Cardiff set for big weekend

Coyote Ugly

Football fever at Cardiff bars

Bars in Cardiff are all set for a bumper weekend ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League final and visitors to the city who don’t have tickets to the event will need to think ahead about where they plan to watch the game.

Pubs in the city are expected to be packed to the rafters, with all advising customers to arrive early or book ahead to secure their seats for the showpiece game between Juventus and Real Madrid.

One of the most popular destinations is likely to be the recently-opened Elevens on Castle Street, which is run by Brains in partnership with Wales and Real Madrid sensation Gareth Bale, who sports the number for club and country.

With Real Madrid and Bale-related memorabilia regaling the pub and Bale Ale on tap behind the bar, Elevens is sure to be a must-visit destination for Real Madrid fans.

Other popular destinations are likely to be Westgate Street locations such as Tiny Rebel Brewing’s urban tap house and the Queens Vaults, which will have big screens up for the occasion.

The Vaults is an award-winning city centre bar in the shadow of the stadium and is likely to be very busy on the day but with Champions League and Spanish football regularly shown at the venue it will offer a lively atmoshphere for the game.

The Bierkeller on Wood Street is also likely to be bustling and is offering early-bird tickets on the day, with customers needing to pick an arrival time between noon and 5pm to secure their tables.

Cardiff’s rock-cum-sports bar The Bunker on St Mary Street will be another popular venue, as will other bars on the city’s main thoroughfare such as O'Neillsand Walkabout, situated between the Juventus fanzone at Callaghan Square and the stadium. Expect big screens and a variety of beers and drinks at the recently-refurbed Aussie-themed bar.

Another lively venue on St Mary Street is the Cardiff incarnation of the world-famous Coyote Ugly chain, where you can book to get on the guest list to avoid queuing before the match.

Dirty Martini, an exclusive cocktail bar minutes from the stadium, will also have screens dotted around the venue showing the game and is likely to be a more expensive but quieter venue than some of St Mary Street’s other outlets.

A few options on the outskirts of the city include Depot, an events space between Cardiff Bay and the city centre, and The Tramshed on Clare Road.