The Alchemist in Cardiff

I visited in Autumn 2024, having the entire restaurant to myself for a few cocktails. The staff were welcoming and engaging through the night, accommodating custom drink requests and offering good banter. I would recommend and visit again.

Went twice with my bridal party and then secondly with my fiance. Food was amazing and service matched it!

Best brunch around.Fabulous cocktails, which are like a school laboratory experiment, food very substantial and super efficient friendly staff.We will be back soon.

The moment I stepped into this cocktail bar, I was captivated by the atmosphere. The dim lighting, comfortable leather chairs, and elegant bar illumination created a sophisticated vibe. The music playing in the background perfectly complemented the ambiance, set at a volume that allows for conversation while adding a pleasant touch to the setting. The menu is impressively rich and creative, offering unique cocktails that you won’t easily find at other bars. I tried a cocktail called Pipe Dream, and I found that the chocolate notes paired beautifully with the smoky Laphroaig 10 Year Old. I’ve never had a cocktail with this whisky that tasted so good before. One of the most remarkable aspects of this bar is the stylish presentation. The choice of glassware, the smoky effects, and the meticulous details make the experience feel special and sophisticated. Additionally, the availability of non-alcoholic cocktail options is a great touch, ensuring that there’s something enjoyable for everyone. If you’re looking to try distinctive and high-quality cocktails, I highly recommend this bar.

The servers were amazing and helpful, the drinks were worth the money and the presentation was amazing, the food was good. It is a little pricey but overall a lovely place for a date night.

Delicious food, cool drinks, top service

Amazing! Very thoughtful with presentation and service throughout, the food complemented the drinks very well. Had a fabulous time!!

The best food in UK. Amazing! Food for the soul❤️

My friends organised a bottomless brunch here for my birthday and overall it was very nice, though unfortunately they weren't allowed to put up any balloons or even a banner for me. It took quite a while to get our first drink, which can be quite annoying when there's a time limit, but after that service was good. The food was very nice, and the cocktails were excellent. I would definitely be back again for food or drinks.

My wife and I were students in Cardiff and we had a trip down memory lane and took a trip along the main drag. Great music and a great atmosphere here. Liked the look of some of the cocktails on offer and being made for other punters....I was a little boring and stuck to glasses of red wine.

I was on a one-day trip in Cardiff and came across this bar/restaurant. The exterior looked interesting so we went there for dinner and it did not disappoint. I was completely blown away - from the interior design of the place, the atmosphere, the staff, the drinks and the food. First off the staff were very friendly and provided excellent service. We came with our dog and they accommodated for that, although it is not a typical scene I recommend brining a dog to as the music is a little above average volume. The staff were friendly throughout and the service was very fast and efficient. The food itself was divine and the presentation looked super pro. The drinks come with a small show of alchemy and are a spectacle worth seeing. All in all this restaurant is now at the top of my list in all of the UK. 5 stars!

If you are looking for something different, this place has some amazing tasting and dramatic cocktails

Visited the alchemist last week with a friend and loved it! We originally went for cocktails but couldn’t resist ordering some food and desserts as their menu offers many enticing dishes that all sounded appetizing! My friend and I opted for the “french-dip steak sandwich” and the “chocolate cookie s’mores” for dessert. Both turned out to be great choices as they were delicious and we ended up being super full. For the cocktails we opted for the oysters, tried one aperitivo and one cosmic oyster each to start and then had the “bubblebath” and “colour changing one” cocktails. The staff was very friendly, welcoming and accommodating to our wants and needs, asked for any food allergies and offered helpful information and tips relating to our food and beverages. The interior is also stunning, especially loved the bar as a fellow bartender. Highly recommend!

Very much focused on 'drinks as an experience.' These are specialty cocktails, often pre-mixed. Have your camera ready for dry ice effects, smoke, swirling colors, and more. Come and let the staff walk you through the menu: Each Alchemist is a little different. Food is good with awareness of dietary restrictions. Decor is very fun. Journey to the rest-rooms seems like its own occult adventure.

