Raising a glass to beer gardens
We toast the best outdoor spaces Cardiff’s pubs have to offer
NOTHING says British summertime like a cold pint of cider – or whatever you fancy – in a lovely beer garden.
And Wales’ capital has lots of them, where you can relax with your mates and take in some sun – or dodge the summer showers, but let’s not tempt fate.
Here’s a selection of some fab outdoor spots in Cardiff where you can chill – just don’t forget the sun cream!
1. The Grange
A pleasingly imposing pub in the heart of Grangetown, The Grange has a big beer garden that even houses a pizza oven and has live music, too.
Plenty of room to sit on traditional picnic benches – with umbrellas – and relax with a pint and a slice. Nice.
■■ Where: 134 Penarth Road, CF11 6NJ
2. The Albany
The Albany’s garden is a bit of a hidden gem and the last thing you might expect as you make your way through the pub in a residential part of Cardiff.
The pub describes it as a “hidden garden which is truly delightful” and, to be fair, it is.
■■ Where: 105 Donald Street, CF24 4TN
3. The Plymouth Arms
Expect rural charm and rustic character inside the pub and a pretty beer garden outside.
■■ Where: Croft Y Gennau Road, CF5 6DU
4. The Brewhouse & Kitchen
With two beer gardens, one each side, Brewhouse has loads of outdoor space when you want some fresh air but it still gets packed out on sunny days – especially when there’s an event on in town or at Sophia Gardens cricket ground.
One of the beer gardens has some cute huts to sit in, too, if you want to be outdoors but still shelter from the rays/showers.
■■ Where: Sophia Close, CF11 9HW
5. Juno Lounge
This Roath bar has a great rooftop terrace for when you’re really determined to feel like you’re not in Cardiff, but also want to be able to walk home.
With cocktails and apéritifs on offer you’ll feel like you never want the night/weekend to end.
■■ Where: 14 Wellfield Road, CF24 3PB
6. The Cricketers
A stone’s throw away from town and from Llandaff Fields, The Cricketers is often packed out on a sunny day.
Refresh yourself with huge gin and tonic or Welsh bitter before going back out for a walk... or just stay until last orders.
■■ Where: 66 Cathedral Road, CF11 9LL
7. Eli Jenkins
A proper pub in the heart of Cardiff Bay, the Eli has plenty of outdoor space and is open all day.
■■ Where: 7/8 Bute Crescent, CF10 5AN
8. Pontcanna Inn
Another place with a beer garden, front and back, Pontcanna Inn is also on the walk in/out of town and the perfect place to stop for a cool down.
There are places to sit out front to watch the world go by and the back beer garden also has live music regularly.
■■ Where: 36 Cathedral Road, CF11 9LL
9. The Butcher’s Arms
This is a Llandaff pub with some great outdoor space considering it’s in the modest high street.
With covered and uncovered tables it’s a great stop off after checking out the nearby cathedral grounds.
■■ Where: 16 High Street, CF5 2DZ
10. The Romilly
A lovely beer garden in Canton with loads of tables and pretty, flowery surrounds, the Romilly is the perfect place to hang out after a Sunday roast and a walk around nearby Thompson Park.
■■ Where: 69-71 Romilly Road, CF11 9NQ
11. The Flora
£5 cocktails, cool mural, loads of gin and grub, The Flora is in the heart of student-land, but in the summer it might be a bit quieter. ■■ Where: 136 Cathays Terrace, CF24 4HY
12. Ty Mawr
If you want views to go with your favourite tipple or pub grub, then the Ty Mawr is the place to go.
Their terrace is surrounded by open fields and it feels like you’re in the countryside, while the city centre is not too far down the road.
■■ Where: Graig Rd, Lisvane, CF14 0UF
13. Chapter Arts Centre
Chapter’s outdoor space is pretty popular all year round, but it gets busy during the summer months.
But it’s a great stop-off ahead of going to see a film or performance.
■■ Where: Market Road, Canton, CF5 1QE
14. Tramshed
Another Grangetown bar with an outdoor space. Its terrace is open to the public from 4pm every day and when there’s a show on in the event space, it’s a great place to grab an outdoor drink.
■■ Where: Clare Road, CF11 6QP
15. The Four Elms
After a £250,000 refurb two years ago, Roath pub, The Four Elms, has a great beer garden, complete with covered area and patio heaters. ■■ Where: 1 Elm Street, CF24 3QR
16. St Canna’s Ale House
A cute place to grab a relaxed pint that does film nights and food pop-ups with a modest outdoor space.
■■ Where: 42 Llandaff Road, Canton, CF11 9NJ
17. Cathedral 73
Another of the Pontcanna beer garden crew and the Beverley Hotel is also next door with a busy front patio Cathedral 73’s offerings are slightly more boutique-y, as it’s a boutique hotel.
But you can’t go wrong with happy hour cocktails and small plates in the sun.
■■ Where: 73 Cathedral Road, CF11 9HE