Slug & Lettuce - The Friary Cardiff

You know what you're getting at this slick corner spot in The Friary, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The formula works: leather banquettes, exposed brick, and a cocktail menu that hits all the classics without any pretentious faff. The drinks are mixed properly—their espresso martinis actually taste like coffee—and the food goes well beyond standard chain fare. The weekend brunch crowd piles in for bottomless prosecco sessions, while after-work drinkers appreciate the reliable service and decent wine list. It's the sort of place that does exactly what it promises: good cocktails, solid food, and a buzzy atmosphere right in the city centre. Sometimes you want surprise and innovation, sometimes you just want a well-made Old Fashioned and some decent small plates.