Staff are fabulous, helpful, happy and friendly. Cocktails are really good fun, even the non-alcoholic ones! Was there on a Saturday lunch time, so wasn't too busy. The food, especially the side dishes weren't super hot. One main meal that was supposed to be "smoking" was offered to be taken back by waiter (as it usually smokes more..?!). Really tasty and inventive though. Will be back. Thank you.

After booking initially for food, we were unable to attend our booking due to traffic issues on our trip. Luckily, we managed to still go for drinks. There was a DJ when we arrived, which was a nice surprise. The waitress we met was honesty such a lovely girl. She was very helpful and fun to talk to. We had a great couple of cocktails and she spoke about them well and we really enjoyed our first dry ice cocktails. Very affordable around £11 each

Had a fabulous night with the cocktail master class. Our barman couldn’t have been more helpful and funny. Definitely made the night extra special

We’re locals to Cardiff and have been on many nights out here. We were enjoying date night and decided to go to the alchemist for a few drinks. This is no bad review to the place itself, but the doorman. The bouncer rudely stopped me and my partner entering asking for ID, which for myself is completely fine but my partner is 38 years old and covered in tattoos. Upon asking if he’s serious as he has never had an issue the bouncer you could tell was power hungry and told us try elsewhere you won’t get in. We in fact got in everywhere else not asked at all. Long story short, doorman was rude and turning away custom unnecessarily. Reccomend getting a new one.

Night security at the door should be demoted to toilet watcher. Entered last night to buy a drink but wanted to wash my hands first, cinderella here came running and said i need to buy a drink first and take it with me to the toilet or leave it at the bar? Started getting aggressive with me when i told him hes off his nut and tried to push me, unfortunately for him i was 3 times his size.Guy seriously needs to find a direction in life.

Excellent through and through! Thank you Tameka (even though she didn't know about the pimms!),Tom,Kayleigh and the rest of the crew for making it a memorable and enjoyable experience! Excellent food,drinks recommended were excellent! Definitely recommend anyone going there for a taste explosion. Thank you

We headed to cardiff for a concert and got a recommendation to go here. It didnt disappoint, they had a wide selection of cocktails to choose from and many a eye stopping showcase ones. The prices were reasonable for the drink sizes. Food was delicious and was served quickly. Although it states on the booking you get 1hr 15 mins at your table we didnt feel rushed. Service was good. 10% tip is added to the bill automatically but can be reversed if requested.

We popped in on a pub crawl liked it 👍

Lovely drinks and a beautiful experience, the smoke of the drinks is fantastic

Has a few drinks, generally OK. Old fashioned was the worst I've ever had, didn't complain til we had another round. Mentioned the plastic in the glass and missing ingredients, barman was a total knob of butter and can't accept a criticism. Other drinks were lovely though, and other staff were nice. Toilets are a nuisance to find.

Not great overall. The menu seemed to be exciting. Food or otherwise, doesn't compete with flight club or even adjacent bars

Everything was slightly disappointing. Reminded me of an upmarket burger restaurant with decor modelled on Cosy Club.

The manager and all staff here so lovely. Extra helpful and happy to get four of us in wheelchairs in and assist. Great atmosphere drinks and evening. Disabled toilet was broken but hopefully fixed now but manager was very kind in offering to assist to use neighbours. Portable ramp as well!! Love that. Thank you so much!

I loved my experience today. We visited for a hen brunch, didn’t go exactly to plan as the waiter accidentally tipped 4 glasses of Prosecco on me but oh my goodness the service was amazing, such attentive staff and management, I couldn’t ask for any more. Before this the cocktails and food were fabulous. I would highly recommend, such a lovely atmosphere and unique experience.

