The Heathcock

From the same stable as the renowned Hare & Hounds pub in the Vale of Glamorgan comes a Cardiff neighbourhood stalwart, The Heathcock, re-imagined as a destination dining place, with two lovely guest rooms upstair (and another three on the way).  The bar is still a terrific local hangout – just a couple of miles from the city centre, near the river in Llandaff – but an increasing number of visitors are making their way here to sample some of the best in contemporary regional Welsh cooking.

Food-wise, The Heathcock has garnered an excellent reputation for unpretentious, informal dining with a daily changing, seasonal menu that’s reasonably priced. David Killick and Tom Woodhams drive the expert kitchen team, creating thoughtful, zero-waste daily menus with locally, ethically sourced ingredients. Expertly presented and executed sharing dishes are popular here, with a tasty rotation of pies, Pembrokeshire oyster, succulent slow-cooked lamb shoulder, and whole Welsh baked seabass.

It’s not at all pretentious, with plenty of tables inside and out for drinkers just to turn up. Maintaining a neighbourhood pub feel is a priority here, and there are plenty of events to get involved in, from lively board game evenings to open mic and a popular quiz night. There’s regular live music,a nd on weekends , the late-night upstairs bar opens, serving a selection of charcuterie, cheese, old-world wines, champagne and a seasonal and carefully crafted Welsh-influenced cocktail menu.

Make a real night of it by staying in one of two charming en-suite guest rooms on the top floor. Room one has a contemporary country house with bold colour splashes, plush fabrics and flashes of exposed brick, plus a luxurious super-king bed, rain shower, roll-top bath and Nespresso machine.  Room two is larger and features scenic views over the green hills to Castle Coch. You’ll also find an additional seating area and an extra large bath – ideal for a post-dinner soak.Breakfast, of course, is a high point, with terrific produce from the bakery at their sister pub just outside town,  the Hare & Hounds, setting you right up for a day’s sightseeing or simply mooching around the capital.