The Dead Canary in Cardiff

Came for a private work event. Staff friendly and helpful, good cocktails!

Having just moved to Cardiff, we’ve been wanting to discover a new cocktail bar to become our local go to. Thankfully, after a great recommendation we visited The Dead Canary and were blown away with the quality and welcoming atmosphere. Hidden away is this fantastic, spacious, cocktail bar that serves a fantastic drinks menu. Each have there own unique story! Upon being welcomed in, myself and my partner felt like we’ve been coming to this bar for ages. Both the host and the bartender were chatty and super friendly. Bit shoutout to Adam who welcomed us to Cardiff and gave us some expert advice on what drinks were what! We can’t wait to return here as soon as possible! Would highly recommend others head down as well!

Wonderful drinks, friendly staff and lovely atmosphere

Amazing place with friendly staff and mind blowing cocktails....hard to find the entrance to the place though

Ok so the drinks are. Amazing, loads of fun and different options. The food was ok only little snacky things, they were good quality but don't think it was ideal for the price, if you want something to snack on just get one as our table got a few. They also have a few wine options if cocktails are not your thing. Finally the staff there are amazing and super helpful. It's a cool experience and environment so will def be going back there...oh did I mention it's a jazz bar! So while I not experienced it yet I be going back for live music 🎵

A classic speakeasy vibe with a fun mythological twist on the cocktail theme. Well worth tracking down and exploring.

Have visited many times but most recently between Christmas and New Year. Simply put, it is the best bar in Cardiff. Speakeasy style with wildly clashing but achingly cool decor. Eclectic mix of equally cool tunes played at the perfect volume- you can speak and be heard easily without hearing the table next to you, creating an intimate atmosphere. The cocktails are expertly made, beautifully presented and taste delicious. Don't expect to buy a Jug of a pink, fruity and largely tasteless 'cocktail ' for £15- go to Weatherspoons if that's what you're after. You are paying for the finest ingredients, beautifully served by people who genuinely seem to care about giving you something you'll enjoy. Pick from the innovative menu (Drinks made to represent Welsh folklore , with a fabulous story for each drink), ask for a surprise or pick a classic, nothing seems to phase them. Can't image a visit to Cardiff without spending (and occasionally losing) an evening in The Dead Canary. Always worth booking because, as you would expect, it is popular!

The determinant of a quality cocktail bar in my view are... The bartender and his mood..simplistic menu... I think this place got it wrong on both places The cocktails didn't have a feeling of alcohol being in them I had to order an old fashioned after to feel the alchohol hit. I wanted it witj nikka by the barrel (like Zuma makes it). Comment from the bartender was it's not a good choice.... Lol

This place is very cool. If you don't know where it is, the birdcage on the outside is the only clue. This is an American prohibition era speakeasy, where they serve the best cocktails in Cardiff. The staff are amazing, very knowledgeable and passionate about the place and we felt well looked after. The atmosphere is perfect, with quirky decor and comfy relaxed seating and music and lighting at the right level, that allows you to be in a room full of people but still be in your own private space. They will make you any cocktail, but the menu of their own cocktails, inspired by welsh legends, is a brilliant touch. We weren't sure what to try, but our host was able to give us recommendations based on what drinks we like and they were spot on. The 3 that we tried in our 2-hour tineslot were great, with lots of thought going into the presentation. It's not cheap, but for how good it was, I still found it good value for money. Not somewhere you would go every week, but definitely for special occasions. So for a unique drinking experience in South Wales, you won't beat this.

Very niche, unique bar. Amazing cocktails. Super expensive though! Excellent service. However you'll need a torch for the toilets.

Speakeasy style bar which is well worth a visit, if you know where to find it 😉 Wide selection of signature cocktails, fine whiskey and other spirits served by friendly a knowledgeable team.

Very nice venue if you just want to relax have a conversation and drink some really good cocktails. Nice staff as well.

I don't know why the bar doesn't provide wifi, when I asked the clerk they said they didn't have this service, and the cocktail weren't recommended according to my request, not a good experience.

This hidden gem in Cardiff is a must visit. A speakeasy with a hidden door. Cocktails are great. The decor and ambience is cool.

