History Of The Bar Scene In Cardiff

Cardiff has a million and one things going for it. From the amazing landscapes, beautiful castles (not as many as Glasgow, but still amazing). However, it is so much more than beauty. They have history and culture. Some of the most interesting facts around.

In the 1600's, a man named Henry Morgan was born. He raided the Spanish settlement and sailed around the Caribbean. While you might think this is unimportant, why should we care about this man? Well to kick off our nightlife history of Cardiff we are going to tell you why we care about this man. Does the name Morgan not ring true to you? He was a Captain after all. Yes, Henry Morgan is the reason why today we have Captain Morgan's rum and he was born and raised in this fair city. So, next time you are at the bar enjoying some delicious spiced rum from our favorite pirate, you can tell people this fun fact.

The first bar in Cardiff was rumored to be The Rummer Tavern and it opened its doors in 1713. Three decades of drink pouring and good time having. The doors to this place are still open today.

Let's fast forward to the early 1900s though and see a more relevant time when it comes to nightlife. The bar scene was started to remind the population that good times were always to be had. Men and women were welcome and they never turned anyone away. The doors were opened all year round.

In the 1910's, a company called E Turner & Sons started opening up bars in the area that were very popular. However, they didn't just open up bars and clubs they also opened ice rinks and the Oxford arcades. Staples in the Cardiff community. Looking back on old photos of these establishments you can see the kind of style that originated in this small but glorious waterside town.

In 1853, a bar called the Chelsea Girl opened up and stayed open for centuries until in 2012 it finally closed its doors. However, this just goes to show that if you can create a beautiful bar and have a happening scene going on then you can keep your family in business for centuries. Very different from what happens in the United States. Same goes for the legendary bars of the Shields and the Newcastle Tavern which opened in the mid 1800s and kept their cool for generations.

In the 1920's, the bar scene opened itself up to many more experiences and new traditions. There was even a bar called The White Rabbit, which is still around today. It is a secret bar. To figure out where it is and how to get in you need to solve and series of clues to find a password that will get you through the front doors of this bar. If you like puzzle solving and adding a bit of mystery to a date than this is the perfect place to go.

At one point in history, there were over 30 pubs on Bute St in the docks area alone. Bars like the Custom House or the Cape Horn or the Barley Mow were some of the best places to go to during this time. If you look through old photos as you stroll down this street, see how many bars you can recognize. Maybe turn it into a fun drinking game? That is one way of getting to know local history and having an interesting date.

Since the good ol' days of the past, there has been some major changes to the scene. The younger generation is taking over, but somehow still managing to keep some of the classic historical places open. So, yes, things may have changed, but somethings never will and that is why Cardiff is one of those places that will always hold a spot in your heart.

Instant Hookups is proud to give you the history of Cardiff and all the fun facts we have found over the years. There is really no place like it and we are extremely happy to be offering this information up to you. You are guaranteed to have a good time and find someone you connect with during your time in this beautiful city.