The Dead Canary: Cardiff's Hidden Cocktail Gem
Discover Cardiff’s hidden speakeasy with mythical-inspired cocktails and an intimate, vintage atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Tucked away in Barrack Lane behind St David’s Centre, The Dead Canary is a niche, upscale cocktail bar renowned for its inventive drinks, intimate atmosphere, and expert service. This speakeasy-style venue offers a unique experience with a menu inspired by dragons and mythical themes, alongside expertly crafted classics. With a cozy, vintage-inspired interior and a focus on quality, it’s a must-visit for cocktail aficionados seeking something truly special in Cardiff’s city centre.
A brief summary to The Dead Canary
- Barrack Ln, Cardiff, Saint Davids Centre, CF10 2FR, GB
- +447874928366
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Luxury
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 5 pm-12 am
- Wednesday 5 pm-12 am
- Thursday 5 pm-12 am
- Friday 5 pm-2 am
- Saturday 4 pm-2 am
- Sunday 5 pm-12 am
Local tips
- Book your table in advance to secure a spot, as the bar is seating-only and space is limited.
- Try one of the signature dragon-themed cocktails for a unique tasting experience.
- Ask the bartenders to customize a cocktail if you prefer something classic or tailored to your taste.
- Visit on weekdays or earlier in the evening for a more relaxed atmosphere and attentive service.
- Enjoy the unobtrusive jazz and folk music that complements the bar’s cozy and mysterious vibe.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Dead Canary location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about The Dead Canary
A Secret Entrance to a World of Craft Cocktails
The Dead Canary is a hidden treasure in Cardiff’s bustling city centre, accessed through a discreet black door in Barrack Lane. This unassuming entrance leads into a dimly lit, intimate space that feels like stepping into a vintage antiques shop crossed with a private members’ club. The bar’s design evokes a cozy, mysterious ambiance with dark, moody decor that invites guests to relax and immerse themselves in the experience.Innovative Drinks with a Mythical Twist
The cocktail menu is a standout feature, themed around dragons and mythical creatures, offering both adventurous concoctions and classic favorites. Each drink is crafted with precision and creativity, using unique ingredients like nettle and skullcap syrup, seaweed, and passionflower, alongside premium spirits such as Glenmorangie and Portobello Road gin. The bar prides itself on tailoring drinks to individual tastes, with bartenders happy to customize cocktails beyond the menu.Atmosphere and Service that Elevate the Experience
The Dead Canary fosters a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, enhanced by unobtrusive jazz, folk, and vintage tunes that complement the speakeasy vibe. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, with staff eager to share the stories behind each cocktail and recommend drinks based on your preferences. The venue is seating-only, ensuring a comfortable and unrushed visit, though it is advisable to book in advance due to limited space.Location and Accessibility in the Heart of Cardiff
Situated behind St David’s Centre, the bar’s location is convenient yet discreet, perfect for those seeking an escape from the typical nightlife. The venue is wheelchair accessible and equipped with disabled toilets, catering to a diverse clientele. While the bar is intimate, it occasionally hosts live music events that add to its lively yet refined character.Pricing and Visitor Considerations
The Dead Canary is positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum, reflecting the quality of ingredients, craftsmanship, and unique experience offered. Cocktails typically range around £13 to £19, with some drinks served in elaborate presentations like ceramic shark heads. The bar’s exclusivity and attention to detail make it well worth the splurge for those looking to indulge in exceptional mixology.A Unique Cardiff Nightlife Experience
More than just a cocktail bar, The Dead Canary is a cultural experience that combines artistry, storytelling, and hospitality. Its niche appeal and distinctive character set it apart from other venues in Cardiff, making it a memorable destination for locals and visitors alike who appreciate refined drinks and a captivating atmosphere.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
John Batchelor Statue
0.2 km
A Victorian radical immortalised in bronze, standing where Cardiff’s political battles once raged.
Fogo's Free Tours
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Explore the vibrant history and culture of Cardiff with Fogo's Free Tours – an engaging experience for every traveler.
Capitol Cardiff
0.3 km
Discover the heart of Cardiff at Capitol Cardiff, a shopping center offering diverse retail options, dining experiences, and a taste of local culture.
Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministries Cardiff.
0.3 km
A dynamic Christian church in the Capitol Shopping Centre, offering daily worship, prayer, and community in the heart of Cardiff.
HMP Cardiff
0.4 km
Discover the rich history and architectural significance of HMP Cardiff, a landmark prison reflecting the evolution of the UK's justice system.
