WAYPOINTS: Tiny Rebel, Cardiff
Tiny Rebel, Cardiff (Image: Tiny Rebel website)
Where: Tiny Rebel, Cardiff
Preamble
Situated right outside Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Westgate Street, Tiny Rebel is housed in an historic Grade II listed building that in a previous life was a treasury vault.
Down in the city for the Billy Joel concert, we were able to check out the atmosphere and the liquid treasure now served within the industrial styled interior, which as expected was heaving both before and after the gig.
Thankfully there is plenty of space with a downstairs bar supplemented by two floors of themed rooms.
Regular punters and frequentors:
Given the main activities of the Principality Stadium you will find either rugby or music fans on match and gig days. Normally the clientele will be more student based and/or folks catching local acts playing in the upstairs room.
What do I need to know?
Q: How do I get there and what are the practicalities? A: It’s easy to get to via a 7-minute stroll from Cardiff Central station. Note for the modern world: it’s a cashless venue, so bring your cards or phone.
Tiny Rebel, Cardiff (Image: Tiny Rebel website)
Q: Did the tap list require a PhD to understand?
A: More like a minor in "Sweet Shop Studies." While they have the classics like Cwtch (Red Ale), the list is a rotating candy store of guest taps and Tiny Rebel experiments. You might see everything from a traditional bitter to a triple milkshake IPA.
Q: Is the beer actually good, or am I just paying for the cool label art?
A: Very decent. With a massive range of Tiny Rebel beers to choose from as well as more traditional offerings you will be spoilt for choice.
Q: Aaah, but I’m not drinking, what’s my poison Alcohol free-wise?
A: Try the AF version of their flagship, Clwb Tropica Non-Alc (0.5%), for a bit of pineapple and mango action.
Q: What’s the story on food and snacks?
A: We are talking "American-influenced soul food" country here. Burgers like The Rebel or The Hot Fuzz, hot dogs, pizzas and loaded fries come highly recommended.
Q: Will my Dog or other significant others be welcome?
A: Definitely Your dog is a VIP here and can be its own Tiny Rebel (within reason of course!).
Q: How much did my wallet cry?
A: It’s not the cheapest pint in town but think premium - location, atmosphere and brand - when you are channelling your inner rebel.
The Verdict
The "In a Few Words" Summary:
"A neon-soaked staging post with a wide range of decent beers, cracking atmosphere and vibe and friendly staff and clientele.”
Footnote: There is also a sister Tiny Rebel bar in Newport which is equally excellent (and helped soothe a particularly painful away match watching Bradford City at Newport County a few years ago).
