Summer is coming and there's really nothing better than basking in the warmth of a beer garden with your friends and a cold drink to hand. And Cardiff is bountiful with secluded spots, hidden hideaways and sunset soaking watering holes in which to sink a few bevvies - from Cathays and Roath to the city centre and the quaint, trendy streets of Pontcanna.
With a heatawave on the horizon, now is the perfect time to dust off the sunnies, shorts and suncream - do not forget the suncream! - and make your way to your nearest pub. And we just so happen to have had a wee gander at just some of Cardiff's best, to help you plan your next weekend, read on to see just some of our favourites.
For beer gardens throughout Wales, see here. And If you want a bit of grub with your pub, have a look at some of the best in Wales here. Just be sure to check before heading out for any updates on opening times and up-to-date menus. And for more food, drink and what's on option in Wales sign up to our newsletter, here.
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1. The Botanist
This beautiful beer garden is glamorous, jaw-dropping and a perfect date night summer setting. With fairy lights scattered around, The Botanist remains true to its name and its roof-top terrace is decorated with lots of lush greenery and it offers a selection of flowery cocktails.
Where: 10 Church Street, CF10 1BG
2. Jacob's Roof Garden
Okay, not quite an 'all-day' beer garden, but having a beverage on the top of this building, which has a stunning 360 view over the skyline, is pretty spectacular on a clear day. It's currently running its 'rooftop coffee shop & byo' between 11am and 5pm where you can bring your own bottle of fizz or grab a coffee from the cafe alongside snacks and enjoy the weather. What a way to spend a day!
Jacob's also hosts open air cinemas - read more on that here.
Where: W Canal Wharf, CF10 5DB
3. Bacareto
This Venetian tapas-style bar is a fabulous place to help you unwind after work with a spritz or two. But while it's open sliding window front is lush and a sun trap that looks out onto the busy Church Street, the upstairs terrace is intimate, cosy (with a limited number of seats) and welcoming.
Where: 13 Church Street, CF10 1BG
4. Porters
You wouldn't think this would be the most obvious place for a beer garden, but alongside being a cracking place for gigs, karaoke, bandaoke, Calamity Jane nights, rugby games and so much more - all of which are thirst-quenched by a flowing bar, of course - Porters Bar has a quirky beer garden made up of picnic benches, old sofas and paraphernalia that takes you back in time. It's cool. Make sure you get in before it moves across the city - read more on that here.
Where: Harlech Court, Bute Terrace, CF10 2FE
5. Juno Lounge
This cafe and restaurant in the heart of Roath, which is part of the 'Lounges' chain, features a rooftop terrace where you can catch those warm rays of sunshine with a nice cold drink in your hand. Tucked away upstairs, it's a little secret you'd never know existed unless you venture there for yourself. Or if you're reading this article..
Where: 14 Wellfield Road, CF24 3PB
6. Robin Hood
This popular Pontcanna pub does great beers, burgers - and more - and has a pizza oven in its beer garden, which in itself is pretty cool. Alongside that, one reviewer on TripAdvisor wrote of its outside area: "Didn't look much from the outside, but have a lovely beer garden at the back..."
Another wrote: "Great lounge & bar, covered beer garden at back with a lovely grape vine."
Where: 16 Severn Grove, Pontcanna, CF11 9EN
7. The Philharmonic
Ah, The Philly. A great place for a night out, a boogie, a refresh, a rugby game; it also has a lovely little beer garden on the second floor that is cosy but does the job on a nice sunny day.
Where: 76-77 St Mary Street, CF10 1FA
8. Rhostio
We know Rhostio isn't a pub, technically, but it does have an evening drinks menu of wine and beers and a wonderful city roof terrace with views across the capital and bright coloured Rubik's Cube-style seating.
Honestly, those 360 degree views are jawdropping! And if you're a coffee lover you'll be right at home with their in-house roasted blends.
Where: 16C Crwys Road, CF24 4NJ
9. Flight Club
Two floors above the entrance of the dart-throwing madness and fun at Flight Club is a beer garden with a unique design - there's a gypsy-style caravan, a red telephone box and picnic tables with parasols. To give the feel of a green oasis in the heart of the city centre, it is also decorated with fake grass and plenty of greenery and if you're tall enough, there's a cracking view of St John's Church.
Where: 3-4 St Mary Street, CF10 1AT
10. Pen & Wig
Now we know this isn't much of a secret, but the Pen & Wig's vast spacious beer garden, complete with heaters for those chilly summer evenings, just paces from the city centre is a fabulous haunt to enjoy a cold one in the sun. You can also bring your four-legged friend.
Where: 1 Park Grove, CF10 3BJ
11. The Cricketers
A classic pub that doesn't look much as you stand on Cathedral Road, gazing up at its impressive Victorian facade. But wander through the lounge and out to the back garden, you'll be met with a lovely beer garden, filled with picnic tables and large plants, that'll ease you into summer in the best way.
Where: 66 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna, CF11 9LL
12. Chapter Arts Centre
Not a pub, per se, but this gorgeous arts centre in the heart of Canton has got a luscious green outdoor area in which to enjoy a glass of vino, a crisp fruity cider or a rose lemonade. Their food is also to die for so make sure you arrive in time to grab a bite to eat.
Where: Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, CF5 1QE
13. Paradise Garden
This music venue took over from the once beloved Milgi, Blue Honey and Eartha but, keeping each installment's spirit alive, Paradise Garden retained the ever-popular outdoor garden at the back of the City Road establishment. A lovely suntrap, it has a wooden pergola and fairy lights to welcome in the evening rays with a spritz or two in hand.
Where: 213 City Road, CF24 3JD
14. Brewhouse and Kitchen
Okay, it's not exactly hidden, but it is an absolute cracker of a beer garden. Situated in Sophia Gardens, you can enjoy a drink under the protection of the 'Aperol' umbrellas, foliage and flora of the city centre at the front of the pub whilst in the back, behind a gated area, there are seats surrounding a firepit with fairy lights to bring a little more sparkle to your summer evening al fresco.
Where: Sophia Gardens, Pontcanna, CF11 9HW
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