Terrible from start to finish. I was advised to go to this bar for good cocktails and they were average at best. My friend and I tried 3 each and they all bad. Too much sugar and very watered down. They go for flashy service with smoke and dry ice but no substance. Food was not good as well. Just bland. But I am mostly upset about cocktails.

Came here to celebrate New Year's and had an fantastic time. Our server was very hospitable and had a wonderful attitude. The drinks we ordered were just right. The low-light ambience and music heightened the atmosphere on the night! Kudos to the Alchemist team!

Apart from being a little slow for serving, as the drinks are quite a job to make, everything else was first class. And if I could give you 10 stars I would. As soon as I walked in with my walking stick, the hostess came straight over and told me about the disabled facilities and if I needed anything special to let her know. As a venue, I can tell you this is a true rarity. Would highly, highly recommend.

Fascinating cocktails reasonably priced. Bar staff friendly and efficient. Only complaint we had was that the lady on the door desk was very reluctant to allow one of our party (who had mobility problems), access to the disabled toilet.

It was my 2nd visit, in a couple on months time wise. We did the 3 cocktails & brunch option. Didn’t get offered to go bottomless this time but did on the first.Food tasty but cold, ordered an extra toast but then had to go and ask for butter, also portion of hash browns but they were forgotten eventually came out piping hot but rest if meal finished. Had to send beans back on first visit too as stone cold. Drinks very impressive, Service was ok but nothing exceptional as kept bring us drinks for other tables , will go back again but need to ensure food comes out hot.

A must-visit place for very good, surprising cocktails. A visual treat due to the preparation and a taste treat

We love the Alchemist. But visiting on a Friday evening was not great for us. It was very sensory overwhelming and not suitable for all of our party sadly. Too much shrieking from fellow drunken guests meant for an uncomfortable meal. Staff did what they could but a quieter area was not possible.

Lucy is good at recommending drinks and an amazing bartender as well. It was a lovely experience for someone visiting The Alchemist Cardiff for the first time. I hope to be back again and getting served by Lucy!!

Just WOW! We went to visit The Alchemist for a night out with food and cocktails. We were not disappointed! The cocktail menu was expansive and had lots of variety for all tastes. Lots of theatre with the cocktails that added to the experience for everyone at the table. They were all pretty fairly priced for what you would expect to pay (£10+). The food was really good too. A nice variation on the menu depending on how you feel. Service was 95% incredible, with smiles and patience perfectly executed (all except for the one miserable lady, but she could have been having a bad evening..). I would definitely visit here again with friends. Recommend ✅

We always love the alchemist (most locations) and we really enjoyed the Cardiff venue. Great atmosphere and great drinks as usual. Thanks

Friends birthday party, all staff were wonderful. Drinks were very nice and professional. Given the price you can understand why, its something very different but well worth the money

Good cocktails and great Asian food. There are steps to the entrance, but they have a ramp available for disabled customers. The ramp is very long and not too steep, and also supports lots of weight (suitable for an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter).

Very enjoyable meal & amazing cocktail

Headed down here to meet friends who were visiting the city. While I understand being ID’ed on the door, having the bartender once again ask for ID (having just watched us walk in) was an odd choice. The lack of conversation or welcoming atmosphere made us feel a bit on edge with the experience. Drinks are fine, but don’t taste if they have been made with the full quality. A lot of it appears to be to “show off” rather than the quality of the drink. While a good central location is great, I would not rush back in search of properly made cocktails.

Booking a table waste of time late giving your table. As so as your last mouthfull is gone they ask you to leave. Food is only average so don't waste your money

Beautiful bar, good music, and easy to get a table. It wasn’t overly busy, but still took 20 minutes to get a drink, mainly due to waiting to get service.

A swanky venue without being pretentious. Fine cocktails and a great atmosphere with subdued lighting. No attitude or gangsters, friendly staff and although we don’t eat, the food looked and smelt good. A lovely chilled out place.

Great atmosphere, excellent cocktails!

