The Best Sun-Trapped Alfresco Venues: Cardiff

The Welsh capital boasts an abundance of fantastic beer gardens and outdoor drinking haunts which are perfect to bask in the sun and truly revel in some magnificent views of the city.

Jacobs Roof Garden West Canal Wharf, CF10 5DB

Cardiff’s best-kept secret and coolest rooftop garden which enjoys sights right across the Welsh Capital is Jacobs Roof Garden. Offering magnificent views right across the city’s skyline it’s the perfect place to tipple on a few post-work bevs or catch the sunset. This secret oasis sits on top of Jacobs Antique Centre and amongst offering an abundance of live events also brings live music and outdoor cinema screenings.

Bacareto 13 Church St, CF10 1BG

Bacareto is a relative newcomer to Cardiff but has already become incredibly popular amongst locals and it is clear to see why. This relaxed Venetian-inspired space is bursting with character and charm, which will see customers enjoy their perfectly curated tapas-style menu along will carefully sourced beers. Their upstairs terrace is intimate and cosy, which is perfect to avoid the bustling streets below. Armed with wine or spritz in hand, even if you momentarily close your eyes, you’ll be soaking up the Italian culture, surrounded by the canals of Venice.

The Cricketers 66 Cathedral Rd, CF11 9LL

Behind this mightily impressive Victorian-fronted facade rests The Cricketers, where the cosmopolitan pub sells fantastic local food and quality Welsh-brewed beer. After meandering through the lounge is their beer garden which is where the true magic lies. Kitted out with a brilliant atmosphere, picnic tables and greenery is an absolute sun trap come the summertime. It doesn’t get much better than The Cricketers to enjoy your tipple of choice in the blazing heat.

Ty Mawr Graig Rd, Cardiff CF14 0UF

If you’re looking for one of the best landscapes to be seen around the area then Ty Mawr has to be on your radar. Set 20 minutes north of the centre, Ty Mawr offers an unbelievable lookout point for the whole of Cardiff and the Seven Estuary in their beautiful and relaxed beer garden. To accompany the wondrous views, Ty Marw is craft ale and beer aficionados so it’s certain you’ll get a perfect locally brewed pint. Despite being a little further afield, the views are unrivalled, which are perfect to be taken in at their beer garden.

The Philharmonic 76-77 St Mary St, CF10 1FA

While their roof terrace has been coined as The Secret Garden, The Philharmonic is no secret in Cardiff. The bohemian and vibrant venue is at the heart of the partying culture within Cardiff. Yet their rooftop bar is an absolute sun-trap and is the perfect way to enjoy their ‘Ginventory’ of 99 gins - the possibilities are endless. Accompany this with the city's favourite bottomless brunch or happy hour as well as their hedonistic parties in the evening then you will not want to leave The Phily.