Best Bars near Roath Lock

Nestled on Cardiff's vibrant waterfront along Harbour Drive, The Waterguard is a welcoming Sam Smith's pub offering a curated selection of traditional ales, hearty pub meals, and stunning bay views. This dog-friendly spot features indoor and outdoor seating in two gardens, creating a relaxed haven amid the bustling docks. Open daily from noon, it serves classic British fare like fish and chips in a bright, airy space with nautical decor and no background music or TVs for easy conversation.

Bar One occupies a prime waterfront spot on Bute Place in Cardiff's bustling Cardiff Bay area, directly adjacent to the iconic Wales Millennium Centre. This welcoming bar offers a relaxed venue for pre-theatre drinks, light meals, and casual gatherings, with an outdoor terrace that shines on sunny days. Featuring a diverse menu including vegetarian options, cocktails, and reasonable prices, it caters to theatre-goers and locals alike. Open daily from morning, it provides a cozy indoor space and friendly service in a vibrant harbourside setting. Ideal for a quick bite or unwind before shows at the nearby cultural hub.

Las Iguanas at Mermaid Quay offers a lively atmosphere with delicious Latin American cuisine. Perfect for tourists looking to indulge in cocktails and tapas by the bay.

Cosy Club Cardiff Bay is a vibrant bar and restaurant located in Unit 24, Mermaid Quay. Known for its distinctive 1920s–30s art deco-inspired interiors, it offers a warm, eclectic atmosphere alongside a diverse menu featuring brunch, lunch, and dinner options. Open daily from 9am until late, it caters to a broad audience seeking a stylish yet comfortable dining and drinking experience in Cardiff’s lively waterfront district.

The Eli Jenkins is a lively pub in Cardiff Bay, housed in one of the area's few original buildings. Overlooking the Roald Dahl Plass and Millennium Centre, it offers a spacious beer garden with tropical plants and heated seating, budget-friendly drinks, hearty pub food like pizzas, wings, gammon, and cod, plus live sports on HD screens indoors and out. Named after a fictional reverend from Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood, it captures a quintessential Welsh pub vibe with cask ales, craft draughts, and a welcoming atmosphere for casual gatherings.

Lo Lounge is a vibrant cocktail bar and event space located on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay. Known for its eclectic mix of indoor shabby-chic interiors and creative outdoor spaces featuring shipping containers, a mini golf course, and a tented area, it offers stunning views across the bay. The venue serves handcrafted cocktails, draught beers, wines, and street food, and hosts live music and family-friendly events, making it a lively social hub with a relaxed, quirky atmosphere.

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.

Nestled in Cardiff Bay’s vibrant Mermaid Quay, The Botanist Cardiff Bay is a lush, plant-filled bar and restaurant offering a unique blend of botanical-inspired cocktails, freshly cooked British and American dishes, and live music every weekend. Spread across two floors with an outdoor terrace boasting stunning waterfront views, it’s a lively venue perfect for casual drinks, special occasions, or enjoying brunch and dinner in a scenic setting.

Nestled on Bute Street in Cardiff's vibrant Bay area, The Packet stands as a cherished traditional pub offering a warm escape from the surrounding modernity. With its historic charm, friendly service, darts, board games, and a selection of local brews like Brains SA, it provides a homely atmosphere for relaxed pints and casual gatherings. Open daily from noon, it extends into late nights on weekends, blending old-school pub vibes with a cozy beer garden.

Mocka Lounge, located on Mill Lane in Cardiff, is a vibrant cocktail bar renowned for its extensive drinks menu, lively atmosphere, and stylish outdoor terrace. Open late into the night, it offers a blend of tapas-style food, DJ events, and a welcoming social scene, making it a top destination for both locals and visitors seeking quality cocktails and nightlife in the city center.