Bar News

Whatever The Golden Cross becomes it has to be a destination venue as it's not in a good location at all for passing trade. The huge student tower planned opposite may give it a new use in the future though.

This is a sad indictment of the laziness of your typical brit. It's 100 yards from either end of Mill Lane at the very most. That's hardly out on a limb

It may be the case that concert goers will be more inclined to have a drink or two at the Golden Cross before a show if it isn't a gay bar. I hope that doesn't sound homophobic as its not meant to be but I think the reality is that many people may be put off going there at the moment.

I understand what you mean, but not just that it's a gay bar, it's coupled with the fact that you can't really see inside, which could be intimidating to anyone, even other gay people. For instance, plenty of straight people would happily walk into Pulse during the evening because it looks very open and you know what you're getting from the outside.

Not really adding to the thread in great detail, but aren't they more gay friendly bars rather than gay bars these days? We certainly see more gays in straight bars and vice versa and that has to be down to changing attitudes regarding sexuality.

Not really adding to the thread in great detail, but aren't they more gay friendly bars rather than gay bars these days? We certainly see more gays in straight bars and vice versa and that has to be down to changing attitudes regarding sexuality.

It's an interesting point as to whether aps like Grindr and Tinder mean that the days of the kind of gay and straight clubs that were basically pick-up joints for casual sex are numbered. Logically that would seem to be the case. As you say, it's more about vibe and atmosphere these days.

I wouldn't put The Golden Cross in that category particularly. I'm thinking more of places like the old Exit bar or, on the straight side, Club Rumours - fondly known as "The Parachute Club" because you were guranteed a jump!

I'm sure there are still some people who would rather meet someone in the real world than on an app. There's still a place for bars for this.

I'm sure there are still some people who would rather meet someone in the real world than on an app. There's still a place for bars for this.

I'm not saying their isn't but there are alternatives these days! Bars and clubs have to be more than just pick-up joints.

I occasionally go to The Golden. It's usually pretty quiet, but is always rammed on match days and Banks Holidays. I'm surprised Brains haven't wanted to refurb and rebrand it, as the hipsters would love the tiled bar and features.

Not really adding to the thread in great detail, but aren't they more gay friendly bars rather than gay bars these days? We certainly see more gays in straight bars and vice versa and that has to be down to changing attitudes regarding sexuality.

Completely agree, and I would argue that the reason Cardiff's gay scene has got smaller in recent years is due to the young, liberal nature of the city which makes 'straight' bars (or rather mainstream bars) more welcoming and appealing than they might have done ten years ago. And as you say, the same means the gay bars are more appealing for straight people.

Two more old school venues bite the dust. The Canadian in Splott -

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales ... r-10640827

There is also an application in for change of use of the Crofts pub in Roath to residential.

Poets Corner in City Rd has closed and is up for sale -

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales ... s-10702022

I would be hugely surprised if it doesn't re-open (although I uspect it will need quite an overhaul). There is a huge amount of student residence going up in this area and City Rd is becoming a viable alternative to the city centre and the Bay in terms of eating out. There is an opportunity to tap into both markets.

The Ernest Willows just a few doors up does a roaring trade. I suspect that it had taken trade from Poets Corner probably because it's cheaper. Whereas in the 80's and 90's PC's used to have a younger clientele with an emphasis on live music in recent years it's been a place for old soaks. Reverting back to a younger clientele with a much stronger food offering might save it.