The Dock Travel Guide

Free Guide: Lively live music bar and restaurant in Cardiff Bay with panoramic waterfront views and an extensive drinks selection.

A brief summary of The Dock

Lively live music bar and restaurant in Cardiff Bay with panoramic waterfront views and an extensive drinks selection.

Located in Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay, The Dock is a lively live music bar and restaurant offering a vibrant atmosphere, panoramic waterfront views, and an extensive drinks selection. Known for its spacious two-storey drinks cabinet and regular live music events, it combines casual dining with entertainment in a popular social hub. Open daily with late-night hours on weekends, it attracts a diverse crowd seeking both relaxation and lively nightlife.

1–4 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
5 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Trash bins
  • Information boards
4.2 Very good · 2,046 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon10 am–12 am
  • Tue10 am–12 am
  • Wed10 am–12 am
  • Thu10 am–12 am
  • Fri10 am–2 am
  • Sat10 am–2 am
  • Sun10 am–12 am

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
Unit 1 & U1, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff CF10 5BZ
Phone
Website

Getting there

Train

From Cardiff Central Station, take a 15-20 minute walk or a short taxi ride to Mermaid Quay where The Dock is located. Trains run frequently and the station is well connected to regional and national routes. Walking involves some urban streets but is accessible for most travelers.

Bus

Several Cardiff city buses serve stops near Mermaid Quay, including routes 6, 8, and 9. Travel times range from 10 to 25 minutes depending on your starting point. Buses run regularly throughout the day but may be less frequent late at night. Tickets cost approximately £2-£3.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Cardiff and provide a direct, convenient option to reach The Dock in about 10 minutes from the city center. Fares typically range from £6 to £10 depending on traffic and time of day.

Discover more about The Dock

A Dynamic Hub in Cardiff Bay's Mermaid Quay

Nestled in the heart of Mermaid Quay, The Dock stands as a prominent live music bar and restaurant known for its energetic vibe and scenic waterfront location. This venue capitalizes on its prime position overlooking Cardiff Bay, offering guests stunning panoramic views that enhance the social experience. The Dock's spacious interior is designed to accommodate a bustling crowd, featuring a striking two-storey drinks cabinet that showcases an impressive array of spirits and cocktails.

Atmosphere and Entertainment

The Dock thrives as a vibrant social destination, blending casual dining with regular live music performances that energize the space. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, attracting a diverse clientele ranging from locals to visitors looking to enjoy Cardiff’s nightlife. The venue’s layout supports both relaxed seating areas and open spaces for dancing or mingling, making it suitable for groups and solo visitors alike.

Culinary Offerings and Drink Selection

While primarily celebrated for its drinks, The Dock also offers a menu of casual dining options designed to complement its beverage selection. The food is crafted to suit the venue’s informal style, providing hearty portions that pair well with the extensive list of cocktails, beers, and spirits. The bar’s signature feature, the expansive drinks cabinet, is a focal point, offering a wide variety of choices that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Community and Service

The Dock is recognized for its friendly and helpful staff who contribute to the welcoming environment. The venue is also noted for being dog-friendly, adding to its appeal as a relaxed and inclusive gathering spot. Its location within Mermaid Quay places it among other entertainment and dining options, making it a key part of Cardiff Bay’s vibrant social scene.

Operating Hours and Accessibility

Open daily from 10 AM, The Dock extends its hours until midnight on weekdays and stays open until 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, catering to late-night crowds. Its accessibility within Cardiff Bay makes it an easy destination for both locals and tourists, with ample nearby amenities and transport options.

Visual and Social Appeal

The Dock’s waterfront setting and distinctive interior design offer numerous photo opportunities, making it a favored spot for social media sharing. Its blend of modern aesthetics and lively ambiance creates an inviting backdrop for memorable evenings out in Cardiff.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Dec · at 1am or at 2am or at 6am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 44% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 44% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 56% of the busiest month
  4. Apr: 67% of the busiest month
  5. May: 78% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 89% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 89% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 78% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 56% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 44% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 30% of the busiest hour
  2. 1am: 20% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 2am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  4. 6am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  5. 7am: 20% of the busiest hour
  6. 8am: 30% of the busiest hour
  7. 9am: 40% of the busiest hour
  8. 10am: 50% of the busiest hour
  9. 11am: 60% of the busiest hour
  10. 12pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  11. 1pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  12. 2pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  13. 3pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  14. 4pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  15. 5pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  16. 6pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  17. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  18. 8pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  19. 9pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  20. 10pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  21. 11pm: 50% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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