THE ROBIN HOOD | FOOD REVIEW
16 Severn Grove, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 029 2037 8829 / www.robinhoodbar.co.uk
On a particularly pleasant Wednesday evening we ventured to The Robin Hood; I say ventured, as it has been a den of iniquity in the past, but that was a while ago and it’s now had a spruce up and is hosting regular music evenings – it’s a lovely place. Every Wednesday is now Tapas Night, with jazz on the last Wednesday of the month. While there was no jazz tonight, the tapas menu looked alluring. As we were feeling a bit more than peckish we went for three dishes each, and shared obviously! From the list we had grilled halloumi with chive and herbs, calamari with garlic mayo, garlic prawns, patatas bravas with chorizo, chicken and prawn risotto, and spicy meatballs in tomato sauce with bread and a bottle of sauvignon blanc, all for around £12-£15 per head. Tapas are £3.50 each or six dishes for £16. Surprisingly, not the worst tapas I’ve had, and a lot better than some ‘authentic’ tapas bars. Great portions, good selection and all reasonable in price. Home-cooked meals and a more organic approach to cooking has given it a new lease of life; The Robin Hood is a local pub for local people and all the better for it. With a great beer garden round the back, regular music nights and a friendly crowd, you could do a lot worse. It’s a perfect after-work haunt and a meeting place at the weekends. Try the tapas on a jazz night – great atmosphere and some brilliant bands (Bella Collins & The Blue being a personal favourite).
words ANTONIA LEVAY