My secret Cardiff spot
As much as I love a pint and a gossip at the Woody, or orange VKs at YOLO, it isn’t what Cardiff means to me. In years to come, I will remember a spot nested in the centre of Bute Park that is surrounded by greenery and wildlife. A place that shares its name with a Frances Hodgson Burnett book – The Secret Garden Café. It has unexpectedly become a tradition of mine to go there with family and friends who visit me in Cardiff; after parkrun on a Saturday morning with other runners; or just for a catch up with friends after a long week at university. It isn’t a place that I go to alone, but rather one that is shared with people I love.
They may make good coffee and have a delicious selection of homemade cakes, but it’s the atmosphere and location that has made this quaint part of Cardiff a tradition of mine. There is something unique about the café being in the park, and it feels like a piece of home. This echoes my experience in Cardiff with the people from my “home” visiting it, and making a big city seem less daunting. There is something special about being able to enjoy a cup of coffee surrounded by nature and fresh air. Having dogs approach you with wagging tails, which makes you miss your family dog a little less. This home away from home has created a fond memory of Cardiff for me.
Words by Alaia Oscoz
A city of cafés
Cardiff is a vibrant city, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, pubs and more. Many of which I still haven’t had the chance to try, such as The Bike Lock (which I walk past most days) and Crumbs Kitchen (a vegetarian cafe). Personally, I’m more of a café person than a fan of restaurants or pubs. Cafes have a chill vibe where you can spend hours on end, I often find myself catching up with friends or peacefully doing uni work.
One of my favourite spots is The Secret Garden in Bute Park. I visited it on my first day attending Cardiff University, when my mum had researched the closest café so we could have lunch before she left me. They serve a variety of home-baked treats and delicious coffees: my go-to is definitely the quiche. I don’t get a chance to go there often, but when I do, it’s usually with my mum and I always love it.
Another place I enjoy is Scaredy Cats Café, a board game café bar with an impressive drink’s menu. Every time I go, I find a new board game to play with my friends and try a new drink, sometimes with a sweet treat on the side. My favourite so far is the peach ice-tea and the last game I played was Chameleon – which I am terrible at.
These two places hold a special place in my heart – one is about bonding with family, while the other is creating new memories in Cardiff. I’m excited to continue exploring the city and trying some of the other places I’ve seen dotted around.
Words By Megan Whitmore
For more information about the mentioned places visit The Secret Garden’s website and instagram, and Scaredy Cats Café’s instagram.