Like all good cocktail bars, you pay a premium for the drinks. Reasons to visit the Dead Canary are many. Certainly, the cocktails are very good and served in a creative way. The menu, however, is incredible. It's a book that gives the history and thought behind each drink, well worth a read. The interior is comfortable and very nicely designed, more of a speakeasy feel than modern cocktail bar. It's a place that does not advertise it's presence, hidden away down a side street with no signage to reveal it's location. This adds a feeling of exclusivity. Definitely worth a visit, but book in advance as they do get a busy.

We didn’t have any food, hence no stars for food. But everything else was perfect! Drinks were delicious, atmosphere was fantastic and even the music playlist was 10/10. Bar staff were friendly, attentive and helpful. Would definitely come back!

Awesome place with great atmosphere, quirky decor and friendly staff. Cocktails are brilliant and bartenders can cater for alterations to the ingredients of your beverage! Love this place, great to start or finish your night out

Didn't have food. The drinks, and illustrations drawn to go with them, were lovely! Amazing atmosphere, really quirky, loved the whole set up.

Awesome awesome awesome! More on the pricier end but definitely worth a visit. It feels like you're part of some secret when you come here. The drinks are absolutely fantastic and the lore behind them makes it really cool. The venue is stunning and the staff are fantastic. One of the few 5 star places in Cardiff! I'd highly recommend this as a date ide

Very nice cocktail place with a great character ☺️

Awesome speak easy nestled in the heart of Cardiff. The staff are well informed on the menu, the the ming of both the drinks and the bar are wonderful, and always tasty and worthwhile drinks

Love the concept and they did great to accommodate something off the menu. The mythology aspect is awesome

Interesting cocktail bar tucked out of the way, gothic decor fun stories behind all the cocktails and all served with a smile

Best cocktails in town! Great staff and a fantastic playlist - a fantastic evening

Lovely bar with a great atmosphere. The lady who was serving us was great as well. She recommended drinks to us to when we weren’t sure. I would definitely recommend going to everyone. I’m sure I’ll be going back soon as it made for such a lovely end to our evening.

Really interesting place with amazing cocktails which they will make even if they are not on the menu. Fabulous service as well.

On the pricier side but you can’t draw fault with it just for how nice the place is. A Cardiff Hidden Gem (literally!) Great atmosphere, great drinks and was an absolutely fab time

What a class experience first time to a speakeasy, our host poppy was above and beyond amazing, explained the whole menu and how everything works and wasn't to far away if we had any other questions, absolute loved our experience and definitely will be back again, 100% recommend for some drinks with friends groups small or big.

Went there yesterday - friendliest bar staff & amazing atmosphere!

Amazing staff who were caring and really made our night the best that we could have asked for. Knowledgeable and friendly, and all in a really unique atmosphere and location. Cannot rate this place high enough!!

Eclectic decor and ambience, wonderful cocktails and attentive staff, highly recommended 🍍

Fantastic place, great vibe and the staff really polite. So good that we are going to book to bring our daughter here for her 18th Birthday.

A friend of mine recommended this venue whilst I was visiting Cardiff. It is a really cool venue, great atmosphere, staff are friendly and knowledgeable and the drinks were excellent. Definitely book a reservation to avoid being turned away as it was really popular on a Saturday night. A must visit if you are in Cardiff.

The Dead Canary is not just a cocktail bar—it's an experience. Hidden in Cardiff, this gem offers a unique cocktail menu where every drink tells a story. Each cocktail features a unique combination of ingredients, showcasing the creativity and passion of their mixologists. For a truly immersive cocktail experience, The Dead Canary is a must-visit when in Cardiff.

Everytime I enter the dead canary I am met with, outstanding customer service and impeccable drinks. If alone or as a group this place makes you feel welcome.

We had a nice time here. The menu is well curated and the attention to detail in their creations shows. The place was quiet and spacious, so it’s easy to talk and sit there for a while. Maybe the prices were a bit higher than expected for what you get, but it is an experience worth living.

Our server was very polite and friendly. Wish I’d have taken his name now to note on here but he had a few good recipes of his own up his sleeve and never failed. It’s always a lovely setting inside but make sure you book before you go… even though they’ll do their best to accommodate you, it is easier if you’ve got a table set for you

The definition of a hidden gem! This is definitely worth the effort because the drinks and atmosphere are mind blowing and the staff there are even better.

