Cardiff restaurant Nook has confirmed that its incredibly popular pop-up dining experience will be returning for 2022. Last year, the 'Nook by the River' pop-up sold out within minutes as the much-loved restaurant in Canton found an innovative way to continue trading after coronavirus restrictions were imposed.
The Michelin Guide restaurant had only been open for a matter of months before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Last May, with hospitality in Wales still limited to ‘outdoor opening only’ restrictions, the owners decided to move their kitchen and dining room from their Victoria Park spot into a 12 x 10m stretch tent on the bank of the River Taff.
With enough room to seat up to 35 socially distanced guests, the pop-up allowed customers to dine and drink next to the water, sampling seasonal small plates and sipping on a selection of natural wines. Either side of their reservations, customers were also able to enjoy a drink on Llandaff Rowing Club’s terrace next door.
You can read our review from last year here.
The pop-up is returning to the same location this summer but diners will have to be quick to book their spots. It proved so popular last year that table bookings for the entire four-week residency sold out within minutes of going on sale, prompting a frenzy of social media comments from customers hoping to take the place of any last-minute cancellations.
This year, sittings are available to book Wednesday to Sunday, from July 13 until August 7. Online reservations will go live at 10am on Monday, June 13. You can reserve your place here.
Specialising in small plates, local produce and natural wines, Nook quickly built a cult following after it opened in 2019 and soon became one of those places everyone seemed to be talking about. In January last year, the cosy spot made it into the Michelin Guide, the world's most influential food guide.
Founders Phill and Deb Lewis, who also own and operate Kindle sustainable restaurant in Cardiff city centre and Dusty’s Pizza restaurants across south Wales, said that the response to last year’s pop-up was so positive that they felt they had no choice but to bring it back for a second year.
“Even as we were packing up the temporary kitchen last year, we knew we’d be bringing Nook by the River back, only this time (hopefully) the weather will be even better!" said Phill. "It’s great to be working together with Llandaff Rowing Club again, and the location really is the perfect setting for the style of food we love to serve at Nook.”
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