DEPOT: THE WINTER SOCIAL | FOOD REVIEW
Dumballs Road, Cardiff
029 2034 1199 / www.depotcardiff.com
Tucked away in a former warehouse near Cardiff Bay lies Depot, which promises to be the home of Cardiff’s most creative pop-up events, and for every Friday and Saturday up until 19 December, their Winter Social is a haven from the cold for the city’s foodies.
Depot’s magic is in its festival-like atmosphere, which is enhanced by how out of the blue it seems; you walk down a seemingly normal street and suddenly the smell of delicious food and sound of lively music captivates your senses. We started, as so many such events do, with a drink. Depot offers a great selection of cocktails, beers and spirits to keep everyone happy, and I started by sampling a local Pipes beer and a sherbet fizz cocktail. With my whistle wet and the smell of smoky meats dancing in the air, we decided upon sampling Dirty South, a much loved popup from Newport offering reasonably priced and somewhat over the top burgers and meaty treats, but that’s part of the fun.
For those who wanted something more fragrant, Brother Thai’s beautiful Pad Krapao Gai (a spicy basil chicken) was one of the night’s strongest contenders. Doughboys Pizza, Grillstock, Hokkei (who make a delicious bao), and Big Fish Little Fish (whose alioli and squid was just right) also ensured that there was a wide range of cuisines to keep all foodies well fed and satisfied.
Word on the street is that there’s a speakeasy somewhere too, but that’s just between us.
LUKE OWAIN BOULT
