Wed Dec 20, 2017 4:40 pm
Gin and Juice is the latest part of the Barker empire. I've not seen it in person yet but, from your photograph Paul, it really does look fantastic.
I'm also very much looking forward to the new Crafty Devil bar, which probably sounds more like the sort of place that I'd like to go for a drink.
It's been great to see a growing number of small, independent bars (along with smaller chains such as BrewDog) opening in town over recent years, bringing much more choice for more discerning customers. We're also getting seeing places like Curado and Bar 44 doing really well. It's strange to think that 15-20 years ago huge warehouses like Walkabout, offering crap lager, chart music and vertical drinking culture seemed like the future.
Whilst we have lost some old pubs that I do still miss, like the Park Vaults, I think Cardiff city centre today is a much more interesting place for a night out. Hopefully we will continue to grow this culture of smaller independent bars and restaurants, along with the music scene. One thing that's still missing, from a personal point of view, is a pub with a really good jukebox.