Cardiff’s only speakeasy style cocktail bar is thriving after one year in business. Though The Dead Canary is marked only by a bird cage and visitors must ring a bell to enter, this secretive venue is proving immensely popular.
In keeping with its 1930s styling, the celebration of the bar’s first birthday falls on the anniversary of Repeal Day when prohibition came to an end in America 83 years ago. On 5 December, it will be The Dead Canary’s turn to throw a party which rivals those seen at the end of prohibition.
This venue has more on offer than the average bar and regularly hosts taster sessions, special themed evenings and master classes. Mark Holmes, who has been at The Dead Canary since the beginning, emphasises the importance of experts, saying, “Even though we know quite a lot about a certain whiskies or gins, the actual ambassadors know a great deal more.”
“All our staff are super knowledgeable; every single person loves their drink”
The team here like to think that if someone is going to buy a whiskey from the back shelf, then they should understand why it might cost that bit extra. It is this dedication to knowing what you are drinking, and the staff’s passion for their craft, that makes The Dead Canary different.
On Fridays and Saturdays, they offer full table service until close and are constantly on hand to offer advice about their cocktails. Amy Holmes, a Cardiff native who saw the need for something new in the city, stresses that, “All our staff are super knowledgeable; every single person loves their drink.”
This blend of retro styling and secrecy with a constantly evolving cocktail menu has made it a hit with people of all ages. Quickly becoming the go to venue for a celebratory drink, The Dead Canary’s popularity is only growing.
