The Philharmonic in Cardiff

Awful bottomless brunch. Would not recommend at all. Order was taken 15 minutes after we sat down, we wouldn't mind but when we're on a timeframe and the staff were all stood talking at the bar, blatantly aware we were waiting to be served just opposite them, there wasnt an excuse. One of our party had to actually go over and ask if we needed to order at the bar or we would come and be served. It took another five minutes for someone to come take our order. We were sat right below a bit flat screen TV when a sporting event was going on and the place was loud, we couldn't hear each other speak! We had to chase our food order which was pre ordered because it just never came...and when it did, one of the dishes was incorrect. The food itself was a let down. The burger was literally a slice of chicken, a slice of chorizo and a bun. It sounds far more fancy on the menu. All the food was lukewarm at best and due to the other dish being late we couldn't eat at the same time. Ordered drinks that never came, chased them up because it had been near 25 minutes...to be told they'd be with us soon. Then another waitress comes along and asks us if we want more drinks. We informed her we'd just chased up the ones we ordered. When the drinks were finally brought, we were told we had five minutes left on the table...fifteen minutes before our time was actually up! We kindly said that we had been left waiting for drinks and food and there is no way we can down a cocktail in five minutes after it was late in the first place...to then be told abruptly by the waitress they had another booking after us. Sorry but that isn't our problem? If you operate things on a conveyer belt and then are lax with your service how is that our fault? We didn't receive any apology at all and we just felt like we were forgotten about the whole time. The downstairs female toilets were also overflowing with water and no sign was put outside to warn people or inform them to use the other one upstairs. Overall I'd never recommend this place or come back

Me and some friends went there for breakfast absolutely lovely not swimming in grease fast service friendly staff at the time will go again during my next visit to Cardiff Edit returned for breakfast today absolutely amazing once again

Small group friends visited on a Thursday just as happy hour started. We had a few drinks then decided to stay for food as we had a good table on the upper floor overlooking the lively street. Food turned out to be really tasty and good value. We had excellent service from a guy called Sam who worked so hard to be helpful.

Really good night out, very busy for the bar and decent music. What more do you need?

Awesome place, will defs go again when in Cardiff. Staff were brill and food and drinks came out quick.

Can’t agree enough with Thomas, they will not let you in if you in you have had too much to drink

One of.the worst bars in cardiff

Came for bottomless brunch at like 7pm, was pretty dead but sian and joe made our night! Thank you both you were amazing! Kept us feeling important and our drinks full!

Cullen was AMAZING!!!!! Me and my girls had the best time ever during bottomless brunch. He kept bringing us drinks and checking on us. Amazing service. 5 STAR

Sian looked after us shes a strong 10/10 for service!! No wait what so ever xx

Sian was hands down the best floor staff! In every bottomless brunch I’ve ever been to she’s been the absolute best! From making sure we were always topped up with drinks and our food was spot on! In my opinion Sian deserves a pay rise. This is the first time I’ve been to bottomless brunch in philharmonic and not the last as long as Sian is on hand! Thank you so much!!! We will be back! xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU WEAR STONE ISLAND! Told me friend that he had to take his badge off to come in. Pathetic! Do not waste your time

Great friendly welcome. Came for Brunch,good delicious helpings. Couldn't finish it all. One tiny failing,what's the obsession with Sourdough bread? Even here,let's have proper good old toast. Great value for money. Highly recommended.

Stopped for a beer on a date day with Husband.

Sian looked after us and was really lovely and prompt with taking drink orders for our bottomless brunch. The drinks arrived quickly each time. We all had the pretzel buns with fries. No complaints 👌

Great place for a drink and a boogie 😂 Appalling singer on the Saturday night though (with the lady playing sax) Great once he had finished though 👍 Did not have food so can't comment

Abit dark in the restaurant but i had their lotus biscuit pancakes. 10/10!! I kinda wish there was a optional side of cream. My bf had the Welsh breakfast and loved it. The sausage was very good, where can I buy it?

Best vegan sausage butty ever!!! Friendly staff too and a good music playlist.

OK, not welcoming at all - when a mate and I visited on a Saturday lunchtime in August 2024 between 12 and 1pm for a pint. Sat outside. Plenty of other places within a few minutes walk

Arrived here right in time to get some live music with our drinks.

