17/8/2010

An enormous galley that sailed into Cardiff, The Terra Nova was anchored and over time the hub that we know as Cardiff Bay, was built around it and the boat became a pub... Of course I'm joking, but that is what it feels like in Terra Nova. Three levels of chunky wooden furniture, faux sails, balconies, barrels, boxes, rigging, busts and sofas make the experience somewhat of a theatrical adventure.

The drinks a fairly reasonable. In my opinion, the food is a little over priced for what it is, but its competitive considering  the prices that surround Terra Nova in the Bay's exclusive restaurants. It's nice to sit outside and eat, but watch out the gulls don't 'have your dinner away,' as we were warned by a concerned waitress.

The staff are pleasant and work quickly, its a busy bar sot hat factor makes it worth waiting to get served. Its casual girls, don't get too dressed up to go in there (subsequently, you get hassled by the older fellows.)

A nice pub.

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5/8/2010

Named after the expedition ship that sailed from the area a century ago, Terra Nova is one of those homey bars where you can enjoy yourself whether you're a human tumbleweed or shoulder-to-shoulder with evening revellers.

You can thank the imposing waters of Cardiff Bay, which offer spectacular views that complement good fare, good brew and good conversation.

For the most part, many locals know Terra Nova as Cardiff's most bustling seaside bar - it's nearly impossible to get a table on a Friday evening in the summer, but the lack of indoor and outdoor seating arrangements means a party-like atmosphere outside.  

If you're looking for a bar that offers bit of privacy, this is it - its complex, sprawling layout means you can hole yourself up in a corner or, if you and your friends want to relay some scandalous gossip, you can retreat to one of the rooms upstairs.

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20/7/2010 4 photos

Terra Nova is a contemporary pub-style establishment with a prime spot in Mermaid Quay, the most bustling part of Cardiff Bay, home to most of the area's trendiest restaurants and bars.

There is a long row of tables and chairs outside overlooking the water, making it a very popular drinking and eating spot on summer days.

It's also huge inside, though, with several floors decked out with dark wooden floors and comfortable leather sofas in a warm, pub-like environment, making it an equally pleasant wintertime drinking destination (if you can brave the freezing winds off the water to get there in the first place). If you head upstairs, you get some great views out over the water and long the Bay's skyline.

Prices for food and drinks are about average for the Bay area, and while the food is not exceptional it's also tasty enough and is served up in generous portions.

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16/7/2010

This is a very pleasant and cosy bar on Cardiff Bay waterfront, the perfect place to head into when the weather's turned a bit sour.

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29/3/2010

Terra Nova, also known as the 'Hobbits cave' to my lovely and I. Not because it's full of small hairy footed people, but due to it's labyrinth like layout. There are several floors in the cosy/metropolitan bar, with comfy couches sprawled over the homely, warm pub. It overlooks the Bay too and is a great view if you get a seat next to the window.

Prices are the usual city prices of £3+ a pint such as Carling, Stella etc. The food however is reasonably priced and is what makes me come back time after time. Great portions and I can't recommend the Nachos here enough. The whole bowl is made of Nachos with the chili residing inside with all the trimmings. For some strange reason, we are always told that food is a 45 minute wait. That is if it's a busy valentines day or a quiet Sunday with hardly anyone there. Strange as they've said this every time and it's not cool when your stomach is growling at you and you are getting tipsy on your lager shandy...

As the summer is soon approaching (For the love of all things holy, please be soon) this place will defiantly be a great place to visit, check it out.

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24/3/2010

Cardiff Bay is fantastic during the summer because of the crowds, the buzz and the alfresco dining. Terra Nova provides a great venue in the heart of Mermaid Quay on the waterfront to watch the world go by with a cold beer. However, I think where this place really comes in to it's own is during the colder months. The Bay is such a vibrant space during the summer but as soon as the temperature drops the crowds filter away and the usually bright pubs and restaurants are reduced to shells of their former selves. Terra Nova is a cosy haven decked out with rich dark wood and huge leather sofas perfect for stopping by to have a bourbon and a hushed conversation. It's a very versatile place to say the least, the food is good, not great but good. Tasty and reasonably priced. I had a seafood pasta and had no complaints, it didn't blow my socks off but if I was looking for fine dining I'd have hopped a few doors down. This is a place that serves classic pub food with a contemporary twist,
This summer, Terra Nova will burst back into life, the outdoor tables will be filled with happy punters and there will be infinite cold pints. Just do me a favor and promise not to forget it when winter rolls around.

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8/3/2009

ENORMOUS Brains pub in Cardiff Bay. Somehow the enormity of the place isn't too much of a drawback. Great view of the bay from upstairs. Good selection of quite good pub food. Large tables and big comfy leather couches. On summer days, the limited outdoor seating fills up quick, but if you're one of the lucky ones there is no better place to spend an afternoon.

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