10 Best Cardiff Bars For Students In 2023
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Cardiff, the Capital of Wales, is renowned for its abundant castles, for its numerous shopping arcades, for being one of the top 5 greenest cities in the UK, but also for its thriving nightlife.
Whether you’re heading out for a catch up over some cocktails with your besties, you’re off on a first date or celebrating a special occasion, Cardiff has plenty of bars that are ideal for students.
Within this guide you can discover the best Cardiff bars, so you can enjoy some late-night tipples, and with summer on the horizon, you may just find a new beer garden to frequent!
1. The Libertine Cocktail Bar
Up first within our guide to the best bars in Cardiff is The Libertine Cocktail Bar.
Located in the heart of the city centre on the High Street, this charming cocktail bar is the place to be for drinking in style with your favourite people.
You can pick your poison from the tarot card themed menu, which features an array of cocktails, beers, wines and more temping drinks to suit every taste.
When the weather is nice, their terrace area is perfect for sipping on some mouth-watering cocktails!
This beautifully decorated bar is open every day of the week until late, with live music on the weekends, so make sure to venture down.
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Address: 28 High St, Cardiff CF10 1PU
2. The Bootlegger
When it comes to drinking with your friends, The Bootlegger is always a favourite in the city.
You’ll be transported back in time at this independent cocktail bar and live music venue, with a Stylish American speakeasy vibe.
If you’re after a drinking spot which is worth shouting about, this popular spot serves world-class cocktails and craft beers with a soundtrack of jazz, swing, blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll to get those prohibition feels in full force!
For a good time, good drinks, and good company, this Cardiff 1920s themed bar is definitely one to check out.
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Address: 5A Womanby St, Cardiff CF10 1BR
3. Pennyroyal
If it’s a new local watering hole you’re yearning for, Pennyroyal should be at the top of your list.
Conveniently placed on Cardiff’s High Street, Pennyroyal is a trendy bar known for electric cocktails, curated spirits and a hip hop soundtrack which will get you grooving all night long.
This award-winning neighbourhood bar is kitted out in dark hipster interiors, and has pool tables so you can show off your competitive streak in a game with your friends.
They’re open from the early afternoon until late, which means you don’t have to worry about moving onto the next drinking den to get your night out sorted!
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Address: 22 High St, Cardiff CF10 1PT
4. Peppermint Bar
Boasting a well-curated menu of sophisticated cocktails, award winning wines and spirits, Detroit style pizzas and Japanese fried chicken, Peppermint Bar is a highlight on Cardiff’s bar scene.
Not only is it party central everyday of the week, they also have a Happy Hour deal running from Monday to Thursday where you can make the most of 2 for 1 cocktails until 8pm!
If that wasn’t all, they also do bottomless lunches where you can make the most of 2 hours of free flowing prosecco and enjoy 4 dishes for just under £40.
For enjoying some cocktails alfresco style, their outdoor terrace has a retractable roof and heaters so no matter if it’s rain or shine, the good times never have to stop.
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Address: 63 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1FE
5. Rum & Fizz
Whether you fancy a few drinks with your gang, or you’re wanting a full blown night on the town, Rum & Fizz is perfect for all your drinking needs.
Once you step inside this popular New-York style cocktail bar, you’ll be blown away by the cool interiors, with velvet-covered chairs, leafy plants, neon signs and stunning tiles.
After taking a snapshot for your Insta-story, you can feast your eyes on their huge drinks menu with over 250 rums to choose from, as well as bubbly and cocktails too – don’t be afraid to ask for your favourite.
Not to mention, they even have a secret garden area which is ideal for soaking up those rays, and there’s live music every Friday too!
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Address: Castle Arcade, Cardiff CF10
6. Ten Mill Lane
One of the best bars and clubs in Cardiff city centre, Ten Mill Lane is open until 6am from Thursday until Sunday so make sure to head on over if you want to let your hair down.
Famed for their creative cocktails, tasty street food and banging beats, this drinking den has quickly become one of the most popular spots for students and locals alike.
For some outdoor boozy fun, you can head to their terrace area which has heaters and covered seating so no matter the weather, you can have an experience to remember.
If you’re yet to have a night out at Ten Mill Lane, this is your sign to go and experience everything it has to offer!
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Address: 10 Mill Ln, Cardiff CF10 1FL
7. Gassy’s
If you’re looking for a bar in Cardiff where you can chill out with your friends over some drinks and pub grub, then Gassy’s will suit all your needs.
There’s always something going on at this Salisbury Road watering hole, with quiz nights, karaoke, retro-gaming machines, beer pong, pool and live music, as well as sports showings so you’ll never be bored when sinking into a couple of drinks.
For those feeling peck-ish after a few tipples, this student hangout caters for all with a street food influenced menu.
This place is pretty low-cost too so if you’re looking for a budget friendly evening, Gassy’s is your best bet.
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Address: 39-41 Salisbury Rd, Cardiff CF24 4AB
8. Brewhouse
At Cardiff’s number 1 live music and sports bar, you’re guaranteed an extensive selection of drinks, with an amazing atmosphere to match.
Brewhouse has a daily lineup of local bands with performances every night, as well as live sports showings so you can get in on the action.
If you’re feeling hungry, their menu is stacked with comfort foods like ribs, sliders, burgers and hot dogs so you’ll be in foodie heaven.
Grab a pint here for yourself and let the good times roll, fingers crossed the sun will be out so you can make the most of their terrace area!
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Address: The Hophouse, 49 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1AD
9. The Philharmonic
At The Philharmonic you can drink, dine and dance with 3 stunning floors offering something for everyone.
Situated on St Mary Street, this vibrant bar is open from 10am until 2am 7 days a week, so no matter if it’s a day drinking session, some evening tipples or a night partying you’re after, this place is a great go-to hangout.
They even have a VIP secret garden area which is available for bottomless brunches, buffets and large parties, so if you’re celebrating a special occasion, check it out.
Make sure to take advantage of their Happy Hour deal from 5pm until 9pm where you can get 2 for 1 on tons of different drinks!
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Address: 76-77 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1FA
10. Lab 22
Are you searching for a bar with a difference? Lab 22 is a firm favourite for students and locals alike in the Welsh capital.
This stylish bar tucked away on Caroline Street, is blowing it out the park when it comes to cocktail innovation, with a menu which has been crowned the world’s best!
It’s hard not to love this eclectically-styled cocktail bar, with unique drinks, an amazing atmosphere and friendly service.
Trust us, if a luxurious drinking experience is what you’re after, this is what you’ll get at Lab 22.
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Address: 22 Caroline St, Cardiff CF10 1FG
The city of Cardiff has rapidly become a lively and popular destination for students looking to have a good time with their friends, offering a variety of bars to splurge their student loan and make lasting memories.
If you’re studying in Cardiff come the next academic year, you should take a look at our luxury student accommodation to find the ideal place to call home!
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