Cardiff's alfresco scene is thriving this summer, with a wealth of pub gardens, rooftop terraces, and hidden courtyards offering the perfect spots for a sunny pint or crafted cocktail. From sky-high suntraps above antique shops to sprawling beer gardens in the suburbs, the Welsh capital has something for every sun-seeker.
Rhostio: A Hidden Rooftop Gem
Above a former car showroom on Crwys Road, Rhostio boasts surprisingly cool rooftop terrace views over the railway line and city skyline. This hipster hangout has cultivated a strong sense of community with a rotating calendar of events, including comedy nights, live music, wine-tasting evenings, and rooftop DJ sets. The drinks offering is decent, and the chill vibes make it a top choice for a relaxed afternoon.
Flight Club: Heated Terrace with Botanical Décor
Since opening in 2022, Flight Club's heated terrace adorned with botanical décor has become a firm favourite. Sit in cosy cabins or a vintage circus caravan, and pose for photos in a disco phone box. The roof terrace is half under cover, with areas like the shed also undercover, making it a top spot all summer regardless of weather. Known as a Social Darts hub, Flight Club also offers a two-hour brunch social from noon featuring Prosecco, beer, bottomless pizza, and a Social Darts sampler.
The Four Elms: Huge Beer Garden and Smash Burgers
The multi-award-winning Four Elms in Roath has a huge beer garden and a great line-up of draught beers and ciders. It also serves a staggeringly good smash burger, freshly cooked and perfectly charred on a brioche bun with double-cooked chips and tangy house curry sauce. Starting at just £11.49, these are great-value pub eats, especially on Thursday's burger night when you can have a free beer or wine with your burger.
The Botanist Cardiff Central: Swish Roof Terrace
The Botanist is known for its fantastic brunch boards, carefully crafted cocktails, and beautiful leafy décor. Its inviting roof terrace above Cardiff city centre is the perfect place for a sunset dinner and drinks. Try one of their famous hanging kebabs with properly seasoned chips and follow with a summery Peppered Peach Mojito.
Bacareto: Hidden Rooftop Terrace
Inspired by the laid-back bàcaris of Venice, Bacareto brings small plates, good wine, and relaxed vibes to Cardiff. This informal bar and café serves tasty tapas-style dishes alongside cocktails, beers, and spritzers. If the sun's out, head upstairs to a hidden rooftop terrace perfect for soaking up the rays with a crostini and a cold spritz.
Gin and Juice: People-Watching Perch
Stylish and effortlessly cool, Gin and Juice is the perfect people-watching perch in Cardiff. Inspired by Parisian cafés and New York's West Village, its cosy High Street terrace is ideal for sipping, snacking, and soaking up the city centre buzz. With more than 350 varieties of gin, plus a great selection of wines, beers, and other spirits, it's a must-visit. Pop in during the day for healthy breakfasts, fresh lunches, or a virtuous juice.
Brewhouse & Kitchen: Expansive Outdoor Areas
This large pub and brewery in Sophia Gardens has two expansive outdoor areas for drinking and dining—one at the front and one at the back. The dining area at the back is well-covered and even has heaters if the weather turns cold. Check out their menu of proper pub classics and their signature beer can chicken, coated in a dry rub and roasted over a can of Brewhouse & Kitchen American Pale Ale. Don't miss their home-brewed signature beer or book a beer masterclass.
Mocka Lounge: Alfresco Hotspot on Mill Lane
Mocka Lounge on Mill Lane is a sleek cocktail bar and alfresco hotspot long favoured by Cardiff's Friday night crowd. When the sun's shining, Mill Lane comes alive, and Mocka is right at the heart of the action. Outdoor tables fill up, music gets louder, and the whole street takes on a summer party vibe. Expect big tunes, feel-good energy, and plenty of fizz.
The Pen & Wig: Sun Trap Beer Garden
The dog-friendly Pen & Wig is a welcoming, traditional pub just minutes from Queen Street. It's well known for its excellent beer garden, one of the best sun traps in the city. This reasonably priced pub offers a brilliant choice of ales from local breweries and beyond, ciders, wines, and Welsh spirits. Housed in a Victorian three-storey building that was originally an ophthalmologist's office, the pub hosts open mic nights and a lively pub quiz with a bar tab or cash prize.
Ty Mawr: Sweeping Views Over the Vale
Perched on the edge of Cardiff with sweeping views over the Vale, Ty Mawr feels far from the urban centre. Its rustic charm, countryside setting, and cracking beer garden make it ideal for a long lunch or lazy afternoon. Inside, there's a smart restaurant and a barn-style function space. On sunny days, the garden is where it's at, especially as dusk falls and city lights appear in the distance. Don't miss the Hunter's Chicken Schnitzel—breaded chicken topped with crispy smoked bacon, cheese sauce, melted mature Cheddar, a BBQ drizzle, and triple-cooked fries.
Pontcanna Inn: Two Fantastic Terraces
The Pontcanna Inn on Cathedral Road has two fantastic terraces—one at the front and one at the rear—and also offers boutique B&B accommodation. The back terrace, converted from an empty car park, can now seat up to 270, with double that standing. It has covers when needed and a range of craft beers, real ales, cider, wines, cocktails, and spirits. It's a great place to watch live sports on huge TVs.
Lab 22: Tiny Heated Terrace with Award-Winning Cocktails
Lab 22 may have been voted one of the best bars in the UK, but most won't realise it has a tiny heated terrace in the city centre. Sip crafted, award-winning cocktails in luxurious surroundings. Their premium cocktails change regularly, so you never know what shaken and stirred delights you may encounter.
The Heathcock: Secret Garden and Michelin Bib Gourmand
The Heathcock in Llandaff pairs great food with a laid-back pub atmosphere and a sunny garden. This Michelin Bib Gourmand pub was recently named one of the UK's best pubs with secret gardens by chef Tom Waters of Cardiff's Michelin-starred Gorse. It was the only Welsh pub to make The Telegraph list, praised for its relaxed Sunday evening vibe and sun-trap garden. The menu makes the most of seasonal produce from the Vale and Cardiff, with standout dishes like hake, lamb, pork belly, and their signature ham hock and leek pie.
The Dock: Waterside Terraces in Cardiff Bay
Heading down to Cardiff Bay, The Dock in Mermaid Quay offers two outdoor terraces overlooking the water. Inside, huge floor-to-ceiling windows provide smashing views while you enjoy live music sessions and a cold pint. The waterside terrace is especially popular in warmer months. Regular live music sessions feature some of Cardiff's finest crooners adding smooth vibes to your sundowners.
Laguna Bar and Kitchen: Hidden Leafy Terrace
Swanky Laguna bar at the Park Plaza hotel has a hidden outdoor terrace at the back that's a local secret. It's a quiet leafy terrace overlooking a small stream, offering a tranquil retreat from city life. You can order drinks, feast on bar dishes, or treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea.
The Royal George: Trendy Beer Garden in Roath
The Royal George pub in Roath has a trendy beer garden behind it, described as a "sun trap pub garden" by patrons. It's the perfect blend of a modern beer garden with a student-friendly vibe, and a great spot for a sunny pint in the city suburb.