The Gathering - Cardiff
0.4 km
Victorian Neogothic landmark and active faith community in the heart of Cardiff
Cardiff Town Wall
0.5 km
Step back into medieval Cardiff with the ancient Town Wall, a striking relic offering history, architecture, and panoramic city views.
Historical Wales
0.5 km
Explore Historical Wales, a charming gift shop in Cardiff, offering unique souvenirs that embody the rich culture and heritage of Wales.
Nereid Statue
0.5 km
A bronze sea nymph offering mythological protection to Cardiff's maritime legacy
Statue of The Second Marquess of Bute
0.5 km
Historic bronze statue in Cardiff honoring the visionary who transformed the city through the development of its docks and industrial growth.
Water Towers by Amber Hiscott & David Pearl
0.6 km
Iconic blue sculptural towers in Cardiff symbolizing water through innovative glass and metal artistry.
James Howell's House
0.6 km
Historic landmark in Cardiff celebrating James Howell’s retail legacy and Cardiff’s commercial heritage.
South African War Memorial
0.6 km
A poignant bronze and stone tribute in Cardiff honoring Welsh soldiers who served in the Second Boer War, embodying peace, war, and grief.
City Hall
0.7 km
Majestic Edwardian Baroque landmark and civic heart of Cardiff, crowned by a striking clock tower with a Welsh dragon.
Cardiff Central Train Station Water Tower
0.7 km
A historic Grade II listed water tower overlooking Cardiff Central Station and the River Taff, symbolizing the city’s rich railway heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
St David's Metropolitan Cathedral
0.1 km
Historic Gothic Revival cathedral in Cardiff’s city centre, a serene spiritual hub and home to the renowned Metropolitan Cathedral Choir.
St David’s Dewi Sant
0.1 km
Cardiff’s largest shopping centre with over 160 shops, dining, and entertainment all under one roof in the city centre.
Canal Quarter
0.2 km
Cardiff's revitalized waterfront destination where historic canals meet modern leisure and culture.
St David's Hall
0.2 km
Experience world-class acoustics and bold brutalist design at Cardiff’s iconic St David’s Hall, a vibrant cultural landmark in the city centre.
Exitus Escape Rooms
0.2 km
Challenging and immersive escape rooms in Cardiff with themed adventures, friendly hosts, and a lively social atmosphere.
Queen St
0.3 km
Cardiff’s bustling Queen Street blends historic arcades with modern shopping and vibrant cafés in a lively pedestrian-friendly city centre hub.
Carousel in Queen Street
0.3 km
A charming and nostalgic carousel delighting families in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant Queen Street.
RCCG Kingdom Of God Parish, Cardiff
0.3 km
A vibrant Pentecostal parish in Cardiff blending historic charm with dynamic worship and community spirit.
Wally's Delicatessen
0.3 km
Discover Cardiff’s premier gourmet deli and café, where global flavors meet local charm in the historic Royal Arcade.
Museum of Cardiff
0.3 km
Explore Welsh art, natural history, and archaeology in Cardiff’s grand historic museum with free admission and rich cultural treasures.
Cardiff Central Library
0.3 km
A sustainable cultural hub in Cardiff’s heart, blending modern design with rich community resources and vibrant public spaces.
Morgan Arcade
0.3 km
Step into Morgan Arcade, Cardiff’s enchanting Victorian shopping arcade where historic charm meets modern boutiques and cozy cafes.
Royal Arcade
0.3 km
Step into Cardiff’s oldest shopping arcade, where Victorian charm meets unique independent shops in a beautifully preserved historic setting.
Cardiff Antique Centre
0.3 km
Discover timeless treasures and vintage charm in Cardiff’s historic Royal Arcade at the Cardiff Antique Centre.
Royal Arcade, Cardiff
0.3 km
Step into Cardiff’s oldest Victorian shopping arcade, where historic charm meets unique independent shops and delightful eateries.
Essential places to dine
Ciliegino Restaurant
0.1 km
Authentic Sicilian pizza and pasta in Cardiff's premier shopping destination.
Steak of the Art
0.2 km
A fun, art-filled Cardiff steakhouse serving generous cuts, indulgent sides and strong cocktails in a vibrant city-centre setting.
Cosy Club
0.2 km
Chic British dining and all-day drinks in Cardiff’s St David’s Dewi Sant, blending timeless glamour with a welcoming atmosphere.
The Smoke Haus
0.2 km
Experience bold American barbecue flavors and hearty portions in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant St Davids Centre.
Gaucho Cardiff
0.2 km
Savor premium Argentine steaks and vibrant South American flavors in Cardiff’s sleek, modern steakhouse at St Davids Centre.
