'I can't understand' - Moyes left gobsmacked by Man United decision vs Everton
Man United earned a 2-2 draw against Everton in the Premier League but almost conceded a penalty at the death.
Read more >> : Cick here
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
19 Cardiff city centre independents that are perfect spots for lunch or a snack
There are some fantastic independent places to enjoy in Cardiff city centre including The Pie Box Cafe, Scaredy Cats and Jacky P's
👉 Click Here to read in detail 👈
Many city centres are known for being full of chain restaurants and while this isn't always a bad thing - sometimes you are just craving a Nandos - we are very lucky in Cardiff to be treated to some amazing independent spots. From places that are totally vegan to cafes that become a bar into the evening, there are some great businesses.
You won't have to go far in the Welsh capital to discover a treasure trove of fantastic indies and if you are looking to go a bit further out of the city centre you can read the best places to eat in Cardiff, here. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here.
Here are some of the best independent restaurants, cafes and bars you must visit in Cardiff.
1. Nighthawks Wine and toasties, what more could you ask for? (Image: Ffion Lewis)Not only does Nighthawks specialise in amazing wine, and the odd cocktail, but they also offer delicious cheese toasties, nibbles and charcuterie platters. This independent win bar is the place to go to enjoy a nice glass of white, red or rose as they have it all. You can find Nighthawks in Castle Arcade.
2. The Pie Box Cafe You simply have to try these pies (Image: John Myers)The Pie Box Cafe, nestled just in the city centre at the top of Tudor Street, is a totally vegan cafe. They sell amazing pies, which you wouldn't know are vegan and change regularly with the seasons, brunches and sweet treats and should not be left off your list.
3. Jacky P'sOne of the newest additions to Cardiff city centre's independent scene is Jacky P's. Selling jacket potatoes with outrageous toppings, including one called The Chippy Lane which is chicken curry, this will certainly mix up your lunchtime.
Located on Churchill Way it is very easily reached in Cardiff city centre and has great views of the Dock Feeder canal - a win-win! You can read our review, here.
4. Scaredy Cats Cafe BarAnother great spot is Scaredy Cats Cafe Bar on Working Street, literally slap bang in the city centre. This cafe bar has board games you can peruse and easily transitions from day to night with a fantastic hot drink and snack menu, their veganuary pasty was delicious, and many cocktails you can choose from.
5. Mrs Potts Chocolate House Mrs Potts will have you drooling (Image: Jared Pocock)Although they do also have cafes in Bristol and Bath, we are still counting Mrs Potts Chocolate House as an independent. You can find this chocolate heaven on St Mary Street and you will be drooling as soon as you walk through the door.
The smell of chocolate is rich in the air and you can choose from different strengths of hot chocolate and so many delicious sweet treats. If you are fancying something sweet, Mrs Potts is where to go.
6. Wally's Delicatessen Wally's Delicatessen is more than a shop (Image: Wally's Deli & Kaffeehaus)You might think Wally's is just a fantastic deli but tucked away upstairs is a traditional Austrian cafe offering open sandwiches, desserts and coffee. It is a hidden gem.
7. Gin & Juice The vibes are immaculate inside Gin & Juice (Image: Michael Lloyd Photography)Again, Gin & Juice do have sites in Cheltenham, Bristol and Mumbles but along with their sister bar Run & Fizz, which is just next door in Castle Arcade, we couldn't leave them off the list. You may also know Gin & Juice as Coffee Barker, which runs as an independent coffee shop in the day.
Gin & Juice is the perfect place to grab a relaxing tipple and if you are a gin fan, well worth the visit with many, many, different types of gin to choose from.
8. Donald's You simply have to try a Donald's pie (Image: Steph Colderick)Pretty new to the Cardiff independent scene is Donald's which serves incredible pies. You can find them on Quay Street, right near the Principality Stadium and these pies are simply delicious.
