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 three lovely guest rooms upstairs. 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, and 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 three 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. Room three is equally stylish, with similar amenities to the others. 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.