The Ivy Cardiff
0.2 km
Experience elegant British dining in a stunning 1920s-inspired botanical setting at The Ivy Cardiff, a vibrant city-centre brasserie and cocktail bar.
Giovanni's Restaurant
0.2 km
Authentic Italian cuisine in Cardiff's heart, where tradition meets warm hospitality.
The Ivy Asia Cardiff
0.2 km
Experience exquisite Asian flavours and glamorous dining in the heart of Cardiff at The Ivy Asia, where culinary artistry meets stunning design.
Cornerhouse Cardiff
0.3 km
Elevated British gastropub cuisine in Cardiff's city centre, where gourmet sensibility meets welcoming warmth.
Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant
0.3 km
All-day British dining in Cardiff's vibrant arcade—fresh, seasonal, and genuinely welcoming to families and their four-legged friends.
Bellini's
0.3 km
Authentic Italian dining in Cardiff's cultural quarter, celebrated for exceptional service and romantic ambiance.
Côte Cardiff Central
0.3 km
Experience modern French cuisine with free-flow frites in a stylish brasserie setting at the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant Mill Lane.
Valentino's
0.3 km
Cozy Italian restaurant in Cardiff city center offering authentic dishes, warm service, and a welcoming atmosphere for all occasions.
Dirty gnocchi (Cardiff Market)
0.4 km
Savor authentic Italian gnocchi and pasta delights in the vibrant heart of Cardiff Market, where tradition meets street food charm.
Tŷ Madeira Restaurant
0.4 km
Award-winning Portuguese dining in Cardiff's city centre, blending authentic tradition with modern culinary excellence.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Menkind
0.1 km
Discover quirky gadgets and unique gifts for men at Menkind Cardiff, nestled in the vibrant St David's Shopping Centre.
Flying Tiger
0.2 km
Discover quirky Scandinavian gifts and creative everyday essentials at Flying Tiger in Cardiff’s St David's Centre.
Urban Outfitters
0.2 km
Curated lifestyle retail celebrating creativity, fashion, and cultural expression in Cardiff's city centre.
Beyond Retro Cardiff
0.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Beyond Retro Cardiff, nestled in the vibrant St David's Centre.
Cardiff Creative Shop
0.3 km
A vibrant Cardiff gift shop showcasing handmade crafts and designs by local Welsh artists in the heart of the city centre.
Sobeys Vintage Clothing
0.3 km
Discover unique reworked vintage fashion in Cardiff’s historic Royal Arcade at Sobeys Vintage Clothing, where creativity meets sustainability.
Ganesha
0.3 km
Discover ethically sourced Indian and Nepali handicrafts, jewelry, and vibrant clothing in the heart of Cardiff's Queen Street shopping scene.
Flamingos Vintage Cardiff
0.3 km
Discover sustainable style and unique vintage treasures by weight at Flamingos Vintage Cardiff in the Capitol Shopping Centre.
Welcome Things
0.3 km
Discover whimsical treasures in Cardiff's historic Royal Arcade at this eclectic gift shop, where unique Welsh-inspired finds meet global curiosities in Victorian splendor.
elephants and flowres
0.3 km
Artisan gifts and local crafts in Cardiff's charming Victorian arcade.
Joie de Vivre Boutique and Vintage Store
0.3 km
Independent boutique treasure trove in historic Royal Arcade, celebrating curated vintage and artisanal finds.
Driftwood Designs Cardiff
0.3 km
Bright, bold Welsh art and homewares in the heart of Cardiff’s Royal Arcade – perfect for souvenirs, gifts, and a splash of contemporary Welsh culture.
Ganesha Handicrafts
0.3 km
Ethical elegance from India and Nepal: jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts in Cardiff's iconic Royal Arcade.
Morgan Quarter
0.3 km
Discover Cardiff’s charming Morgan Quarter, a historic Victorian arcade blending unique shops, cozy cafes, and timeless architecture in the city centre.
Little Welsh Company
0.3 km
Discover Cardiff's premier independent shop for authentic Welsh gifts, blending tradition with modern charm since 2003 on lively St John Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Dead Canary
0.0 km
Discover Cardiff’s secret cocktail haven where mythical-inspired drinks meet vintage charm in an intimate, expertly crafted experience.
Lab 22
0.3 km
Discover Cardiff’s award-winning Lab 22, where science meets cocktail artistry in a stylish, innovative, and immersive bar experience.
Boom Battle Bar Cardiff
0.3 km
Cardiff’s ultimate bar for games, street food, cocktails, and late-night fun in a lively, interactive setting.
Glassworks
0.3 km
Lively Cardiff pub offering classic British fare, a vibrant atmosphere, and a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike.
