First look inside city bar as it tunes up for grand reopening

AHEAD of its reopening to the public today after a £750,000 makeover, we’ve had a sneak peek inside the new-look Philharmonic.

After being closed for more than nine years, the St Mary Street bar has had a stylish refurbishment and a secret lane – separating the old bar front and the basement – has been made a main feature of the room.

There is now a glass balcony and exposed brick wall on the ground floor allowing customers to look down into the basement bar.

In the basement, original Victorian tiles have been restored and that area is the home of the Bottleneck Bar, while the former Lloyds nightclub now houses a 360-degree bar.

Windows have been installed to reveal the Great Western Lane at the back of the building and bring in lots of natural light.

Meanwhile, on the first floor, the former pool room has been transformed into a relaxed dining area with views over St Mary Street and access to the rooftop smoking terrace.

Croeso Pubs, which owns the lease on the Grade II-listed building, is over the moon to be finally able to show off the renovations to customers, new and old.

Nick Newman, manager of the Philharmonic, said: “A lot of blood, sweat and tears has been spent getting this wonderful venue ready and we are so excited to be able to welcome people through the doors tomorrow.

“We know that a lot of people love this venue dearly and have considered that throughout the renovations. We have kept as much of the original Victorian character of the building as possible, as well as future-proofing it to ensure it remains one of Cardiff’s favourite bars for decades to come.”

The bar, which will be open seven days a week after its grand reopening, will be serving food all day.

It will also offer about 50 different gins, including from the Eccentric Gin Company, which distils Cardiff Gin.

The team has also been working hard sourcing local beers, ales and ciders to offer to customers, as well as 25 other beers, lagers and cask ales.