The pastry is so so buttery and simply melts in your mouth and all the pies are fully packed with filling and amazing flavours. The meat used is such high quality and they compliment the flavours they go with well.
9. Falafel Corner Falafel Corner is vegetarian and vegan (Image: Falafel Corner)Another great vegan and vegetarian spot is Falafel Corner, on Queen Street, which is another place to add to your list. The cafe opened in 2018 and has continued to thrive, serving lots of different brilliant options to accompany your falafel.
The wraps and salad bowls are very well stuffed and filled so you will not come away feeling hungry, making it a great lunch option but be warned, this makes it a very popular spot do you might have to queue but it will be worth it.
10. Maple and BeanWith their original site in Cowbridge, Maple and Bean took the leap into Cardiff city centre last year, taking over the plum spot of The Plan, in Morgan Arcade. They have called the space home ever since and continue to thrive in Cardiff serving amazing pancakes and great brunch options. You can read more, here.
11. Corner Coffee Corner Coffee is also a great spot in the summer (Image: Copyright Unknown)If it is top quality coffee and some great food you are looking for, look no further than Corner Coffee. Nestled on High Street, just a stone's throw away from the castle, it's a must for top level coffee blends and some fab breakfast options.
12. Fresh the Baguette Bar Fresh the Baguette Bar is an Cardiff institution (Image: Ed Gilbert)Another Cardiff institution is Fresh the Baguette Bar, but will you have to be quick to beat the queue. This incredible sandwich shop in the Royal Arcade often has a very long queue outside and for good reason, the innovative baguette fillings are incredible and worth the wait - keep an eye out for their Indian chicken or the chicken with salami crackling and truffle mayo.
13. Uncommon Ground Looking for a great cup of coffee? Head to Uncommon Ground (Image: Uncommon Ground/Instagram)For another coffee hit head to Uncommon Ground in Royal Arcade which is an independent and family-owned speciality coffee bar. They also serve great food and even better coffee.
14. Waterloo TeaStill independent but certainly a Welsh chain is Waterloo Tea, which has three cafes in Cardiff and one bang in the city centre. Located in Wyndham Arcade this is the go-to spot for brunch and perfect if you are a tea lover as their range is very impressive.
15. DaRun by another brilliant independent Cardiff business, Tramshed Tech, Da is the perfect independent spot right in Cardiff's city centre. Located in Central Square it makes a great break from the chains surrounding it, serving an extensive list of brunch and lunch options and fantastic coffee.
16. Bigmoose Coffee Delicious (Image: Bigmoose Coffee Co)You might not even know Bigmoose Coffee, tucked away on Frederick Street, is there but it is well worth a visit. This non-profit coffee shop cooks all their food fresh and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Cardiff city centre.
17. The Bike LockIf you are bringing your bike into Cardiff, you need to head to The Bike Lock on Windsor Place. There is storage for up to 50 bikes inside and using locally roasted coffee the service is always amazing and never forced - making it an easy place to spend time in. You can read more about The Bike Lock, here.
18. Pettigrew Bakeries Pettigrew Bakeries is not to be missed (Image: Instagram / @pettigrewbakes)Another huge Cardiff name which will have you drooling is Pettigrew Bakeries and thankfully there is one in the city centre. Located in Castle Arcade Pettigrew Bakeries serve delicious sweet and savoury treats, and they are passionate about bread, pastries, coffee and patisserie. The sourdough breads, laminated pastries and patisserie are hand made using traditional techniques.
19. Cardiff Market Thai is just one of the many options at Cardiff Market (Image: WalesOnline)Finally, last but certainly not least, is Cardiff Market. This place is crammed full of independents from Mexican, to Greek, to Italian to Indian and so much more.
Walking up and down the aisles you can pick up Welsh cakes for dessert, Ffwrnes for Neopolitan pizza, Thai Delish for authentic curries and you can also take your food upstairs to the seating, so you can watch over the shoppers and plan where you will visit next. You will certainly be spoilt for choice and need to keep coming back to give everything a taste.