Lovely food, great service the jaffa cupcake cocktail was a fave 😋

Absolutely fantastic food such good service lovely environment Great drinks the atmosphere was fab. The quality of the food was excellent as were the portion sizes

My friends and I came here on our trip for a few drinks. We had seen a lot about the place on social media, and it certainly lived up to expectations. We had both alcoholic and non alcoholic cocktails, all of which were lovely. The server who made our cocktails was so friendly, we chatted about music as we watched her make the drinks, she was so kind and made us feel so welcome!!! I wish I had asked for her name so I could include it in this review.

Drinks are great and a good theatrical experience.

Had a great time! Food was delicious! Friendly staff! Would definitely be coming back again!

Really disappointed to come to my favourite bar on my own for a few drinks and get turned away at the door by the security guard insisting that he could not let me in on my own. I live in a city where the Alchemist isn’t based and every time I am around one I love to stop by. You lost yourself a loyal customer. Congrats.

Some very strange cocktails well worth a look and service was good not much atmosphere but it was a Wednesday night, beware of the toilets!

It was amazing night out on Thursday , great bar with classy and fabulous vibes , thanks to the professional bartender Matt .

Nice menu did not like the serving dish for the chicken in a basket! So difficult to eat from a metal shape egg basket holder! Looked effective but not practical at all, My chicken batter was very hard but the chicken was nice. Drinks were OK had a mojhito and didnt really taste very strong as it had way too much ice but had a raspberry ripple and that was nice. When we finally got in to eat the service was good, it was Very loud in the main dinning area. Personally I thought it was quite expensive but good novelty idea for the cocktails. Would try it again but definately go with a different food and drink option.

5 Chicken selects in a wired hen shaped basket designed for your grandmothers two dozen egg stash. If you want your elbow to partake in Pilates whilst trying to fork some coleslaw out of said basket and into your gob then giv a go. If you want decent grub - Giv a miss.

Booked a table for 9 people for a work Christmas meal. Tried ordering drinks from the bar to be told that the 2 drinks I would have wanted I couldn’t have as they didn’t have enough glasses. Asked for a coke instead but then a glass magically appeared. It looked good but tasted vile, like neat lemon cordial. When we were seated, the dining area was so loud, music playing very loud, that everyone had to shout therefore contributing to an even louder room. The set menu was very limited. The cheddar a shrimp toastie was very greasy, more like fried bread. The turkey in a basket was ok but not very hot. Servers were friendly but were all stood around. All in all a very disappointing evening

Fantastic food..had the Christmas menu and it was amazing..cocktails were good.a bit on the expensive side but really enjoyed..our waitress was lovely.sorry couldn't remember her name.would highly recommend this place.thanks for a great experience

Our first visit, a group of 12 friends travelling from Swansea for a pre-show dining experience. We arrived on time to a busy restaurant full of vibe and vitality. The service and hospitality was second to none. 10 out of 10 on accounts. We will definitely be making future visits.

I was looking for a place to warm up and happened to have my dog at the time, luckily it was dog-friendly. The hostess was really welcoming and helpful, and even gave my dog a bowl of water. The food and atmosphere, also amazing with possibly the best hot chocolate I've tasted. Thanks for the great service!

Such a cool experience. Its very busy and you have a wait for being served at the bar, but this is purely because the bar people are making each drink carefully and it is well worth the wait. I ordered the "French kiss" which came topped with meringue and a fake tongue and honestly it was gorgeous! My friends ordered different drinks and were very happy with their choices. There was plenty of music playing, a great atmosphere, and really lovely staff.

Had a lovely evening here this weekend, great drinks, great atmosphere and our sever Tia was very lovely, chatty and attentive and made the evening special.

Loved this place. Cocktails are to die for. You see the cocktail makers in action too. Pricy but worth it!! Superb place.

Nice place! Very friendly staff and their drinks are great. Definitely a good spot to have a nice chat. Drinks can be quite slow unfortunately..