Fantastic bar. Door staff professional and polite. Decent screens for footy and commentary is crystal clear sound. Drinks decent value too. Gave this bar another visit today after having a mediocre experience about 10 months ago. I was not the only person mentioning the problem member of staff but it appears it has been dealt with. Previous review for context: Came here on Tuesday night after a meal at Wagamama’s. I was hoping to watch the last 20 minutes of the football match and have my usual 2 pints when I’m working away. I’m away on a business trip so by myself. The doorman started asking me all manner of questions, who am I with where am I staying, why am I down here, why am I out by myself. He wasn’t impolite about it but it seemed a bit strange and invasive. I responded politely explaining I’m here on a work trip and staying in Premier Inn. Both parties remained polite, he was professional in his conduct. I came dressed smartly and hadn’t even consumed any alcohol. I got told it’s the policy not to allow single men in. I am a quality engineer and have been working away for 12 years. I have a routine of a meal and 2 pints most nights when away. I have never came across such a dismissive policy. At first I thought he was kidding, but no he deadly serious. I don’t like leaving negative reviews but felt compelled to share my experience here. I’m happy to amend my review if someone gets in touch.

Visited several times, staff are always friendly, food and drinks are very reasonably priced especially with their discount deals. Always a great atmosphere on the weekend however early you visit.

Mattia is so lovely, great hospitality

Sat outside for a few hours with my wife last week whilst in Cardiff for the Pink concert. Wife had a Pizza, nice enough. Drinks reasonably priced for Capital. Bit annoyed that smoking area was right by our table but it happens I guess. Only negative was one of the waitresses had a face like a slapped A@#e all afternoon. I've worked hospitality and it's a tough gig, but if you don't want to serve people with a smile change jobs. Hope review helped.

Such a lovely welcome on Pride cardiff day for our Brunch, door staff were welcoming and the best server ever Tia was just so attentive and kind...well done Philharmonic !!!

Great atmosphere here, and you can get some decent prices if you download the nyx app

Manager guy with the fair hair and beard was constantly wiping and picking his nose, sneezing, rubbing his face and beard with his full hands, and then picked up glasses without washing his hands. Gross. Also, in a crowd of mainly England fans, started fist pumping when England conceded a goal. Ok, people hate the English, and maybe it's possible he knew some of the people he was winding up, but all the other England fans in the bar didn't know him. So to do that to in front of paying customers is sickening. So many people will never give this business a penny again.

I went there before Pink concert, the food was amazing, fresh , hot and very tasty. The service was impeccable, all staff were very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was superb, I loved this place so much 💕

Always a good night, friendly staff, top notch security and amazing management team, music and atmosphere always high energy and decor is amazing

Busy high street bar very good atmosphere considering how busy it was the bar service was excellent

It was the night of a Pink concert (not that we knew before) and the place was rammed. They had withdrawn 2 for one on cocktails but did not say. They did give us a second round of drinks but we had really wanted just the one as we were needing to get the train back to our rental cottage. Drinks had far too much ice and very little content.

Place is amazing all other experiences been fab just today I had a bad review of a women long dark hair. Just bad service got drinks made and I asked what one was which her response was “ idk try them” with a frown and an attitude it might just be a bad day but it’s not professional

Lovely place but £7.95 for a piece of toast with avocado is ridiculous

Great evening at bottomless brunch, food was surprisingly good ! Kaitlyn our server was amazing, would recommend :)

Went for a works doo and did the bottomless brunch! Bargain! Service was great, food was nice... will go again!

Great time in Philharmonic. We pre ordered our drinks and they were brought to our table as soon as we arrived. Great Service.

Went in for a quick brunch before exploring the city. Good and quick service, polite staff and yummy food. The chips that came with the burger were probably one of the best ones I've had in a long while. Crunchy fresh and seasoned to perfection. Loved the seating options too. Overall great experience! Definitely recommend this place.

Walked past it and it pinged my phone

Great bar management, fantastic lovely people. Really interesting building in the heart of Cardiff with great food!

Felt I had to review: Positives: Mixed variety on the menu for food and drinks Waitress was as helpful as she could have been given the circumstances. Price is good if you get your money worth. Negatives: First drink was served 40 minutes after sitting down Food order was mixed up with another table which meant 5 brunches were delivered 20mins before everyone else's food. Second drink order was lost When the waitress did arrive with the second drink order, bless her, she knocked a few glasses over. Our table was extended and the drinks did start to come a bit before the end but it was too late as we had further bookings. I feel we should have got some discount due to all the issues. Asked the waitress if she could do something due to all the issues and the response was we should pay more. Tip: if 7 people ordered prosecco, surely it is quicker to bring a few bottles and 7 glasses.

