Creative Parents Food Guide to Cardiff

So this is part of a series of suggestions for the creative, out-going, arty, fun parents who live in Cardiff and the surrounding areas who are looking for stylish places that are also family-friendly. Now I really don't like the term "yummy mummy", to me it's a myth, I have neither wanted to or aspired to be one, but instead I focus on just being myself and through many ups and downs and trial and error attempts I've have learnt a few places to go to eat, shop and have fun in and around Cardiff with little ones in tow. This article is about the best places (in our option) we have found that are child and baby-friendly but still great for adults that are social and stylish and make you feel like your not missing out.

Recommended


Waterloo Gardens Teahouse, Waterloo Gardens, Penylan

Now this place can get very busy and if you want to have there famous Sunday afternoon tea you really need to book in advance as you won't be able to get a table. It's not a very large cafe so bear that in mind if you have a very big buggy although they do have a lot of high chairs and good changing facilities and excellent tea and coffee. The atmosphere is always great and it's a very relaxing environment with well-trained staff who are very welcoming to all the family, they also display local art on the walls. Tip - Their brie and cranberry Panini is very good.

A very young Arthur soaking up the Waterloo Atmosphere

Cafe Creme, Kings Rd, Canton

This place really is a little gem, bordering onto Pontcanna, where it always seems impossible to get a seat at the ever-popular Cafe Brava and Cibo so this is a nice, quiet and stylish alternative with friendly staff, amazing changing facilities and a very welcoming feel to it. We also had one of the largest portions of amazing carrot cake here and the coffee was delicious.

National Museum and National Art Gallery of Wales

This place is designed (in part) for children in mind as they run events for kids to learn more about history and art throughout the year and a lot of the exhibitions are interactive as well. The Cafe serves some great welsh cakes and coffee, has lots of space and high chairs and once you're done you can explore the museum for free, which is perfect for those rainy days and the museum also houses the National Art gallery so you can get your culture fix as well.

Las Iguana's (Cardiff Bay or City Centre, Mill Lane)

Now I know this is part of a chain but for a place that has a great bar and drinks menu (cocktails, Mojitos and world beers) and has a more adult feel than a family one, they are very accommodating towards children and cater too all their needs with an excellent children's menu including free organic baby food for babies. They also often run specials including sometimes children eating free and we really enjoyed what felt like an evening out but with Mr A who was very entertained by the crayons provided and loved the freshly squeezed apple juice. Tip - they also have a large gluten-free menu.

Las Iguanas is great for all the family.

The Place to Eat, John Lewis

Now I know this is a bit pricey but we have to included it on the basis of there being excellent baby food and children's menu options as well as excellent changing facilities including a private breast-feeding area. It is also a large space so prams and seating is never a problem and the children's menu items are all priced at 80p each so for them it's very reasonable as well as having a lot of adult options from soups, salads and crepes to artisan cupcakes and freshly ground coffee.


Milgi Bar, City Rd *This has now closed! - during the day they are very happy to accommodate babies, although I think they only have one or two high chairs and no real changing facilities but it's an amazing chilled out Art bar minus the pretentiousness serving super healthy vegetarian food and is on of my favourite bars in Cardiff

New York Deli, Arcades - they don't have a high chair but you can easily sit outside on the benches if you have a buggy. The staff always seem happy and ready to help and are young, fun and friendly and it's excellent value for money with hearty portions.

Norwegian church, Cardiff Bay - A nice little pit stop if you're planning to walk across the barrage from Cardiff Bay to Penarth. They served some really nice coffee and cakes and have high-chairs as well as free wifi. They too put on various classes and also have an art gallery upstairs which is well worth checking out while you are there.

Chapter Arts, Market Rd, Canton - excellent facilities, serves up some healthy food (I love the falafel) and always has something going one whether that be theatre, cinema, new art collection or various classes including baby classes.


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