[Cardiffman]

Cardiff a shithole? Staying in a cheap hotel room all day getting pounded by strangers for money must colour your view of any place you visit.