Went for bottomless brunch here, very quick service considering the group size. Food portions were huge and tasty. Cocktails were great, nice presentation too

Decent club with good music, got free entry so can’t complain

Had bottomless brunch from 2 til 4. Didn't serve us until 230. When my friend asked get another after he drank his cocktail they said his behaviour was not tolerated and he'll be asked to leave. Half the party got served thier food. They had finished before the other half had theirs. Plates were cleared away and everything. It's not bottomless be lucky have 2 drinks avoid at all costs

I've never given them my email address yet somehow they're spamming me daily. There's not even an unsubscribe option on their emails. Is this even legal? DO NOT give them your details!

Lovely welcome from the bar person as we arrived. Just popped in out of the rain and was immediately informed of the two for one offer on. Great choice of cocktails and usual bar drinks menu. Huge pub so on a wk end I can imagine it would be quite a place to add to the crawl round town and a great spot for big groups.

We hosted the launch of my new book upstairs and it was perfect - comfortable, light, intimate enough, nice sound and great staff! Thanks!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ✨ me and my partner visit Cardiff for the weekend. They recommend to pop in to philharmonic which was surprisingly big on the inside. There is like an underground London style bar and cosy bar on the ground floor. ✨Music was great too. £5 charge per person. This is after 11pm . You can come in and out as they will give you a stamp. ✨ We realise that they serve food but we were too late and definitely will try again when we are in Cardiff. ✨Cool Photo Booth too and affordable drinks!🙌 ❤️P

Excellent night out. Bar staff very quick and good atmosphere.

Awful experience. There was a reserved table until 5pm. We got there at 2pm. 5 minutes within us sitting down, the 2 women were very rude to us and told us to move, no politeness about it. And once we moved tables to an unreserved one, we got told off for eating the Easter eggs by a very rude young lady. All in all, it was a very rude atmosphere, the staff were not friendly at all. That’s what you get for employing young women with no social awareness. If you are about to spend money at a place, you hope the service is good to match the price. These young women have no manners at all!!!!

After hearing so much about brunches & having troubles getting drinks I was wary. This most certainly didn’t apply here, the drinks didn’t stop the food wasn’t bad either. I would most definitely recommend for brunch, really enjoyed!

Did not have much of a feel for the place as probably went There a little early..!

Très bel endroit, sur 3 niveaux. Vous pourrez profiter de boire une pinte au Rdc dans une bonne ambiance, puis monter sur les deux autres étages pour manger. Les prix sont correct pour le lieu. Visité à l'occasion d'un match au principality stadium

Bit early so not many people in there. Breakfast was very nice but with smoked bacon not for everyone.

Good place, decent selection of beers. Bit pricey.

At least you come home even when you're French 😅

Being an Indian, the cauliflower side was fantabulous to have. The service was little delayed but could understand how a Friday night be. The dance floor was little congested, however.. the music and the vibe was too good. They are 2 floors seating, ground and mezzanine being very busy. I love this place and will sure visit again ... Kudos Philharmonic.

Nice 25% discounted food but no mustard.

Got dragged out of the building by the throat by a bouncer with a small willy. Highly recommend

Great staff coping with a busy rugby day

We had a great night out at this place. This was a few years ago, but the food was good and the drinks were amazing. We definitely spent a lot of money.

Nice place with 2 floors It has a lot of options of drinks Music here is amazing I like the singer He is professional

Staff were friendly enough when they wanted my money but as an English (born) person, I was made to feel SHOCKINGLY unwelcome. We travelled there to watch the six nations rugby with our Welsh friend, and they played music all through the England game. Such hated and discrimination shown to English visitors. IM NOT TO BLAME. GET OVER IT. Never going back.

Great place some nice pleasant staff! Good variety of drinks and cocktails, didn't have any food but good music and a good night will definitely go again.

Staff not willing to discuss a simple matter at the bar before you are thrown out. If you overpay for your drinks and try to bring this to their attention - good luck. Incompetent. Shame, because the atmosphere inside is great. If only they knew how to treat people with some respect it’d be a 10/10.

Lovely place, excellent staff great atmosphere was very full as match day Six Nations 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 but service was quick.

The worst bouncers in cardiff. Thinking they own the street. They are the worst. Stay away.

Seven quid entry to be chucked out in five minutes for accidently bouncer backing into a bouncer whilst dancing, pure money making scheme as there were too many people. Evil

Excellent value food and drink.

