If you’re in Cardiff this summer you’re in for a treat with a huge variety of foodie experiences to tuck into. The warmer months welcome back popular festivals, outdoor markets and more to the city. Here’s six of my favourites…
1. Cardiff Bay Beach
From 22nd July to 4th September the Cardiff Bay beach will return to Roald Dahl Plass. Alongside the fun fair attractions and paddling pools are a variety of bbq and refreshment stalls. It’s a great spot to enjoy a hot dog or ice lolly whilst sinking your toes into the sand, or sipping a cocktail from the exotic tiki shack.
Of course if your appetite calls for something more substantial you’re not short of restaurant and café options in the Bay area with Tempus at Tides Restaurant, Bill’s and the newly opened Dock restaurant all within walking distance.
2. The Depot Street Food Social
Every Saturday from 5pm The Depot opens to the public with a host of popular street food vendors. From ‘A Lot of Waffle’ and ‘Bwydiful’ to ‘The Pork Society’ and ‘Mr. Croquewich’, there’s always plenty of choice with a cool atmosphere and relaxed style. The Depot epitomises the passion for food in this youthful city, drawing people in from all areas to mix and mingle.
The Depot is located on Dumballs Road not too far away from Cardiff Central station. Street Food pop-ups in general are frequent in the city during the summer months, so it’s worth keeping an eye on social media to find out where the next one will be!
3. Cardiff Festivals
Summer in the city brings festivals – and quite a few of them too! Just across the Bay in Penarth is a ten day festival from the 7th July. Here you’ll find stalls selling locally sourced food and drinks, inflatable slides and live music alongside the beautiful pier.
During the summer holidays, Street Food Circus will be back ‘bigger and better’ inside Sophia Gardens from the 18th August.
Photos by Miss Nicklin / Nutty Pear
The biggest festival occurs on 8th-10th July in Cardiff Bay. The International Food and Drink Festival crams many stalls onto the Roald Dahl Plass, an awesome chance to try a variety of produce from across the region and abroad.
4. Park Life
The city of Cardiff has more green space per person than any other UK core city. From Roath to Victoria Park, there’s tonnes of natural beauty to immerse yourselves in. Bute Park lies between Cardiff castle and the river Taff and is a popular place for dog walkers and cyclists.
Each park has great access to unique, highly rated cafés and bakeries including Nata & Co and Parc Deli.
At the entrance to Bute Park is Pettigrew Tea Rooms where I recently picked up a slice of cake and cup of tea to enjoy on a picnic bench overlooking the river.
5. Spice Things Up
Of course the weather in Wales is not always dependable, but never fear there’s some brilliant Latin American cuisine in Cardiff to turn up the heat.
Only minutes away from the centre is Vivo Latino where huge plates of South American flavour and beyond are served up. Menu items include Peruvian half chicken, Brazilian seafood moqueca and crispy churros.
In the heart of Cardiff is also Revolucion de Cuba offering an interesting mix of inspired tapas dishes and flaming zombie cocktails. This summer they’ve also been promoting 2-4-1 burritos on Tuesdays.
6. A Cooking Masterclass
If you’re not roaming around Rome or visiting Venice this summer, there’s plenty of places in the city to eat like an Italian. Places like Giovanni’s and Jamie’s Italian have their pizza and pasta down to an art with authentic recipes and methods. Giovanni’s Cookery School is a fun way to get inspired by the pro’s who will show you step by step how to recreate your favourite pasta, dessert or even barista style coffee! You can read more about the classes in the city centre by clicking here.
Check out sites like Expedia for places to stay in Cardiff.
This post was created in collaboration with Expedia Ireland.All opinions given are my own, information/offers presumed correct at time of posting.