A modern look for old city drinking favourite after its £750k refurbishment

CARDIFF’S Philharmonic is set to reopen – and this is what it looks like inside following a £750,000 makeover.

For many, the venue was one of the places where they enjoyed their first pubgoing experience.

So when the St Mary Street nightspot closed around six years ago, regulars were disappointed.

But now it’s been taken over by a new management team and has had the makeover – and it looks totally different.

Reopening at the end of this month, features include a new ultra-modern bar, a bright colour scheme, velvet seats, an exposed brick wall and a pole in the middle of the room.

Croeso Pubs, which owns the lease on the Grade II-listed building, was given the keys and began work in January 2017. But the opening date had to be delayed due to repairs on a lot of the remedial work carried out by previous owners.

During the renovations, hidden gems were also found such as a secret lane – found behind a bar – which ran between the former Philharmonic Hotel and the Philharmonic Hall.

And an original tiled floor was also found in the basement – home to the former Lloyds nightclub – which had been hidden under a wooden floor fitted years before.

Nick Newman, manager of the Philharmonic, said: “As we put the final touches to the interior, move the furniture in and stock the bars, it is great to see the place coming to life.

“I have worked in the Cardiff nighttime economy all of my adult life, and have seen the Philharmonic thrive and decline and open and close during that time. I am thrilled to now be at the helm of this great Cardiff landmark at the start of its new chapter.

“We have worked tirelessly for months to get it ready for the opening and I’m looking forward to welcoming the public