FOOD AND DRINK
Selected by CHRIS HAYES
CAFÉ 37/RAMONS
As a student, you’re likely to have a few hangovers, and some will be worse than others. Nothing solves that like a good Full English (or Full Welsh, depending on who you ask). Salisbury Road hosts two excellent breakfast spots in the heart of studentville. Ramons has more of the traditional greasy spoon feel with mugs of tea, whilst Café 37 opts for an American feel with pancakes on the menu, both do excellent breakfasts in varying sizes, to cater to every level of hangover.
Salisbury Road, Cardiff. Info: 029 2064 1137 / www.cafe37cardiff.co.uk
NEW YORK DELI
For lunch, try this little sandwich shop, which has a menu chock-full of deliciousness and caters to everyone, from a whole host of meats to vegan cheese. Best of all, the sandwiches have so much filling you’re better off eating them with a fork!
High Street Arcade, Cardiff. Info: 029 2038 8388 / www.facebook.com/New-York-Deli-Cardiff
ONE SHOE CAFÉ
Swansea’s One Shoe Café is a hidden gem, serving up some of the best coffee in town. Equipped with a classic café menu of soups, panini and the like (all of which are a delight), the café’s real flare shines through in their delicious and inventive desserts making this a great spot for lunches, hangover cures or a post-lecture treat.
King Edwards Road, Swansea. Info: 075 4343 9595 / www.govindas.org.uk
29 PARK PLACE
Right next to Cardiff University, and directly opposite the Museum and picturesque civic centre, 29 Park Place is a great little bar. Perfect for lunch, dinner or an evening cocktail, it also has retro consoles and a decent beer garden.
Park Place, Cardiff. Info: 029 2039 7842 / www.29parkplace.com
THE LITTLE MAN COFFEE COMPANY
Sometimes you’ll need somewhere to study, and the library might not sound appealing. Coffee shops are the classic go-to venue: buy a drink and then you feel free to stay for a few hours, taking advantage of the free wifi while you get some work done. The Little Man Coffee Co. is a great coffee shop in the city centre, but it isn’t as crowded as your typical chain café.
Bridge Street, Cardiff. Info: 079 3384 4234 / www.littlemancoffee.co.uk
THE HASHERY
Just opposite the castle, this little restaurant specialises in mussels and boy, are they good. They also do a mean scotch egg that has to be tried to be believed. The prices are reasonable, so this one doesn’t have to be for special occasions, but its cocktail menu means that it’s also good for celebrations too.
High Street, Cardiff. Info: 029 2022 8513 / www.thehashery.co.uk
TINY REBEL
This pub, formerly known as the Urban Tap House, is owned by the brewery of the same name. Featuring beers from not only Tiny Rebel, but a whole range of breweries, from local Welsh breweries to European and American brewers, you are sure to find a decent pint.
Westgate Street, Cardiff. Info: 029 2039 9557 / www.tinyrebel.co.uk
PEN & WIG
If you’re looking for an after-uni drink, the Pen & Wig is tucked away just behind Park Place and is a good alternative to some of the more ‘student-y’ locales. The pub has a classic, old-fashioned feel, with a good selection of ales and ciders (and the usual lagers), does decent food, and has a large beer garden to the rear, which is even heated in the winter.
Park Grove, Cardiff. Info: 029 2037 1217 / www.classicinns.com.uk/penandwigcardiff
ULTRACOMIDA
This tapas bar is perfect for a quick drink, a light nibble or a meal. Friendly staff are on scene to help you order and everything on the menu is at a reasonable price. From cheeses to meats to seafood, Ultracomida’s menu offers something for all tastes and diets.
Pier Street, Aberystwyth. Info: 019 7063 0686 / www.ultracomida.co.uk
GOVINDA’S
You or someone in your friendship group may well be Vegetarian or Vegan, so why not go somewhere that has more than one or two Vegetarian options on the menu? Everything on the award-winning Govinda’s menu is Vegetarian or Vegan, from their Maha burger to their cheesecake. The food is so good, even the most ardent of carnivores won’t be complaining.
Craddock Street, Swansea. Info: 017 9246 8469 / www.govindas.org.uk