Off the wall funky and unusual cocktails, served in very quirky drinking vessels! We just opted for a normal drink but the cocktail menu was interesting to read. Next time we will indulge. Friendly staff, clean tidy and relaxing place to have a drink.

I found the noise level painful. We had to shout to hear each other. The drinks and food were excellent though.

Always a spectacle, not as busy as when it first opened so its easier to get a table and enjoy a good cocktail with plenty of theatrics and dry ice, not too pricey considering that some of the other chain dives charge just one or 2 pounds less for a pink gin and tonic, so it's definitely more about quality that quantity, more talking points per drink that most places and a good atmosphere.

The cocktail bar’s dry ice concoctions were a highlight, impressing both visually and on the palate. The mesmerizing presentation and delightful flavors made the experience truly exceptional, offering a memorable and enjoyable evening.

Excellent, staff brilliant from the doormen to the manager who all made us very welcome Cocktails amazing and the staff suggestions were spot on Our experience was that good we went back for breakfast next day Made our weekend in Cardiff very memorable and will definitely be returning asap Thank you everyone Paul and Kim see you soon

Me and my friend came into the alchemist for a couple drinks on a random Monday. Felt Thoroughly welcomed by Alice who was at the hostess stand and the staff behind the bar couldn’t be more helpful when recommending and making our drinks. Will be back!!!

Amazing venue, the staff are so friendly and amazing cocktails!! Food is also a 10/10 if I could give more stars i would!

Reserved a private booth for a few drinks after our meal on a busy Saturday evening Very cleverly made and tasty cocktails

A perfect place for a casual date. Although it is overpriced, it’s definitely worth it for some fun and funky cocktails. We went for a few drinks and it was amazing to see everyone’s different drinks. We often asked others what theirs was so we could try it and it opens up conversation between you and others which was nice. It was filled with friends and couples just having a good time. I would definitely go again!

Great atmosphere for a Friday night the DJ was great cocktails were lovely quick service at the bar

I loved this place!! I loved the ambiance and the crew is so friendly! Cocktails are really great. I loved the French kiss 😘. I’m sad not leaving here and come back to this place often. Thanks a lot

Very smart looking joint, I'll be honest it's not cheap but nice to visit once in a while. 4 cocktails cost nearly £50, the presentation was good mind and would go back again. Very nice looking place I have to say.

Great evening spent here. Staff really attentive. Thankyou Georgia you made our evening. We had cocktails and small bites which were delicious. Great recommendation for a different night out

The staff at the alchemist are 5* Lewis bartender goes about and beyond every time we go there. Lucy also went about and beyond was amazing with the children. Highly recommend

Great menu with lots of choice, really friendly staff and delicious food. We will be back… thanks 😊

Went here for a dessert and cocktail and both were delivered with fantastic theatrics. All staff provided an excellent service.

Love, love, love this cocktail bar - one of the best in Cardiff. Decent cocktails 👌🏻 We booked a table free of charge in the bar area, so no worries about standing all night. Great atmosphere.

Amazing and dramatic cocktails - quick service and fun atmosphere.

Six of us visited before during overnight stay in Cardiff,3 mothers,3 daughters. I (mother) just had a chicken flatbread thing and Diet Coke-my bill came to £14:50,paid by card. Discovered,next day,I had been charged £40:50!!!! “Joe”(manager?) stated I had paid for somebody’s else in party too-NOT TRUE, 2 others paid correct amount by card. My daughter was last to pay cash. I can only assume waitress misheard me for £40:50 when I said £14:50 and when totted up total “assumed” part of the last cash payment was a tip🤷‍♀️Anyway,rant over-I didn’t get my £26 refund as I wasn’t,obviously,believed. Be aware and be careful if you visit-I never will again or recommend to anybody. Food was ok,cocktails more style over substance.

Beautiful and magical place, fascinating and tasteful cocktails and great food. Would definitely recommend it.

