Cafe-society diners revel in ‘Continental’ feel as city’s in holiday mood
IT’S only been open a day – and already Cardiff’s alfresco city-centre dining experience has captured the imagination.
There’s a distinctly European “Continental” feel to the new Castle Quarter, which straddles what used to be the busy road outside Cardiff Castle.
Large gazebo-style awnings and young trees in portable planters add to a relaxed atmosphere, which certainly had a thumbs-up from the first visitors.
Leanne Howe and Rhia Banscherus
were among the first diners.
They made the trip from Swansea to try out the Castle Quarter Cafe.
Rhia said: “We’ve come from Swansea today just because the weather is so good and we can see each other and still social distance.”
Leanne added: “We feel a little bit like we’re on holiday. It does feel a bit Continental.”
The pair ordered snacks and drinks from Bute & Co, which arrived after a 25-minute wait.
Rhia added: “It’s lovely. They should keep it all year round.”
Friends Faye Boulle and Roxy Newman were meeting for the first time since March.
Faye said: “We both have the day off and were planning on sitting in Bute Park but decided to come here last minute instead, after reading about it online.
“It’s really nice. The app was a bit fiddly and my parents don’t have a smartphone so I’m not sure how they would do it – but the set-up is great.”
Roxy added: “It is a bit Continental, the weather definitely helps.”
Although they were still waiting for their order after 30 minutes, Faye thinks it will “take off”.
“Get some Christmas lights and music and keep it all year round – we’d be gutted if we couldn’t sit here.”
Canna Roberts and Elinor Williams decided on a last-minute trip to the new café.
Elinor said: “It’s been great. The wait for the food wasn’t too bad but we were waiting a while for our coffees.
“The app is nice and simple, it’s the same as in the Depot so I already knew how to use it.”
Canna added that she would visit again but would like to see more umbrellas to provide shade when the weather’s so hot.
Our reporter at the Castle Quarter Cafe was one of the first to order.
His rarebit sandwich and iced coffee from Bute & Co took about 20 minutes to arrive.
The courier was from the café itself and there was a little bit of confusion over the order at first – but no other issues.
There are plenty of staff on hand with PPE (personal protective equipment) explaining how the cafe works.
A board has been erected at the site so that diners can write a message of appreciation to the frontline workers who have been keeping us safe.
And as lunchtime approached yesterday, there were only a few tables left. Each one was wiped down and thoroughly cleaned after customers – ready for the next diners.