Get a taste for independence
Cardiff’s shopping and foodie scene is always evolving and the past year has brought lots of new places for us to eat, drink and shop. From pizzas to cocktails and even a Harry Potter-themed shop, there are so many cool, new independent places for you to
1. The Dough
Thrower A fantastic addition to the pizza scene in the capital, The Dough Thrower was opened in early 2017 by former sports coach Ben Thomas.
Serving crisp, slightly charred bases with bubbling toppings, it’s one not to miss. Where: 591 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff, CF5 1BE.
2. Munchies
Breakfast in a jar, oozing cheesy concoctions and even more delicious snacks, Munchies goes where no snack place has gone before.
Whether you love a bread bowl stuffed with Camembert, a three cheese mac ‘n’ cheese, or the Munchies Five Way Challenge (a whole loaf of bread sliced sideways, filled with five layers of toasted cheese) then this place is for you.
Munchies is the brainchild of cheese-loving entrepreneur Jordan Wentzel, who opened the cafe after the success of his home delivery service. Where: 22 Crwys Road, Cardiff, CF24 4NL.
3. The Brass Beetle
Pizza from a clay oven and inventive cocktails means The Brass Beetle is known for its inventive toppings which include honey roasted ham hock, enoki, oyster mushrooms and caramelised leeks all served alongside innovative side dishes – and there’s even a vegan aioli. Where: 11-13 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff, CF14 3JN.
4. Milkwood
An independent bistro using the best Welsh products, Milkwood serves top quality food, inventive dishes in classy, elegant surroundings. Where: 83 Pontcanna Street, Cardiff, CF11 9HS.
5. Magic & Mayhem
It’s been so popular that it’s already moved to bigger neighbouring premises after outgrowing its first tiny shop in Castle Arcade.
Selling as much Harry Potter merchandise that you can shake a wand at, you’re sure to find something for the Potter-head in your life. Where: Castle Arcade, Cardiff city centre.
6. Little Man
Garage Based in Riverside and open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, Little Man Garage is nestled between a traditional auto shop and a faux taxidermists called Broken Hare.
You can pick from the 20 plus roasters – ethically produced and freshly ground coffees from all over the world – which Little Man has had on the go since opening its original store in an old post office on Bridge Street in autumn 2014. Where: 10 Tudor Lane, Cardiff, CF11 6AZ.
7. Seren Diemwnt
With an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and extras, Seren Diemwnt offers a selection of local beers, wines and spirits such as Pipes beer and Glyndwr wines, alongside coffee from Cardiff’s Uncommon Ground. Where: 48 High Street, Cardiff, CF5 2DZ.
8. Gin And Juice
A laid-back juice bar by day and a gin palace by night. Stephen Barker’s latest project specialises in predominantly healthy, nutritious food during the day and transforms into a fully-fledged classy bar in the evening. Where: 2-6 Castle Arcade, Cardiff city centre, CF10 1BU.
9. Barney & Beau
Run by mum-of-four Mia Kowsor, who is from Cyncoed, Barney & Beau sells quirky design-led products for kids and home. Where: 6 Pontcanna Mews, Cardiff, CF11 9DH.
10. Corner Coffee
Corner Coffee, founded by coffee
enthusiast Chris Corner, serves everything from its own-house blends and a number of guest Welsh roasts, to sandwiches and homemade cakes.
As well as the Welsh coffees, the shop, which previously operated as a pop-up, has its own house roast which was developed alongside The Missing Bean – a company which Chris has worked with for a number of years.
Where: High Street Arcade, Cardiff city centre, CF10 1AX.
11. The Blue Honey Night Cafe
Taking over Sully’s cafe at night – between Tuesday and Saturday – Blue Honey combines banging tunes with equally banging grub.
From Korean fried chicken to baos and delicious salads.
Where: Sully’s Cafe, 4-5 Quay Street, Cardiff, CF10 1DZ.
12. The Philharmonic
We’ve waited years for this iconic pub to reopen and last year it finally did. With fancy new decor, a delicious sounding new menu and even cocktails, The Philharmonic is at the heart of the city centre’s social scene.
Where: 76-77 St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1FA.
13. The Bee & Honey
Bringing fresh, local and homemade produce to the heart of Canton, The Bee & Honey has so many delicious cakes, lunches and brunches which are both tasty and healthy.
Where: 63 Clive Road, Cardiff, CF5 1HH.