When the Millennium Plaza open to huge fanfare back in 2002, it looked like the venue had it all. From a fantastic cinema to great music clubs and a comedy venue that was smack bang in the middle of the city.
While the stadium has remained the top venue in the capital, many businesses in the adjacent plaza have come and gone. We've taken a look back at some of the spots that have since closed in the last two decades.
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Jumpin’ Jaks
Jumpin' Jaks was a fun place to go back in 2002 when it opened within the Millennium Plaza complex. As you can see from the picture above, even the security there had a laugh.
The Jumpin' Jaks chain was one of the places to be in the early naughties with cheesy pop music aplenty and even cheaper booze to be drunk. A good night was normally guaranteed in Jaks.
However, like many of the venues within the Plaza, Jumpin' Jaks went through many a name change as it later became SUB29 and then the Millennium Music Hall.
Bar Risa
Mainly known for their drinks promotions, Bar Risa lasted only a few years on the ground floor of the Plaza.
The place seemed to be packed out on most nights and especially at the weekend and during rugby internationals as well as on their theme nights.
Bar Risa was one of the most popular clubs in the city centre during its naughties heyday, especially with its state-of-the-art sound system and top DJs.
Most will remember the strict dress code as well as the amazing cocktails on offer. Another sign that you were at Bar Risa were the queues to get in and at the bar but that didn't put you off as you always knew Bar Risa was a good night out...
Jongleurs
As part of the Jongleurs chain, the comedy club opened its £2 million Cardiff venue back in 2003, but just six years later it had closed its doors for good. The Cardiff club was the second Jongleurs to close after its Manchester venue shut in 2006.
Jongleurs was the place to go for your office party during the early naughties and with the then up an coming comics it was a good laugh.
Millennium Music Hall
The music scene in Cardiff was dealt a blow in 2011 when the Millennium Music Hall, closed unexpectedly. The closure of the 800-capacity venue came days after it was shortlisted for an award from NME music magazine.
The Millennium Music Hall opened in October 2009 in the Millennium Plaza complex alongside the Millennium Stadium, taking over a venue previously known as Sub29 and Jumpin’ Jaks.
Tinie Tempah and Faithless are among the big names to have played to crowds at the music hall.
Ster Century Cinemas
Ster Century Cinemas was a Slovak-owned company that opened a number of cinemas across Ireland and the UK during the turn of the century. However, by 2005, the theatres were sold and rebranded as VUE cinemas.
VUE Cinemas are still there today and are a great place to enjoy the latest blockbuster films.
Bierkeller
One of the last pubs/ clubs to open in the Plaza was the Bierkeller which opened in a big way back in 2015.
The venue was perfect for match day viewing as well as a great place to live it up.
Unfortunately, the venue closed back in 2018 after being open for only three years opened. The reasons given in 2018, were primarily the major city centre redevelopment works surrounding the venue for the last two-and-a-half years. With further disruption planned, and the prospect of work continuing for another two years, the related trade impact has unfortunately made the site unsustainable.
Which clubs did you love that would a part of the plaza? Did you used to go and rock out at Surfers or did you enjoy the food and wine at Bar Risa or maybe even the Crispy Duck? Let us know in the comments.
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