Cardiff's Cowbridge Road East, near Victoria Park, has become a destination for food lovers, with a 90-metre stretch of independent venues offering everything from £2 chips to a Michelin-listed dining experience. Known locally as "Temptation Row," this block of businesses has gained a reputation for quality and community spirit.
A Hub of Independent Eateries
The strip starts at the corner of Lansdowne Road and includes Top Deck chip shop, Pettigrew Bakery, Let Them See Cake, the Welsh Cheese Company, Burger Boyz, and Hiraeth restaurant. These businesses offer a range of options, from affordable takeaways to upscale dining, all within a short walk.
Pettigrew Bakery, which celebrated a decade on the strip, is known for its sourdough and sandwiches that often sell out by lunchtime. Hiraeth, which earned a spot in the Michelin Guide, offers a £75 tasting menu, while Top Deck provides a portion of chips for just £2.
Community and Collaboration
The businesses on Temptation Row are known for their collaborative spirit. Owners frequently help each other, from borrowing chairs to sharing leftover food. This sense of community has also contributed to a reduction in anti-social behaviour in the area, with fewer break-ins reported in recent years.
Tom Pinder of the Welsh Cheese Company highlighted the mutual support: "We use Pettigrew's sourdough on all of our cheese boards... We're working with Hiraeth some wedding catering up at Insole Court." This collaboration extends beyond daily operations, making the strip a cohesive unit.
Impact on the Neighbourhood
The success of these businesses has positively impacted the local area. David Le Masurier of Pettigrew noted that a couple living nearby saw their house valuation increase after the bakery opened. The influx of popular venues has also brought more evening footfall, reducing anti-social behaviour.
Despite concerns about gentrification, the owners believe the strip's success benefits everyone. As David said, "The more options there are, the better everyone has to be... It's really, honestly, the more the merrier, as long as it's still independent." The hope is that this independent character will endure.
