AL FRESCO
“This quirky little building in Victoria Park now specialises in coffee, cake and cava”
F
ood tastes better when you’re wearing shades. Fact. Whether it be in a charming courtyard, looking out over acres of green space or watching the sunset over the bay, nothing says summer more than dining with an outdoor view. Here’s a round-up of just a few of local al fresco spaces that’ll suit everyone’s taste.
THE ONE WITH THE WELSH FOOD VIBE
opposite page: Dining outdoors at Porro has a holiday vibe; this page from top clockwise: BLOC has evolved into a foodie community hub; Pettigrew’s in Bute Park specialise in Welsh bakes; here’s to drinking in the Cardiff sun with lovely friends
Pettigrew Tea Rooms, tel: 02920 235486; www.pettigrew-tearooms.com A warm welcoming 1920s style Welsh tea room, providing fresh, locally and ethically sourced produce, and freshly baked bread and scones from their sister company, Pettigrew Bakeries. They have a paved terrace at the back of the tearooms, directly overlooking Bute Park, and can provide seating for up to 50. There is a gazebo for shelter in the heat of summer, and when it’s cooler, the gazebo gets sides and heaters to provide extra warmth. When the heat is on, their cold brew teas are legendary with jasmine pearl tea and elderflower iced tea proving to be the big hits of 2018; both refreshing liquid accompaniments to the all butter scone, served with Welsh butter, clotted cream and Welsh strawberry preserve or Welsh mature cheddar.
THE ONE WITH A LOVELY CATHEDRAL VIEW
Porro, tel: 02920 565502; www.porrocardiff.com Take a little time out from the bustling streets of Llandaff High Street to drink in the majesty of Llandaff Cathedral from a gorgeous roof garden. Porro’s philosophy of combining an Italian influence to Welsh cooking lends an indulgent holiday vibe to the whole elevated dining experience. Go for a summertime main with the fresh fish of the day served with a mussel croquette, tender stem broccoli, cockles and a lemon butter sauce, or opt for the full-out Med approach with small sharing plates of antipasto and aracini balls. Wash down with the bestselling house special, Garden of Wales which is Tanqueray gin, elderflower, apple juice and orange bitters. Cin cin!
THE ONE THAT SOUNDS WRONG, AND YET IS SO RIGHT
BLOC; info@bloccoffee.co.uk Bloc stems from the Welsh spelling of ‘block’ and is a nod to the building’s past as a disused public toilet now converted into a charming and creative open plan café. This quirky little building in Victoria Park had been dilapidated for many years until its conversion in 2018 and now specialises in coffee, cake and cava. The rear terrace is small but perfectly formed, with views of splendid park laid out before you. It can seat about 30 people and is dog and child friendly. On chillier days there are blankets available for customers and there are plans to install outside heaters to keep the evening dining happening for longer. Also in the pipeline are pop up events with guest chefs and comedy nights, making this a buzzing go-to al fresco community hub.
www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 39