The best bars in Cardiff for a summer tipple
18 July 2024
Summer is the best season of the year to be in Cardiff. So for those lucky enough to be staying over the summer months, it is the time to enjoy long walks along the Taf, picnics in Bute Park and, of course, drinks in the sun. Cardiff has a wealth of great bars to enjoy a drink, here are my favourites for a summer’s day. Each bar has its own character and ethos, meaning that there is something for everyone.
I personally visit here for the Aperol slushies in the summer months but the atmosphere is top-notch all year round. Bacareto offers a Venetian-style menu with coffee and cakes for the day and wines and cocktails with small plates in the evening. There is a strong creative atmosphere fostered, making it a great workspace during the day and a fun evening hang out.
Nighthawks is my favourite option for wine and a toastie. Overlooking the Castle, you can taste a varied list of wines, and you can order a glass, carafe or bottle to taste. Their wine list is under constant revision, meaning there is always a new and exciting option. For the rarer, warmer days, their wine slushies are a great option to enjoy to cool you down. Here, they outlaw wine snobbery and foster a comfortable atmosphere where you can simply experiment and enjoy without the pretence.
For those looking for something a little different, Vurmut is a great option. Its intimate atmosphere, great drinks, and helpful staff make you feel at home, it is the perfect place to hang out. While there is a broader menu to suit your tastes, on your first visit you are offered tasters of vermouth, a flavoured fortified wine, with different dry and sweet options, until you find your favourite. This makes it perfect for someone looking for something new, and you don’t have to invest in a glass until you know that you enjoy the taste.
Self-declaimed taste of Italy in the heart of Cardiff, Prego Wine Bar is one for the books with their wonderful outdoor seating overlooking Cardiff Castle and the high street. This makes it the perfect sport to taste Italian wine in the sun – just remember to book a table. Prego also offers different events which are worth checking out here. Finally, it is the only home outside of Italy to offer Sclavia Wine, from their own family-run vineyard near the Amalfi Coast.