There are loads of places in Cardiff that can either spice up the love with your significant other or speed up the relationship with your date.
Two people making a heart with their hands (Photo Credit: Matt Nelson on Unsplash @mnelson).No matter what your needs are, the Welsh capital has a variety of places to offer. Are you a hipster? Are you skint? Are you a vegan? Are you looking for a fancy getaway from town? Or are you looking for something spooky and fun? We’ve got you all covered.
- HIPSTER
Iconic Uncommon Ground neon lights at the counter.Place: Uncommon Ground Coffee Roastery
Where: 10-12 Royal Arcade, Cardiff CD10 1AE
Website: www.uncommon-ground.co.uk
Founded in March 2015 by two Cardiff bothers Paul and Ian, Uncommon Ground attracts people of all ages. The café is in Royal Arcade, which is located towards the south of the city centre, opposite the St David’s Dewi Sant.
“It’s obviously the dim light and the cosy vibes [that makes this place special]”, says Jazz, a part-time staff. “We grind and roast the coffee here, so it’s freshly made.”
Their top-selling coffees are Flat White and Americano, and their top-selling cakes are Carrot Cakes and Brownies.
As I asked Jazz if I could put them in the hipster category, she said: “Oh yeah, we’re totally hipstery! And this is one of the cheapest coffee shops in Cardiff actually.”
- SKINFLINTS
People enjoying their afternoon tea before the sunset.Place: Pettigrew Tea Rooms
Where: Bute Park & Arboretum, Castle West Lodge, Castle St., Cardiff CF10 1BJ
Website: www.pettigrew-tearooms.com
Before or after strolling through Bute Park, get yourselves a classic afternoon tea in a castle-like gatehouse Pettigrew Tea Rooms.
Isabell, a part-time staff, says: “a lot of people say it’s a small, homey, and cosy place to be after the castle walk. Staff are also lovely like family, and couples of all ages come in for our specials”.
All the cakes, scones and bagels are freshly made in the gatehouse every day.
- VEGANS
Exterior of Greazy Vegan in Castle Arcade (Photo Credit: Greazy Vegan on Facebook).Place: Greazy Vegan
Where: 47-49 Castle Arcade, Cardiff, CF10 1BW
Website: www.greazyvegan.com
There is nothing more romantic than munching on hamburger with your significant other or your date (possibly with ketchup all over your face). But either one of you or you are both vegans? Don’t let that hold you back and head off to Greazy Vegan.
The Cardiff-based Vegan restaurant has a large variety of junk food that is all 100% vegan. It is a good choice for a quick grab-and-go takeaway or you can also sit in for more or less £10, which is wallet-friendly. ‘Veganism is only for the rich’ is just a myth.
Phone orders for collection are another option for queue haters, and it can also be delivered by Deliveroo.
For phone orders, call 07943166906.
- DIE-HARD ROMANTICS
Night view of Penarth Pier Pavilion (Photo Credit: wardyboy400 on Wikimedia Commons).Place: Penarth Pier Pavilion
Where: The Esplanade, Penarth, CF64 3AU
Website: www.penarthpavilion.co.uk
Tired of city life? Searching for a romantic view? Look no further than Penarth Pier Pavilion.
The art deco building located on the coast of south Wales offers everything from exhibitions, live music and theatre, cinema screenings and a café where you can enjoy organic fair-trade teas alongside coffee that changes on a weekly basis.
“It is enjoyed mainly by women but also by married couples and families alike”, explains staff at Waterloo Tea. “We also offer seasonal dishes using the local produce for breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas.”
What could be better than a fancy getaway with your bae indulging in the fresh food and spectacular views? For reservations and enquiries, call 029 2070 9158.
- THRILL SEEKERS
A shadowed hand on glass (Photo Credit: Tertia van Rensburg on Unsplash @tertia).Website: www.cardiffhistory.co.uk
Do you get spooked by horror movies and yet still keep watching them with your loved one? It’s time you took it to the next level by getting off your Netflix and taking part in a ghost walk.
Loads of ghost tours are available in St Fagans Museum, Cardiff Castle, Llandaff Castle, and Margam.
Cuddles (and possibly sweaty hand-holding if you guys are chicken) should be semi-guaranteed. Book online first as spaces fill up quite fast.