As the flowers begin to bloom and trees begin to bud, spring is just around the corner bringing with it some exciting new foodie openings in Wales. From bakeries to coffee shops to steak restaurants there'll be way more delicious options to choose from as the nights get lighter.
2023 has already seen the opening of Karen's Diner in Newport, you can read the review here, and The Welsh House in Cardiff, which you can read more about here. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
There is still lots more in store for 2023 and here are the foodie restaurants and shops opening in spring 2023 in Wales. If we've missed one out, please let us know by emailing stephanie.colderick@walesonline.co.uk
Black Sheep Coffee - Cardiff
Although it might feel like fans of Black Sheep Coffee have been waiting a long time to open on Wood Street in Cardiff, they have confirmed they will finally be firing up the bean grinders in spring 2023. This will be Black Sheep Coffee's first shop in Wales and the company offers a range of signature drinks, a coffee bean subscription and Norwegian waffles. You can read more here.
West Pizza - Cardiff
They currently serve huge and delicious pizza slices in Kongs and The Underdog, West Pizza is moving to a permanent base. They will be serving out the new Laundry Quarter which is opening in Pontcanna.
The Laundry Quarter is set to be a collection of spaces to live, eat, shop and meet and will include retailers like Alex Gooch and streetwear shop Cwfl among others.
Popeyes Chicken - Cardiff
A new fast-food restaurant, Popeyes Chicken is opening in Cardiff. Founded in Louisiana over 50 years ago, Popeyes offers a selection of chicken products including fried chicken sandwiches, hot wings and tenders, as well as American-inspired sides and sweet treats. Their latest UK branch is set to open in a vacant unit in St John Street in Cardiff city centre that has been left empty for years and will open on Thursday, March 23. You can read more here.
TwentySix - Cardiff
TwentySix an all-day café, bar and street food venue is coming to Canton's The Bone Yard at the end of February. The venue promises to host all-day brunches and speciality coffee from 8am Wednesday through to Sunday in one of the site's eye-catching shipping containers.
Gaucho - Cardiff
Gaucho, a chain of steak restaurants, has announced that its first Welsh site will open in May at the former All Saints shop on The Hayes in Cardiff. The new restaurant, branding for which was spotted earlier this year, will sit across two storeys and will have the option to exclusively hire out one of the floors for special occasions. With a glamorous cocktail bar taking up the centre of the restaurant, there are also two private dining rooms to hire out for more intimate occasions.
The Pie Box - Cardiff
The Cardiff-based vegan business, The Pie Box, is opening its first permanent store in Cardiff. The business, which sells delicious vegan pies and cakes, used to only appear at food markets, food festivals and for private hire and it will now have its own store. The store will open on Tudor Street in Riverside where the location is currently being used as a prep kitchen for The Pie Box and they hope to open within the next months.
Bubble CiTea - Cardiff
Opening its first Welsh branch is the bubble tea cafe Bubble CiTea. It will serve up variations of the Taiwanese tea-based beverage which has dominated high streets in recent years. The drink, also known as boba tea, is made by blending tea with milk, fruit or fruit juices and adding chewy tapioca balls.
Bubble CiTea will open in St David's shopping centre in a unit previously occupied by Yankee Candle. While an opening date is yet to be revealed, hoarding has been erected outside the unit promising that the tea store is 'coming soon'.
Coppa Club - Cardiff
Restaurant and bar chain Coppa Club, which describes its restaurants as "clubhouse[s] for anyone, anytime", will open its first venue in Wales on The Hayes. Taking over the old Moss Bros site, the new Coppa Club, which will be known as The Cardiff Townhouse and the premises will be open from 9am until midnight from Sunday to Thursday and, from Friday to Saturday, the sale of alcohol will be allowed at the restaurant until midnight. It will stay open until half past midnight on these two days.
Cora and Jackson's - Cardiff
Well known and well loved chef Lee Skeet is relocating his popular 12-seater restaurant, Cora and also opening a second venture below the restaurant - Jackson's, named after his child, much like Cora. The new Cora and Jackson's will open in Duke Street arcade and will open on Saturday, February 25.
Giggling Squid - Cardiff
Thai tapas restaurant Giggling Squid is opening in Cardiff city centre. The almost 50-strong chain was founded in 2002 by husband and wife team Pranee and Andy Laurillard. Dishes on the expansive menu, which is divided into tapas, starters, ‘from the water’, ‘from the land’, stir-fries, curries and noodles include turmeric grilled squid with garlic, mah kwan pepper pork belly, and betel leaf, ginger and lime salmon. Giggling Squid will open on The Hayes in spring 2023.
And here are a few openings outside Cardiff
Juniper Place and Old Havana - Swansea
'Exciting new brands' are on their way to Juniper Place and Old Havana in Swansea. The two bars shut suddenly at the start of the year, after announcing a temporary closure.
A statement on the Juniper Place Facebook page said: "We’re temporarily closed while we carry out extensive improvements and an exciting refurbishment to the venue. We’ve had the best 5 years making memories with you all, it’s time for a change More news pending…"
It said the venue would re-open on March 23. There was a similar post on the Old Havana Facebook page, although that post said: "The venue will be back open in time for SPRING on the terrace, more news pending..."
Ty Melin, Abergavenny
Well-loved bakery Ty Melin, known for their croissant bombs and delicious bread, are opening their third sit in Abergavenny. They are hoping to open in April and said on their Instagram: "Team TMB are looking forward to welcoming you in Abergavenny!"
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