Great cocktail, very nice location, great service! Special thanks to Fen (hope I got it write)... Professional kind and acknowledged in the field 😁 definitely will be back

Fab bar and fast service. It was pouring with rain and we were heading opposite to flight club. Lovely door man James walked our party over 2 by 2 with his large umbrella. We were so thankful. Amazing service

Expensive but 100% best value for money. Delicious drinks.

Great concept, but the staff did not leave me with the best impression. I waited approximately 5 minutes before anyone came to direct me where to sit. When I was directed I was not told I would have to go to the bar to order my drink. Now the place was not even a quarter full so no reason for delays. The presentation of the drink was not as fun as I envisioned it and maybe it was because the bartender had made a drink wrong prior and was mentally distracted. The fries were nothing special. Honestly, I was hoping to have many drinks and buy their drink recipe book, but I felt a lack of joy and so I took off after my first drink.

Very friendly and helpfull staff. Food was awfull. A sirloin steak for 22 pounds was a selection of three pieces of see through meat cooked to oblivion while I asked for pink. The salad my wife had was not good too. Uninspirational bowl of green lettuce with some chicken, chunks of feta and ketchup laced flatbread. Once again the Alchemist failed to turn lead into gold. Cocktails where nice though.

My favourite cocktail bar with exellent staff and friendly bouncers.

Where to start the cocktail are on anther level it was my second time visiting here and they didn't disappoint at all, there cocktail are a must see pulse try

A great place with a really vibrant atmosphere. The cocktail menu is extensive and the staff are really efficient and talented. The whole building and even the toilets seem very historical and beautiful.

Attended for a meal prior to the Coldplay concert. We’d booked in advance and were pleased to be seated in an area set away from the bar which was quieter and more relaxed. Our food was ok - the seaweed crisps for starter were particularly good - but the portion sizes were pretty average. Food was fine but nothing ‘wow’ about it. Two faults with the service: - firstly, we were rushed. I appreciate it was an event day but to be told an hour into our stay and while still waiting for our desserts that we’d need to leave in half an hour was quite unprofessional. It didn’t stop there as after eating our desserts 15 minutes later we were told they needed the table (despite at least 5 empty tables around us)! - secondly, the “optional” service charge is automatically added to the bill. Fair enough for a big party but I thought it was a bit cheeky for a table of 2 in a rushed environment. There was nothing special about the food, service or ambience that calls for me to return or recommend.

I waited 20 min in front of the bartender to leave without having a drink! He served everyone that arrived and he just ignored me and my friends. I would say NEVER EVER GO HERE. When I entered I thought was empty. And then after seeing how you can’t get a drink I totally understood why. The drinks looks nice but who knows what is the taste when you can’t have a drink in 20min. Go to The Libertines, 2 min walk from Here and the staff is 100% better.

Just WOW. Visited on Saturday, having not been in a while. The most knowledgeable bartenders I’ve met in a long time and the drinks were exquisite!

Came to the Alchemist to celebrate a birthday and the service did not disappoint! The drinks ( though a bit pricey) were worth the show and the staff were fantastic and kept the high class chilled vibes going into the evening. Thank you Alex, Anton and team for a fantastic evening!

*Music way to loud *Very dark in restaurant area and toilet area *we were a big party and we were sat on 2 different tables which wasn't very nice as couldn't all be together. One table has there food before the other and also the...

We went for a family birthday party. We loved the strange cocktails were great and the food delicious. The staff were very attentive and so helpful. Really enjoyed it.

Waited half an hour to get one cocktail, which was was ok. Shame, as I was really looking forward to going here. Much better cocktail places nearby. Menu was almost impossible to read in the low light, had to take photo on phone.

Called in for a pre-dinner drink. It was fairly quiet and had no atmosphere at all, There was also a slightly odd odour which I couldn't identify - not cleaning stuuf, not cooking ... really not sure.