Tucked away in Cardiff’s vibrant streets are some of the city’s best-kept secrets: its independent businesses. From quirky craft stores to artisanal cafés and unique dining experiences, these local businesses offer a shopping experience that’s full of personality and charm.
Cardiff Creative
Located inside Queen’s Arcade in the city centre, Cardiff Creative is home to over fifty local creatives’ work, hosting everything from candles to clothing, from tea towels to vivid prints as well as lots of hand-made jewellery; perfect for spicing up an autumnal outfit!
The local makers are appreciated and many a time have I been distracted by section after section of different goodies. If there’s anybody you need to buy a present for, this store will definitely have something, and their lovely staff are always available to help, giving great recommendations as well.
The shop itself gives such a homely feel and to see so many businesses blossoming under one roof is so lovely in the big city of Cardiff, so if you’re looking for something or not too sure if you’re looking for anything, you’ll find something in Cardiff’s creative hub!
Wally’s Delicatessen
Concealed within one of Cardiff’s central arcades, Wally’s Delicatessen exuberates sophistication, quality and individuality to provide the ultimate luxury food-shopping experience. The variety of produce includes local delicacies like a great selection of cheeses from the Snowdonia cheese company, including their “Red Devil” red Leicester with chillies and crushed pepper.
Thinking about having a board night? This decadent cheese could be perfectly paired with a bottle of the Celteg’s Elderberry wine—a Welsh company with Vineyards located a short drive away from Carmarthen. Not only does Wally’s provide provincial Welsh produce, but they also create a continental atmosphere with their selection of Halkidiki olives, Barilla pesto, Weiss Lebkuchen, and a vast selection of European charcuterie such as salami, Bierschinken, and Prosciutto. The perfect delicatessen would not be complete without a chique café, located on the first floor of Wally’s.
The Viennese Kaffeehaus provides an extensive range of traditional Austrian delicacies like Aufschnitt (meat and cheese platters) perfect for an alternative lunching experience.
The Grazing Shed
If you’re looking for Welsh quality, you’ll truly find it at The Grazing Shed, where there is always super tidy service to go alongside the super tidy burgers they’ve been serving since 2013!
Offering beef, chicken, veggie, and vegan options, you will truly find something that tickles your fancy here whether it be their famed burgers or something different—maybe some loaded fries or wings? Additionally, they offer a range of soda flavours from root beer to cherry bakewell, (which is undeniably the best in my opinion) to give us something different—however, if in doubt, the lemonade is stunning.
So, if you fancy a cheeky bite with your friends, follow the glow of the lightning bolt just outside St David’s food court, or get it delivered to you fresh here in Cardiff. I am never disappointed by the undeniable quality in the food that comes out of those doors, and I hope you won’t be either!