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20th December 2016
12:18am GMT
Welcome to Cardiff or Croeso I Caerdydd as we say around these parts! Don’t worry, an understanding of the Welsh language is not something you need to bring with you to Cardiff for a weekend on the ale for the 6 Nations; but a thirst for fun and adventure is something you should definitely pack! Do I sound like an holiday rep yet? Yes? Good.
The below is a bars and clubs guide, I can offer you very little in the way of culture, a bit like a Club 18-30 vacation, but advice on where to drink, party and get the Welsh shift, absolutely… just like a lads holiday! Most of you will have booked a quick getaway, no time for faffing around, let’s get down to this. I’ve compared popular Dublin night spots with my view of their Cardiff counterparts to make things as easy as possible:
How can I compare anything to the Dublin institution that is Coppers? Well, Cardiff’s Walkabout has to be the biggest the UK chain has to offer and on an international day it is nothing short of BANANAS. Queues a mile long from dawn, they show the game live on their multiple HUGE screens, and post match this antipodean themed saloon becomes a den of debauchery. Perfect for those on an all-dayer, proudly wearing their jersey!
Just off the Hayes and up the stairs, lush surroundings, decent nosh and drinks into the night. Relaxed drinks here, music playing but nothing that’ll give you a headache…
Nestled in the middle of Mill Lane, Cardiff’s answer to Harcourt Street, this is the second incarnation of the bar/club. Cardiff’s most sophisticated night spot, good music, great drinks, cool people. You can’t go wrong. For those planning to abandon their national colours, and don their party clothes. No spray, no lay.
This seriously cool bar is just down from Soda Bar, it’s really intimate but worth the squeeze. Their cocktail menu is unrivalled and the only thing more impressive is there stamina, can you handle the 6am challenge? If you’ve got an early flight Sunday, cancel your hotel and just work your way through their extensive drinks offering, as their motto states; #YouAreWelcome
...Or really any of the pubs on Westgate Street, or the public bar upstairs at Cardiff Athletic Club. The Brains SA will be flowing and make sure you try our own version of Guinness ‘Brains Black’ …don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone. All of these pubs will be rammed before kick off but perfect to soak the atmosphere up. Traditional spots that never fail to provide matchday fun, laughter and us Welsh’s favourite…. Singing!
OK, so it can’t boast any of the starting Wales line up as owners, but if you enjoy the Pilsner that the Bridge boys boast, Zero degrees will not disappoint. Their long list of in house brews will keep you happy and their pre-match pizzas are an ideal stomach liner.
