UK GUIDE: CARDIFF
I have always wanted to go to Cardiff. My grandpa was Welsh (from Swansea) but I have never spent that much time there. I love the accent, Gavin & Stacey and welshcakes.
I went to Cardiff with my best friend, she was pregnant at the time, we walked around a lot. There weren’t many attractions in the city, not ones we could find anyway, but it was a lovely city and we did eat out. We were there for 2.5 days and 2 nights.
I found my restaurant reccomandations form Allergy Companions. We didn’t eat out in some of their suggestions but it made me feel more comfortable knowing what they had and that others had eaten their safely.
Ps. everyone is extremely lovely and kind!
AREAS TO GO
CARDIFF CENTRAL
Cardiff central is the main area of Cardiff. It is where all the resturants, bars and attractions are. When you take the train or bus, it will drop you there.
CARDIFF BAY
It was gorgeous location and great weather. We walked from central which took about 30mins (very leisurly as my friend was pregnant). However, you can take a boat from bute park (£7.50 single fare) straight to the dock.
Basically they had most similar chain restaurants as Cardiff Central, but they are by the water!
CARDIFF CASTLE
We didn’t tour (it was quite expensive) but there were a lot of people touring and the castle is gorgeous even to look at.
BUTE PARK
A lovely park. I went there for a run on saturday and then a walk that day. They have a terrific cafe (with a long line around the corner) by the visitor centre. Beautiful plants, colours and in the middle there are wooden statues of woodland creatres!
PRODCUTS TO TRY (& WHERE TO BUY)
WELSH CAKES at Fabulous Welshcakes. - Unfortunately, it was unsafe to eat there for me but I have had welshcakes in the past and they are delicious and smell like shortbread. I didn’t ask the staff, so if you want them please ask otherwise:
PLACES TO EAT/DRINK
Immediately the servers were kind and encouraging. They did not bat an eye at my allergies (it was exactly like all the Cotes I have ever been to - excellent allergen awareness & education. The only downside was, I usually have the garlic bread (Fougasse) but they explained to me this time that theirs was may contain tree nuts and the chef and I were not happy with that - so I forgoed it. It was an incredible like always, and I felt much more comfortable that the first night I had a safe and comfortable meal.
There is also one on the bay!
This was a spur of the moment stop. The resturant we were in before (The cosy club- see ones to avoid below) could not offer me a safe meal so I hopped into the one next to it to see if they could, and thankfully they had a better demeanour. I wanted something safe (for me) and easy, so I opted for a mac and cheese side but a larger portion. It wasn’t very fancy but I love red leciscter cheese and it was incredibly delicious. I also asked for a bit of bacon. For not a planned trip I was pleasantly surprised. (ask for Ellie and John, they were lovely knd and made me feel at ease!)
We went in for drinks and it was such a fun atmosphere. A lot of big groups because it is a darts place. Fun music, cocktails - we didn’t look at the food menu as I wasn’t there for it. There are a few in a lot of Cities around the UK. This is for the vibes.
Lovely coffee, not the best for allergies but the atmosphere is gorgeous. Be aware they have alot of nuts in their drinks and food so I took my coffee black in a take away cup.
I love the stable. I went to one in Bath and it was a great experience. We decided to go here for our last lunch and we booked at 1130am (the first reservation). When we got there it was empty and we ordered before anyone else came, it was great. The chef made our meals in a separate location to avoid cross contamination (their choice) and I shared with my friend so it was all safe for me. It is also a great place for cider - I had a raspberry cider and their own apple cider.
The pizza dough is white flour - their are options for GF and DF. I checked with them that the flours didn’t contain chickpeas (gram) or pea. They answered all my questions by talking and checking with the chef. It was yummy but I felt extremely full after.
This place is all about beer and games. It was really fun to try lots of board games and drink some nice beers. Didn’t try food and there was a sign that was very welcoming with allergies but the people were very kind and fun - think the kitchen was very small it would be a case of increased risk of cross contact with allergens.
This is in the mall, and it is something that is safe and easy for me in London. I would have gone here if I couldn’t eat anything but luckily I didn’t have to come to that.
PLACES TO AVOID
This is somewhere we tried to eat on the bay before we went to Hub Box. Unfortunately, they were very scared of my allergies. I have eaten at The Cosy Club in Bath a few years ago and they were nervous before too, but I have heard good things from others, especially that their menu is peanut and tree nut free. However, the server came back and said that everything on their menu is *may contains all peanuts and tree nuts - even though they aren’t on the menu. I do think they were trying to cover their backs but once someone says that I will no longer take risks.
I know that nobody can guarantee 100% but they are do 100% their best to not contaminate. However, this restaurant did not want to, and that happens. I would rather they tell me than not. But we were starving, so went to Hub Box next door!
The ice creams were spilling over each other… no need to say more. They did have dairy free items but I will say that this didn’t feel safe at all for allergies.
It was in a great location, great price. We booked for breakfest included. I emailed them a few days in advance to let them know about my allergies. They were very accomadating letting me know I just need to let them know details on arrival. However, when I checked in I got an email to say that they cannot guarantee (as it is one main kitchen) and they wanted me to sign a disclaimer so I wouldn’t persue legal action if anything were to happen. I refused (I would love to know what you would have done) and asked for a refund on the breakfast; which they did. Luckily I love to have brunch so I probably saved myself money and my life.
I loved Cardiff but it quite a party town on the weekend. We did plan it 5 years ago when we were both partiers but now I would much prefer a night in and a glass of wine. This was the final trip for me and my best friend in this chapter of our lives, we have gone to York, Edinburgh, New York, Dublin, Liverpool and now Cardiff.