Good place for breakfast plenty of options and you could change a few things your not keen and add other of your likings. The place could do with an update also the toilets could be more sign posted.

The security wouldn’t let me in because of my race and they made me feel uncomfortable terrible service they should be ashamed of themselves

Couldn't be happier with the experience we received tonight! Even though it was new year's eve, Eleanor has been an exceptional host and service person throughout the ongoing evening!

14 of us, my mate was sitting on my lap! nightmare with the service she must of had a rough night! don’t waste your time

Visited the philarmonic for a quick drink, heard the loud music outside figured it would be ear splittingly loud upon entering it was still loud but bearable. as time went on it seemed to get louder ruining any semblance of an atmosphere. The mojito was nice but the damage to ear drums is not worth the visit.

me and my friend came here on a night out, got in the queue, i laughed at something she said and fell backwards a bit. as the barriers were really close together keeping the lines of people really close, i knocked the barrier ( no one was stood behind) and i then pulled it back and said sorry. As we got to getting our ID’s checked the bouncer grabbed me and pushed me and my friend out with no reasoning when i asked why. There was no need to grab me i was not even very drunk i was cooperating with him and i told him to get off and he said ‘i don’t want to touch you anyway’. not very professional from a bouncer for this club. wouldn’t go back out of spite now 🤪

Great fun bar full of all ages brilliant atmosphere

Came here for breakfast, they have a good vegan selection. Vegan breakfast was nice, came out fast. lots of free tables. Would return.

Came here for breakfast, they have a good vegan selection. Vegan breakfast was nice, came out fast. lots of free tables. Would return.

Myself and another four of my family members came here for some dinner. When it came to ordering the food we went to the bar to order. The man behind the bar seemed very confused and clueless as we ordered, he then didn’t know how much the bill came to and my sister had to help him with the math. The food took around 40minutes to come and was cold, not like warm, COLD! Do not recommend this place for food. All staff member seemed clueless and were getting confused with which table each food went to.

The staff in the bar up stairs unfortunately not professional come to the table asked what we wanted to drink so we sat there 25 minutes no drinks so I went to the bar and the lady said she didn’t take an order we would of gone to the bar if she didn’t take the order and to say she didn’t take an order when she did not good I not go again ☹️

Bouncers are disgusting in this place! Have loved philharmonic for years but tonight I was attacked by a random girl dragged down the stairs (the ones between the girls toilet and main bar) chunks of my hair are missing! Was then kicked out by these disgusting bouncers Although it was me who was attacked? I have marks to prove it. Bouncers were terrible did nothing then accused me of biting them??? They were NOWHERE to be seen hence the fact I got dragged down every single step by my HAIR. Have been advised by South Wales Police to make a formal complaint and charges which I will be doing on Monday morning😊 usually is an amazing service all around by this place but have clearly cut costs on security. I will never return to this disgusting institution and charges will be pressed upon staff and the vile girl who ripped me around the whole club. Luckily for me I am fortunate enough to have close family and friends within south wales police and I can afford a solicitor 😆 best of luck to you philarmonic shame on you and your security staff!

Oszuści i złodzieje. Naciągają ludzi. Nie wpuscili moich gości i nie chcieli oddać pieniędzy. Nie wrucę tu więcej. Nie polecam.

Didn't have any food. Drinks were good and service good. Only thing that was a let down was my friend wanted a coffee and they couldn't do it as didn't know how to put through till

We like a bottomless brunch and try many different venues - first time at the "Philly" and won't be the last! First class service from the lovely Megan - extremely attentive, very generous with the drinks and the food was delicious! We were downstairs which was a bit dark but that didn't matter. Great duo too to entertain the crowd! We had the ultimate brunch so a great choice of cocktails. beers. wine, spirits, prosecco etc - well worth the money. Only negative was the state of the ladies toilets - everyone of them was either flooding or blocked. Management need to sort that out as soon as possible. Highly recommended venue though and great value for money.

Cavernous pub, split across three floors, no cask ales, but the drinks range isn't too bad.

Never fail to have a great night here. Plenty of space to dance or to take yourself away for a sit down and chat! Went again on Saturday and we were a very large group of boys and girls, like 15 of us. Myself and my partner came 5 minutss before the rest of the group because we wanted to find space for the boxing. Dan helped us find a quieter area of the club and put the boxing on the screen for us, i then asked if there was any way he could speed up the rest of the group wanting to come in as they were all queing but people at the front were being difficult which meant the que was getting longer. He went out and spoke to the doorman and let all of our group past. So that they didnt miss the start of the boxing. Thanks Dan (General manager i think)

Booked the bottomless brunch for 7 people to celebrate a friends birthday... we were not disappointed! Great service, plenty of cocktails/drinks in the 90 mins, brilliant selection, good portion of food. All round fabulous afternoon. 100% recommend & will book again.

