#Cardiff

A Star is Re – Born

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How are we …. are we all doing ok?It’s fair to say I’ve had a busy pandemic, but I’m saving all of that story until we know its the end, as I’m not jinxing us…. we’ve come this far!! So its very fair to say I was super excited to hear of a relaunch happening right in the middle off all of this! I got dropped a message by Tom and Dave, friends of mine and long time industry peeps, who had come across an opportunity that they couldn’t say no to, even in a pandemic! They had been given the opportunity to take over what has been the College Tavern for the past number of years on North Road.Now, I think it would be fair to say that I didn’t go into the College Tavern, due to me graduating a very long time ago, and probably the last time I was in that building was when it was the North Star the first time around after it had been refurbed from the Maindy years…..(showing my age now) so I had no idea what it looked like.

Well……Guys it bloody beautiful, and its a huge space and allowing a massive ability to social distance from the table next to you.

Walk in and there’s a pool table area, brightly coloured and by the bar. Next, a large expanse of restaurant to your right hand side, with lots of very spaced out tables, with servers in masks and PPE, immediately making you feel as safe as possible.In front of you there’s a raised lounging area, with sofas, TV and a piano…. honestly, it was just like having a wine in your living room. Just past that – a conservatory dining area with so much natural light, and then as you walk around a bit more, an absolute gem of a secret garden.The decor has been upgraded with brightly coloured walls, Moroccan styled tiles and new furniture. This place is quirky but not in your face and trying too hard to be the new kid on the block.Its not very often I get surprised, but I was served DEEP FRIED LASAGNA STIX. Yes you read that right…. deep fried gooey cheesy and tomatoey deep fried lasagne… with extra cheese sauce. It was heaven. Heaven on a plate. Dave by trade is a Chef, so you can guarantee a good plate of food here, and I know Sunday roasts are going to fast become one of their specialties. The drinks menu is extensive and the gin menu huge. I washed down my lasagne stix with a large Pollination Gin.I think I have to stress this isn’t the student pub it used to be. This is going to be for the person who likes a decent drink, decent atmosphere and good food.To book email info@northstarcardiff.com or call 02920619191

Can Cardiff City Centre Be a Festival Venue? A Crazy Greenspace Concept That Works

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There is no doubt that Cardiff is growing rapidly. I cant remember a time when we had so much going on in my crazy little city, and it suits us. From major concerts in the Principality Stadium, to Premier League Games last year we are nailing it.

However over the past couple of years there’s definitely an uptrend in City Centre festivals. How, you may think…. we are no Hyde Park? But actually you’d be wrong. Cardiff holds over 330 parks and green spaces, and has more green spaces per person than any UK city.

Cardiff Castle, Bute Park and Sophia Gardens are right in the heart of the city, and boy, haven’t we made the most of that.

Starting of the season was the huge Inside Out Festival. Moving from their usual September slot, it was hosted in Coopers Field, behind Cardiff Castle. A blazing sunny day, made for a cracking weekend of top level music, including DJ EZ and Sean Paul.

inside out

Photo Credit: Yony Photography

Depot in the Castle did not disappoint, by adding an extra day and bringing the HUGE Nile Rodgers and Chic to the city, playing in the incredible setting of Cardiff Castle to over 4000 people on the Friday, with the next day, the original one day event, surpassing all their own expectations and bringing over 8000 people into the Castle grounds for the day, with headliners Tom Odell and Clean Bandit.

Depot

Picture Credit: Depot in the Castle

Cardiff also has its share of theatre too that hits our green space. The Everyman Theatre takes residence in Sophia Gardens every summer, with a huge mix for everyone to enjoy. There are singalongs for the children, Shakespeare for the thespians, and musicals for all.

With all this and the rest happening in the city, can you travel down comfortably for the weekend?

The answer is yes…. all because of our wonderful green space again. Close to all of these events mentioned is the brilliant Cardiff Caravan and Camping situated in Sophia Gardens. The site has a large area, with laundry facilities, shower facilities and lots more all within the City Centre. There is space for both Caravans and Tents, with access to power too. To find out more follow their link to check out the website.

Visit and book Cardiff City Centre camping here

Cardiff also has an array of incredible City Centre hotels, literally within a stones throw of our green space, including the Holiday Inn, Park Plaza and Hilton Hotels.

More and more Cardiff is becoming a destination venue. To find out more please take a look at www.VisitCardiff.com for more information on all events, information and places to stay.

Saturday’s, Sparkly Lights, Street Food and Supper Clwb’s

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Cardiff really is buzzing isn’t it? This weekend I was invited by my good friend Jay Page to the soft opening of Mowgli Street food. Situated in the old Poundstretcher, opposite the Old Arcade on Church Street, its a little doorway that packs a huge punch.

You are greeted with thousands of sparkling lights (and I mean thousands) on entry. The décor has a twist, and Jay and I, found ourselves sat in the open window…. on swings! Yep, instead of normal boring chairs, you get to swing yourself into the weekend (I mean literally here folks!!) while watching the world go by.

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Jay swinging into the weekend!!!!

The service was excellent…. and the waitress was articulate in explaining how it all worked. There was a full separate vegan, separate vegetarian, and separate full page normal menu, so super impressed with the choice.

I opted for the Office Tiffin Box. Inside were 3 different curries and one rice. For me lamb and chickpea curry (they all have super dupa complicated names) won the day for me, but all were tasty. The chef changes the option on a daily basis, so you will never get bored of this dish. The Office Tiffin Box costs £16 , and honestly was too much to eat, so I thought great value too.

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Office Tiffin Box at Mowgli Street Food

Off we popped after a bottle of wine (or two) to the Wales Millennium Centre. On a Saturday they’ve been hosting a set of Supper Clwb’s in Ffresh Restaurant. Each week has a theme, some musical, burlesque, comedy and drag just to name a few. We were there for the drag extravaganza that is Jolene Dover, hosted by Connie Orff. Featuring Victoria Scone and PomPom too, the night was full of sassy laughs to a full house and a standing ovation.

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The Supper Clwb package costs £30 and includes a bellini cocktail on arrival, your live cabaret act, 3 plates of tapas style food, and a cocktail for your dessert! The night is perfect for everyone with the choice of shows, and perfect for a celebration. The list of shows can be found here: Supper Clwb Shows.

Enjoy!!!