Wonderful experience you have to knock the door on the pictures to get in! Once inside the decor is well presented with a mix of chairs and booths. I've never seen do many mixers in a bar! New range of cocktails - very tasty as are the (light) snacks.

Very welcoming staff, drinks and atmosphere were excellent

Finally got around to visiting Dead Canary and it definitely lived up to expectations! Fantastic drinks with ingredients and combinations that are unique and perfectly crafted. With a detailed, and beautifully ornate menu to choose your drinks from, the staff are more than happy to talk you through the options and help you choose. They will even create something bespoke if you cannot find something you like. With a relaxed, sophisticated, and utterly charming atmosphere I would strongly recommend visiting here. Worth noting as well, that alongside their selection of longer, "milder" cocktails, and the shorter stronger ones, they also have a lovely selection of mocktails for those who aren't drinking or who don't drink. Definitely visiting here again!

What an amazing place. I've been passing next to this building without knowing it was there Tried it yesterday and loved it. Cocktails are lush and the concept is great. Staff really friendly

Nice vibes, interesting menu! Non-alcoholic options were decent and interesting, too.

Best Cocktail bar in Cardiff hands down

amazing spot that I would have walked past if I didn’t know it was there. Sweet Vibe, great people, Fun Drinks

Fantastic cocktails, weird & wonderful decor and lush staff. We were remembered on our return, favourite drinks remembered. Will be back

Such a cool hidden bat. Delicious cocktails with awesome stories

We never actually made it as couldn’t find the bar. The directions on the website are awful.

Fascinating place! Very original experience and a great place to drink with friends.Highly recommended!

Atmospheric. Different. Loved it. They have a cocktail called Skirrid Inn so I tried it as I have been to that pub. Really liked it though you would not think stout belongs in a cocktail. Try it, you may surprise yourself!

Hidden gem in the Cardiff. Nice staffs. Good ambience.

this is the first time I came here, I ordered the "dark beast of brymbo" and it was stunning. the atmosphere is amazing.

Wow ! Absolutely loved this place. Definitely worth a visit and I would recommend booking it in advance. Lovely nice relaxing atmosphere and great choice of cocktails.

Nice cocktail bar, if you can find it! Good range of drinks and nice relaxed atmosphere, well worth a visit

Walked in through an obscure door in Cardiff and suddenly we were in the middle of a pristine cocktail bar where a friendly waitress gave us a seat and a super friendly waiter responded “of course” when I asked him if he could surprise me with a cocktail from the Welsh-inspired menu. Atmosphere very secretive and staff skilled and great in customer service. The drinks were amazing and I’d 100% go there for my next trip to Cardiff.

What a great little gem in Cardiff. Visited not too long ago and the atmosphere here is just super chill. The drinks are really good and their accompanying descriptions and artwork really well done. It has an almost prohibition-esque vibe about the place but I don't want to say much more. All I'll say is go here if you like cocktails, an easy atmosphere, and a bit of a magical vibe. You won't regret it.

😍 love this place!! I wish we could’ve stayed longer. The decor is beautiful. The cocktail menu is extensive and the staff are so nice! I will visit again!

A genuinely enjoyable experience, a great welcome into a bar with, given the time of year, felt like an almost Dickensian atmosphere, the mood and ambiance of a time gone by....... lovely! A really great time with some unheard of cocktails and, for me, an impressive range of whiskies....... highly recommended and we will be going back 🥃.

Been many times so know what to expect. Drinks were excellent and staff very helpful. I think seat location is important. You want to be in the main bar area, not near the entrance, and definitely not upstairs. Lighting was brighter than previous visits, which spoilt the atmosphere for me. Didn't expect to be charged for pretzels snacks each round either. Not the same experience as previous.

Loved it... you just have to find it!

