Cardiff restaurants and cafes

Carluccios in the bay were setting up their outside seating today, with Bills it looks a great little square now!

Strada was remarkably empty at lunchtime. I think Bills in particular is drawing the Mermaid Quay trade. With Carluccios and the unfortunately named Punk Panda opening shortly, I'm not sure where a Hokkei would go.

'Slug and Lettuce' up and trading in the old 'Brown's' unit.
Looking through the window surprised it took so long to change the chairs and signage.

Are you serious? It looks completely different! A very nice refurbishment.

Went to Carluccios training day, free meal but would definitely have paid full price. Good service and good food, and the place looks a lot better too.

Punk Panda is going in where Mimosa used to be; they've posted some pictures on their twitter feed:
https://twitter.com/punkpandauk

If Hokkei eventually opens a bay outlet, there is still an empty unit behind Sainsburys. They may be considering Bute Street, or the empty takeaway unit on James Street (adjoining HSBC) which is currently being refurbished?

Had a very disappointing experience in Bill's a couple of weeks ago. Two main courses sent back (one steak incorrectly cooked, the other meal cold) - maybe it was because they brought them almost at the same time as the first course, so we had to tell them to bring them back when we were ready.

Staff were friendly and attentive (and took the cost of one meal off the bill), but they really need to work on their timings.

It was busy, and it's nice to see the building in use again, but I won't be rushing back.

Also had a not-great experience in the cafe part of the Portuguese bakery. Two toasties ordered, two totally wrong toasties brought to the table. They then questioned what we'd ordered, and interrogated us about why we didn't want soup to go with the toasties. Another place I won't be rushing back to, not to sit down at any rate. At least there are plenty of other options!

p.s. also went to Caru Coffee this week; ok, but I was surprised to see the toilet seat broken (one hinge totally knackered) within a week of the place being open. Especially surprising as the toilet checklist had been signed by whoever was supposed to be checking it - maybe noting that the seat needs repairing isn't part of the job.

I notice that Vic Park coffee shop 'Hoffi Coffi' has changed its name to 'Coffi One'. I suspect solicitors may soon become involved!

The former Pica Pica/Feather & Bone on Westgate Street is now signed up as Bar 44 and recruiting.

Barbucci on the High Street looks as though it may have bitten the dust as there were landlord notices in the window last night and it appeared shut.

I notice that Vic Park coffee shop 'Hoffi Coffi' has changed its name to 'Coffi One'. I suspect solicitors may soon become involved!

It has been called Coffi One since last year sometime. I don't know why, Hoffi Coffi is a good name.

Possibly because the name is registered with another operator? I'm sure I noticed a corner cafe called 'Hoffi Coffi' as I was cycling down the incline from Cathays at the top end of the civic centre yesterday.