Staff were great. Ultimate Brunch (£35, 90min) food was good, great drinks good choice. Some areas are a bit tired. Majority of the toilets didn't lock and the ones that did were out of toilet paper at half 12 in the afternoon

One of the loveliest bars I've been to in Cardiff. Brilliant and friendly staff. Great service. Great atmosphere. Not too loud, lovely for a drink and a good gossip. Great cocktails, good value 2 for 1 deals. Can't get anywhere better. Will be coming here again.

Amazing place, I went with my partner and we enjoyed lots of cocktails during happy hour. The staff are really kind and friendly, and the atmosphere is amazing.

Avoid! I recently visited The Philharmonic and had a negative experience. Unfortunately, my partner was asked to leave the premises based on an unfair assumption. He was accused of engaging in dr*g-related activities simply because he preferred to use the cubicle in the restroom instead of the urinal. This decision was driven by his discomfort in such public spaces, and it was not related to any illegal activities! We were deeply disappointed by this incident, as it left him feeling humiliated and targeted for his sexual orientation. We believe that no one should experience discrimination based on their identity. We had hoped that The Philharmonic would be an inclusive and welcoming space for all patrons. We urge the management to address this issue promptly, conduct an investigation, and implement measures to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.! Diversity training for the staff could greatly contribute to fostering an environment of understanding and acceptance. We hope that the The Philharmonic takes this matter seriously and strives to create a more inclusive atmosphere for all visitors.

The staff are all very friendly and the VIP room above the main area is perfect for watching Formula 1 or doing some salsa dancing.

Visited here on a stag do for a few drinks and it was great. Dance floor and bar downstairs was good fun and didn’t have to wait for drinks.

Class little spot for jäger trays. Only downside is that there isn’t a tunnel from here to coyote ugly. Five stars

Avoid,overpriced and door staff overly aggressive. Classic cardiff door staff, uneducated, aggressive, and general bullies. Ruin cardiff for a night out. Door staff are shocking, assulted me for no more reason than getting refused a drink. Refused to give my phone or jacket back,cardiff resident and eont be 8sinf your business again shocking. Looking into my legal defence, poor poor poor door management as usual in cardiff, door staff are aggressive and over step their job. Ill be requesting the video footage in the morning and speaking to my legal representative

Well maintained premises on main street of city, reasonably priced menu, food very tasty, we had tapas selection. Service a little slow & background music a little loud. Overall nice experience.

Terrible gaff. Sales men on the door trying to coax you in, we gave it a try and all the sales tactics were false. We were told 2-4-1, great atmosphere and all day scran, but none of it was true. No 241, no one was in there and no food. Wouldn’t recommend at all. Fake salesmen selling fake products.

Myself and 11 friends recently had bottomless brunch at the Philharmonic in cardiff. Firstly the positives - The food was great! We had to preorder online a few days before and our food arrived piping hot within 10 minutes of arrival. There was lots of food options , something for everyone (even the fussy eaters in my party) Everyone enjoyed their food I as the birthday girl had a free shot on arrival which was a nice touch Now the negatives - Even though we were one of only 2/3 tables booked in for brunch it was the slowest drinks service I’ve ever had at a bottomless brunch. Having tried many others in cardiff including Turtle Bay, Las Iguanas and Dirty Martini I thought we’d try somewhere different but were very disappointed with the drinks service. One member of the party asked the waiter if they could speed it up a little as we’d only had 1 drink within the first 40 minutes of arrival and from then on it improved. Overall it was okay. I would have bottomless here again but only as a last resort

Booked the VIP lounge for my daughters hen party for 50+ people Saturday 17th June 2023. The manager could not do enough for us from the time of booking to the day of the party. Also booked the hot and cold buffet through the manager which was delicious 😋 The room was exceptional with air conditioning and the modern feel atmosphere. Would highly recommend The Philharmonic for any private event. Suzanne

Genuinely awful experience, awful service and bouncers were clueless in who they kicked out and their service.

There was a big gang of us in there the weekend spending lots of money. didnt have any food... the beer was ok.. but started drinking double vodkas.. and then tried double rums... no alcohol in either... just water... and not cheap!! Not everyone is so drunk they wont notice!!