11/10! This place is sensational! Just can't decide if the impeccable cocktails, the magnificent surroundings, or the divine staff top the list of Reasons I Will Always Come Back! Exquisite cocktail menu (and nibbles). Nothing is too much trouble. Make us feel like royalty every time we visit. Love this place 💛

Wow. What is there to say about an otherwise perfect drinking establishment. Good company. Excellent service and Famous Welsh folklore themed cocktails. And my personal favourite...... Over 150 different types of whiskey😳

The Be-All and End-All of Cardiff cocktail bars. Having worked behind a few of the bars in Cardiff in recent years, its hard to be truly impressed by an experience of going for a drink anymore. Dead Canary delivers. The staff are knowledgeable without being stuffy, you don't have to be an expert for them to whip you up something fantastic and the menu is a well considered list with something for everyone. The atmosphere is excellent with the speakeasy feel complimenting the laidback and fun approach of the staff. I recently took my partner here for our anniversary and we ended up staying until chucking out time because the selection and friendliness of the staff meant we didn't feel like moving on to the next place. If you're an aficionado or just really in the mood for a well made proper cocktail, this is the place to go.

Oh it's gorgeous. The drinks are delicious and one of a kind and the atmosphere and decorations are stunning. Would very much like to live here

Incredible place with the best service you can find. Thanks for a weekend with great memories...lucky we got some pics!

Brilliant cocktails were great staff was exellent🍹 unusual entrance 😉

Fun cocktail bar, nice drinks (easy to lose track of your bill) ... if you are looking for something spicy ask for an "open the gates of hell"

The Dead Canary is always a lovely place to visit whilst in Cardiff, whilst slightly secluded they do have some very quirky cocktails and Will accommodate what ever you would like. Not massively expensive for a cocktail speakeasy either.

Visited this bar years ago when it first opened was a classy place to go for cocktails. Unfortunately it's far from what it once was. Greeted by a horrible stench when you enter and the decor is quite dated. Cocktails themselves are great along with the staff. Given the choice of other cocktail bars in the area this is probably one of the worse.

music, interior, staff all perfect. The menu is a gorgeous storybook. The drinks are all unique and delicious.

Wow - this place is unreal! Such a hidden gem. We went for our anniversary on the 29/09 and the two guys working went above and beyond. They were so friendly and helpful. Definitely somewhere we will be visiting again and again. Ps the Bloody Mary’s were unreal.

This is one of the best cocktail bars I have ever visited, and I have done tons. The whole place is so damn cozy, with such a nice atmosphere. The people working there are super hospitable, fun, warm and funny. Not to mention they're geeks as well (which is a good thing for sure). Menu changes once a year or so, and there's always a theme. But despite all that, the cocktails themselves take the spotlight. Not only do they look absolutely fantastic, they also taste like pure ambrosia. Perfectly balanced, full of flavour. I cannot recommend this bar enough. It stands head and shoulders above the rest in Cardiff, and I cannot wait to be back.

If you can find the entrance, it's well worth the visit. Great cocktails

First visit and I loved it. Thank you

WOW! First time of going, Amazing service, nothing was too much, everyone was so friendly. The cocktails were absolutely delicious. Great decor. Cannot wait to book again!

Wowww wow love this place great cocktails a d fantastic service from Richard, thank you will be back again 😀

Absolutely incredible service! Lovely, well decorated place and very comfortable. We were served by Callum who went out of his way to make my boyfriend’s 30th birthday so memorable, he was lovely, friendly and attentive and did a couple of extra bits to add some “sparkle” to his drinks! The drinks were amazing and our favourite was Apep- highly recommend!! They will also edit your drinks if you don’t like them to make them perfect for you, I didn’t like one that I got so he took it back, added some sugar to sweeten it up and then I loved it!

Absolutely nice speakeasy place. Feels like Chicago in the 20ies, secret door form alley. Call ahead to make reservations. Creative cocktails with story!

This speakeasy was a bit tough to find. If you're near the spot on the map here's a clue, look for the feather... That's all I can say. Once inside it's a great atmosphere with friendly, colorful staff. Drinks are all named after historic dragons which you can read about in the handsome leather bound menus. Very cool presentation of the drinks in a hip, low-lighting setting with antique-looking upholstered chairs and tables. One of my favorite experiences visiting Cardiff.

