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So we’ve established that rugby’s important to the locals in Cardiff. But like all sports, if you’re a spectator then watching the game is no fun without a proper pint in your hand. Zero Degrees was Cardiff’s first proper craft brewhouse and although some snobs may tell you it’s fallen behind the times a bit, we still love it. This microbrewery-cum-restaurant-cum-bar may do things simply but it’s location and beer are both still unsurpassed. Which is more than enough to keep us happy.

27 Westgate St, CF10 1DD
www.zerodegrees.co.uk/venue/cardiff

Of course for every beer swilling bloke, there’s a lady (or fella) in dire need of a good Cosmo. Lab 22 is universally regarded as Cardiff’s best cocktail bar. And while there are a few pretenders to the throne, none of them match the glitz and glamour of this city centre parlour. The drinks are every bit as creative as the name suggests and the crowd are equally colourful. Expect Cardiff’s finest and fanciest in here. Loud and unsurprisingly proud.

22 Caroline St, CF10 1FG
www.lab22cardiff.com/

So you’ve been to the game, sunk a few pints. Now all you need is some delicious grub to soak up the excesses of your afternoon. That’s where the Smoke Haus steps in. Jumping on the seemingly never ending bandwagon of ‘US diner style’ food, this is another ribs, burgers and hot dogs joint that takes pleasure in making your meat as meaty as it possibly can be. And it does it well, offering up all those yankee flavours with some refreshing craft beers to wash it all down with. Sure, it’s nothing new. But if it ain’t broke…

Mary Ann St, CF10 2EN
www.thesmokehaus.co.uk/

Buried deep down in an old bank vault, the Potted Pig is arguably the jewel in Cardiff’s gastronomic crown. The cavernous but very cosy restaurant serves up an unexpected mix of French classic dishes and New York grilled foods to surprising levels of success. Widely applauded by critics and food lovers alike. We’re not afraid to admit, this is our favourite restaurant in Cardiff. Oh and they love gin too. And so we love them.

27 High St, CF10 1PU
www.thepottedpig.com/

With Cardiff being such a prominent and important British fishing bay, it’s crucial that the local restaurants support the fine work their fishermen are doing. No restaurant does a better job of that than Fish at 85. Using only fish caught in British waters, this terrific little bistro serves up any number of thoughtful and delicious fish based recipes for your pleasure. The decor is light and breezy, while the ‘catch menu’ actually allows you to talk to a fishmonger in person about his fresh fish recommendations for you.

85 Pontcanna St, CF11 9HS
www.fishat85.co.uk/

If there’s a game on, and you can get a ticket, you simply have to go. Be warned, Wales rugby matches don’t come cheap, but to be swept up by the tide of fans as they head into the stadium on match day, is like nothing else. If rugby’s not your thing then the national football team also play here and there are gigs and concerts on throughout the year. Also, it doesn’t matter if it rains as the stadium has a retractable roof. How fancy.

Westgate St, Cardiff CF10 1NS
www.principalitystadium.wales

Bang smack in the middle of Cardiff there’s another great Welsh institution, the castle. Originally built as part of the Roman fort around the city, Cardiff castle has been a part of the terrain for nearly 2,000 years. Full of exciting turrets and attractions, the castle is a terrific day out for the family or even sans kids if you’d prefer. During the summer they put on events like medieval jousting to keep the crowds entertained.

Castle St, CF10 3RB
www.cardiffcastle.com/

A bit of a change of speed this one but if you’re up for it then why not, we say? Built as part of Cardiff Sports Village, the International White Water is an artificial rapids system that anyone can go along to test themselves on. They offer white water rafting, indoor surfing, canoeing, kayaking as well as a whole host of other activities. Not for the faint hearted but tremendous fun for everybody else.

Watkiss Way, CF11 0SY
www.ciww.com/