Located on the beautiful Cathedral Road, between Cardiff Castle, the River Taff and the heart of Pontcanna, Cathedral 73 is an elegant building, housing the lovely The Orangery restaurant and bar. It was a chilly autumn day and the winter weather was drawing in. We were looking for a delicious lunch spot, and we found the perfect place.
After a brisk walk in the cold, blustery air, we arrived into the warmth of the restaurant and were greeted by accommodating staff. Settling down with warming coffees, we browsed the varied menu, taking our time to deliberate our choices and taking in the elegant décor.
The Orangery restaurant’s grazing menu works in a similar style to traditional Spanish tapas: allowing you to choose from a selection of small plates and dishes which arrive at the table gradually. This is a fabulous way of dining, because you can create a unique meal by picking a few of your favourites off the menu. The relaxed food service was refreshing: we loved not feeling rushed to finish each dish, you really can take as much time as you want.
It was also lovely to have the freedom to try different foods and dishes, especially if you decide to share with your dining partner. The small plate portions are also great because you can either enjoy a lighter lunch, or if you’re hungrier, you can ask for more plates midway through the meal until you’re fully satisfied.
Each of the dishes were delicious and stunningly different. My chorizo and butterbean cassoulet was the perfect rich, warming dish to start with on the rainy winter day when we visited. The hake goujons were lovely and light, and the accompanying pea puree was the perfect sweet compliment to the fish. We also ordered patatas bravas and mixed olives, which were the perfect sharing dishes to tide us through between each small plate. Each dish was bursting with flavour, particularly the roast chicken thighs with chorizo and piquillo peppers and the cauliflower croquettes which were deliciously crisp on the outside.
As much as we were impressed with the savoury courses, a meal wouldn’t be complete without dessert, and what a course it was! We opted for the “Chocolate Nemesis” – a rich chocolate brownie, topped with a smooth truffle mousse topping. This was accompanied by a sweet coconut ice-cream which provided the perfect balance, cutting through the richness of the chocolate.
You really can’t beat that kind of indulgence as a midweek pick-me-up.
With a varied menu of dishes which are not only delicious but beautifully-presented, elegant and stylish décor and a relaxed atmosphere, The Orangery at Cathedral 73 is a really lovely place that we highly recommend you try out – we will definitely be returning!
To find out more about The Orangery’s menus, bar offers and event options, please visit their website http://cathedral73.com/orangery-bar/. Cathedral 73 is a boutique hotel located in a lovely area of Cardiff, just a short walk from the centre of the city. To find out more about their rooms and availability, visit: http://cathedral73.com/rooms-suites/ or contact them on 02920 235005.
