It’s that time of the year again where multitudes of people start panicking as the realisation hits that it’s the 13th February at 11pm and they are both card-less and present-less. That time of year where it’s a survival of the fittest to buy the last bunch of £10 decapitated flowers from the supermarkets and book that final table reservation for a classy (ish) restaurant. Whether this is you, or not, rather than the meal deal from Waitrose or M&S this Valentine’s Day, George Caulton has handpicked some of the most renowned eateries and restaurants to indulge in over the Valentine’s weekend to treat that special someone, whether it’s with a significant other, friend or relative.
29 PARK PLACE
Situated opposite Cardiff central museum, newcomer 29 Park Place offers a reasonably priced, chilled-out, quirky atmosphere, with a classy twist. Young or old, 29 Park Place provides that typical romantic allure (with a fantastic deal of £3 Mojitos on Tuesdays). If mismatching chairs and menus in vinyl covers as menus sound like your kind of thing, then 29 Park Place is the place for your romantic endeavours.
29 Park Place, Cardiff
Info: 029 2039 7842 / www.29parkplace.com
GIOVANNI’S
Whether it’s a pre- theatre meal or just a show of appreciation for those favourite, authentic Italian foods, Giovanni’s provides the perfect environment to pop open a bottle of bubbly and sit back in this loveable family run restaurant. Plus, there’s plenty of pictures of celebrities on the wall to look at if the spark has gone while you tell yourself that because you’re in an Italian restaurant, maybe they’re still interested.
38 The Hayes, Cardiff
Info: 029 2022 0077 / www.giovanniscardiff.co.uk
COSY CLUB
This cosy (hehe) restaurant provides a variety of different Spanish, and more traditional, cuisines to get your taste buds tingling. Cosy Club caters for all, meat eaters, vegetarians and people who are lactose intolerant (with their own special gluten- free menu). Whether you simply want a laid back drink on the cosy (hehe) sofas, or a sit down candlelit meal, Cosy Club provides a certain ambiance that is simply like no other.
1 Hills Street, Cardiff
Info: 029 2022 5998 / www.cosyclub.co.uk
CELTIC MANOR
Boasting a range of restaurants, the Celtic Manor Resort is a five star hotel with an array of ostentatious eateries and bars ranging from Celtic cocktails to five course meals. Whilst it may not be secluded away from the M4, the décor and ambiance from the restaurants allows for an unforgettable experience. At least the M4 allows for a speedy get away if you decide to leave your partner.
Coldra Woods, Newport
Info: 016 3341 3000 / www.celtic-manor.com
POTTED PIG
Tucked away in a crevice hides one of Cardiff’s treasures. The Potted Pig has been claimed as being “a gift to the city” and a “jewel” due to its quality of food. Offering copious amounts of meat (including pigeon and rabbit) and substantial amounts of gin, the Potted Pig is the perfect place for you and your significant other. Plus, if they’re not used to the taste of pigeon, you could poison it and claim that it’s supposed to have an almondy aftertaste. That’ll teach them to not do the washing up.
27 High Street, Cardiff
Info: 029 2022 4817 / www.thepottedpig.com
photo NADIA MORGAN