Wonderful bar, shame they have horrible people like Sam (?) behind the bar. Ruined the whole experience, wasn’t pleasant the whole night. Everyone has a smile but him. Made us feel so unwelcome. Would recommend hiring new staff

Love this place, good cocktails

Adored it here. Super cool vibes and friendly, knowledgeable staff. One of the highlights of my hen do! Everything we tried was delicious and imaginative. Love the theme and the tucked away location. They let us have a private area since we were a large booking which made it feel really special. Have been waiting to visit for ages and can't wait to go back. Wish I'd taken more photos of the drinks as they were beautifully presented but alas, I was having too much fun.

Absolutely wonderful! The staff were lovely, friendly and extremely helpful. It's quirky and funky and a great place to go for a special night out, highly recommend you try and find it!!

Amazing cocktail bar with super talented bartenders and a dizzying array of spirits that lead ones imagination to want to spend the night drinking away.

Been here a few times now. Completely different to any other main stream bar in Cardiff. The secret entrance way and the exclusive tsble service set up are all very cool. Staff are really friendly and nothing is too much trouble for them. Atmosphere is dark, moody, interesting and cool with low light throughout the bar, candles and small lamps set against dark walls and floor with plenty of oddities on the walls and quirky art choices. Loads of comfortable small chairs all set up in small intimate groups, perfect for a date or a group of friends. The bar is something to behold, the selection of spirits, ingredients and finishing touches on the drinks is huge and of a very high quality, this is a serious cocktail connoisseurs choice! The menus are themed (currently dragons), the thought that has gone into every aspect of this experience is huge. You can ask for any cocktail you want or simply give them a theme or idea and they'll make you a custom drink! Music volume is low so perfect for a chat and there's usually a mix of chilled eclectic music through the decades. Drinks prices are on the high side but you are buying the experience and exclusivity. Highly reccomend, worth booking a table on busy nights.

Brilliant concept and great experience 👍

Bit different from your usual drinking place, but did like it. Not really a lover of cocktails myself but the majority of us there liked it. Staff are really friendly, but drinks quite expensive.

Easily the best place to drink in Wales! Amazing bespoke cocktails, a very cool and unique menu and a dimly lit ambience. You won't meet any bartenders more knowledgeable, professional and friendly than these guys

Lovely place, really nice interior great service and cocktails 😁

This place is a little hidden gem, it is very secluded and exclusive and quite hard to find if you don't know where it is. The drinks menu is very niche although if you don't fancy any of the listed drinks they will make anything you do fancy. They will even create their own depending on the drinks you like which i thought was really good and the drinks were all very tasty. Excellent service with table service which feels very personal woukd recommend a visit here.

Amazing place with an excellent theme! Fantastic owners/staff... And the cocktails are delicious! Attention to detail is EVERYTHING! Well done Dead Canary!

Absolutely amazing atmosphere plus the people working there are so kind and knowledgeable. Plus, delicious cocktails.

A great atmosphere and amazing cocktails, they even let you create your own cocktail based on what you like! The service was incredible - big shout out to calum who tended our table he was fab and made our night!

Such a lovely, fun bar! Callum was such a good host and made the most amazing cocktails for us all!!! Would definitely recommend visiting!

Such a cool quirky experience - shout out to Callum for the best service and cocktail recommendations! Best drinks!

Highly recommend visiting this outstanding bar! The staff are amazing, they are all friendly and attentive (and make the best cocktails). We enjoyed some of the creative dragon inspired cocktails (as well as some of our typical favourites). After being at a concert prior, this was the best way to end the night, thankyou to the lovely staff!

The Dead Canary is an awesome place to go if you’re looking for quality drinks and service. The staff are amazing when it comes to service and can make virtually any drink you may want. Staff such as Dylan, Callum, Charlotte, Sam, Adam, Fitz and Ed are very accommodating and amazing members of staff. If you ever find yourself in Cardiff I definitely recommend visiting The Dead Canary. 10/10

Great experience. Dimmed refined atmosphere, with knowledgeable staff, and some of the best signature cocktails we have had.

Well what a place if your in Cardiff it must .it a hidden gem .you meet very famous people. Kev& vicky may was there on last visit

Awesome venue and decor, amazing cocktails and the loveliest staff. Big up Sam on shift last night, keep up the good energy mate thankyou for the awesome service! (lay off the coffee we need you alive lol)