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Fun in The Sun: Cardiff's 15 Top Beer Gardens and Roof Terraces
Fri, 26 May 2023
We don’t know about you but when the weather is warm and the sun shining down, then there’s nowhere better to soak up the sun than at one of Cardiff’s welcoming beer gardens or panoramic roof terraces. If you’re the same, then take a look 15 of Cardiff’s most popular places to enjoy a refreshing pint (or glass) of your chosen tipple.
CITY CENTRE
1. GIN & JUICE
Located on the bustling High Street, alongside Rum & Fizz, and Coffee Barker in the Castle Arcade, choose from a wide selection of spirits and drinks to enjoy in the sun and watch the buzz of the city.
Location: Castle Arcade, CF10 1BU
2. FLIGHT CLUB
There’s a lot more to Flight Club than just darts. Discover their roof terrace, with cosy cabins and a traditional caravan – plus don’t forget to visit the disco phone box on your adventures? Give it a ring, you never know who might answer! Book a table in advance on their website.
Location: Saint Mary Street, CF10 1AT
3. PITCH
Pitch Bar & Eatery is a fun and friendly spot to savour the flavour of Wales, proudly serving all things Welsh from the cocktail card to the food menu.
Fiercely independent, they pride themselves on simple, honest, modern Welsh food. Open from breakfast ’till cocktails daily, every dish served is lovingly handmade with heart from their home on Mill Lane.
Location: Mill Lane, CF10 1FL
4. ZERODEGREES
This central bar, restaurant and microbrewery on Westgate Street has two rooftop terraces that provide a welcome space for sunseekers and to enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting).
Location: Westgate Street, CF10 1DD
5. THE BOTANIST CARDIFF CENTRE
A concept like no other, botanical cocktails, craft beer & ales; food inspired by the deli, rotisserie & BBQ. Live music every night, sublime times guaranteed and sporting a roof terrace overlooking the city, perfect for sunny days.
Location: 10 Church Street, CF10 1BG
CARDIFF BAY
6. LO LOUNGE
Cool edgy cocktail bar and street food vendors overlooking the stunning Cardiff Bay. This place arguably has some of the best views in the city, especially at sunset. Bring your dogs as this is suitable for your paw pals as well.
Location: Heol Porth Teigr, CF10 4GA
7. THE WATERGUARD
The Waterguard is a lovely pub in a beautiful waterside spot, serving traditional Samuel Smiths drinks and great food daily. This is a digital detox pub, no mobiles or laptops allowed, so come and have a real chat while passing some time with great beer and great people! Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Bay, with both front and back beer gardens.
Location: Harbour Drive, CF10 4PA
8. THE DOCK
Part of the group that owns the Brewhouse and The Philharmonic in the city centre, the waterfront venue boasts two outdoor areas – including scenic balcony. With a live music programme, 2 for 1 drink offers, and a hearty food menu, it’s too good to miss.
Location: Mermaid Quay, CF10 5BZ
9. THE BOTANIST CARDIFF BAY
After the success of The Botanist Cardiff Centre, new for 2024 is a location in Cardiff Bay, bringing the floral wonderland to the waterfront. Get away from it all and take a seat on their beautiful balcony overlooking the Bay. This restaurant and bar offers a selection of freshly cooked meals and refreshing beers.
Location: Mermaid Quay, CF10 5BZ
10. ELI JENKINS
Established as one of the Bay’s best watering holes, the Eli offers good value food and drinks, and live sport on the large TVs in the beer garden.
Location: 7-8 Bute Terrace, CF10 5AN
JUST OUTSIDE OF THE CITY CENTRE…
11. THE PONTCANNA INN
The Pontcanna Inn is situated on Cathedral Road, a short walk to the city centre and some of Cardiff’s main attractions, including the Castle and Principality Stadium. New for 2024 is an expanded and renovated beer garden with your choice of a partially covered booth, ideal for groups or a table in the sun, with big TVs and a summer street food van that compliments the main kitchen selections. You can be certain this lively pub is bound to give you a great experience long into the night.
Location: 36 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna, CF11 9LL
12. BREWHOUSE & KITCHEN
Not quite your traditional pub – unique craft beers are brewed on-site in a brew-tiful microbrewery and every dish on the menu is matched to a style of beer, which are often included in the cooking. Brewhouse & Kitchen are pleased to welcome well behaved children, dogs and adults.
Location: Sophia Close, Pontcanna, CF11 9HW
13. THE GRANGE
The Grange is just as successful after winning the CAMRA pub of the year in 2018 and the OFM top places to drink in 2017. It’s the perfect place to relax in their sunny beer garden with real ales, craft beers and home cooked food. Loved by locals for their amazing Sunday lunches! Enjoy your drink outside in the beautiful beer garden and or catch a performance by a local musician.
Location: 134 Penarth Road, Grangetown, CF11 6NJ
14. THE ROMILLY
The Romilly is a well-run community pub in Canton offering a range of home-cooked meals, with vegetarian and children’s meals available. As the perfect accompaniment to the food, they have been awarded a Cask Marque for the quality of our beers, including a good selection of Brains’ traditional ales. Families are welcome and there is a large beer garden for those warm summer days. Darts facilities, Juke box and Live Sports are also available.
Location: 69-71 Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna, CF11 9NQ
15. THE PEN & WIG
The Pen and Wig have something to suit every occasion. Whether it’s a relaxing haven from shopping, a place to meet friends or colleagues from work or you can simply find a quiet corner to grab a drink or a bite to eat. Serving up an idyllic beer garden to soak in the sun.
Location: 1 Park Grove, Cathays, CF10 3BJ
Now you know some of the outdoor watering holes our beautiful city has to offer, the power’s in your hands to enjoy a crisp, refreshing pint in the sun. Cheers!
Want more places to Eat or Drink – take a look at our Pubs & Bars section.