Henry's Cafe Bar Cardiff
0.3 km
A relaxed, long-standing Park Place bar offering cocktails, local beers and approachable British food from brunch through late-night.
Main Stage
0.4 km
Cardiff's vibrant gay bar and cabaret club with lively drag shows, DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the city centre.
Retro
0.4 km
A lively multi-floor nightclub in Cardiff celebrating retro hits, wild parties, and unforgettable nights until the early morning.
Tonight Josephine - Cardiff
0.4 km
A vibrant, pink-hued cocktail bar in Cardiff known for creative drinks, themed brunches, and a lively party atmosphere.
Kapu
0.4 km
Experience Cardiff’s vibrant tiki cocktail bar and nightclub with expertly crafted drinks and a lively tropical atmosphere.
Brewhouse
0.4 km
Experience Cardiff’s vibrant live music scene with great food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere at Brewhouse in the Old Brewery Quarter.
Heidis Bier Bar Cardiff
0.4 km
Experience authentic Bavarian fun and lively nightlife at Heidi's Bier Bar, Cardiff’s quirky hotspot on Mill Lane open late every day.
Yates - Cardiff
0.4 km
Lively sports bar and nightclub in Cardiff city centre with unbeatable sports coverage, great drinks, and a unique dancing doorman.
Slug & Lettuce - St Mary St Cardiff
0.4 km
Vibrant Cardiff cocktail bar on St Mary Street, famed for bottomless brunches, creative mixes, and lively nights in the city heart.
Mocka Lounge
0.4 km
Lively cocktail bar and nightclub in Cardiff’s Mill Lane with great drinks, friendly service, and a vibrant social scene day and night.
The Live Lounge Cardiff
0.4 km
Cardiff’s lively hotspot for live music, affordable eats, and vibrant nightlife until 4am every day.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Pulse
0.2 km
A city-centre LGBTQ+-friendly bar that becomes a neon-lit nightclub after dark, blending casual daytime dining with late-night DJs and themed club nights.
Metros
0.3 km
Cardiff's alternative nightclub haven: cheap drinks, eclectic DJs, and non-stop rock, ska, and indie beats fueling wild weekends till 4am.
The CUBE
0.4 km
Cardiff’s vibrant nightclub hotspot offering dynamic music, dancing, and an electric atmosphere in the heart of the city.
CIRCUIT Cardiff
0.4 km
Cardiff's largest nightclub ignites Greyfriars Road with 1,500-capacity energy, state-of-the-art production across themed rooms, and epic nights from club beats to private spectacles.
Popworld - Cardiff
0.4 km
Dive into cheesy pop heaven at Popworld Cardiff—karaoke, half-price drinks, and dance floor anthems until 3am on vibrant St Mary Street.
For Your Eyes Only
0.4 km
Elegant and vibrant dance club in Cardiff’s city centre offering stylish interiors, live entertainment, and a lively nightlife atmosphere.
Tiger Tiger Cardiff
0.4 km
A dynamic nightclub with themed rooms and diverse bars offering a vibrant nightlife experience in the heart of Cardiff.
Clwb Ifor Bach
0.6 km
Cardiff's gritty Welsh club heart: live music legends, late-night dances, and cultural rebellion on historic Womanby Street since 1983.
Fuel Rock Club
0.6 km
Cardiff's unyielding rock fortress on Womanby Street: live metal mayhem, cheap drinks, and a beer garden for the faithful.
The Globe
1.7 km
A compact Grade II-listed former cinema turned lively live-music venue and nightclub, famed for intimate gigs and energetic club nights on Albany Road.
The Vaults
1.7 km
Dive into Cardiff’s iconic underground club housed in a historic former bank, where techno beats and vibrant nightlife come alive beneath the city streets.
Cabaret at Wales Millennium Centre
1.9 km
Dive into Cardiff Bay's sizzling hub of drag, burlesque, comedy, and live music at Cabaret – where inclusive performances sparkle with pop culture magic and high-energy fun.
Coco Cubanas
11.7 km
Experience the vibrant weekend nightlife and energetic dance scene at Coco Cubanas, Barry’s premier late-night club on Broad Street.
Bar Cocoa
11.7 km
Experience Barry’s vibrant weekend nightlife at Bar Cocoa, a lively nightclub where music and dancing keep the party going until the early morning.
Eclipse Nightclub
16.1 km
Experience Pontypridd’s vibrant midweek nightlife at Eclipse Nightclub, where music, dancing, and community come alive every Wednesday night.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Quirky
- Lively
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nightlife
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
