Flight Club have venues in the USA and Australia but the Cardiff bar will be the first in Wales
INTERNATIONAL “social darts” chain Flight Club are set to open a new bar in Cardiff city centre after councillors dropped concerns over anti-social behaviour.
Plans were originally submitted for the bar on St Mary Street last year but were met with resistance from Cardiff councillors Norma Mackie, Chris Weaver and Sarah Merry.
As reported by ITV back in December, the three Cardiff councillors objected to plans over fears that the bar would attract stag and hen parties to the area which would spill out onto the street and become a danger to others.
However, after considering the application further, they have since withdrawn their opposition.
Coun Mackie said: “We are no longer objecting to this application. We have considered the additional information sent by the applicant and had a discussion with them.
“It is our view, as local councillors, that this application is exceptional. We are confident that the premises will be managed well.”
The bar was recommended for approval back in November, but on Friday, January 28 the licensing application, which allowed the company to serve alcohol, was granted.
Following the decision, a Flight Club spokesperson told The Cardiffian: “We are thrilled at the news that the licensing application has been granted for Flight Club Cardiff.
“Whenever we look to join a new neighbourhood, we always work closely with the community to ensure that we’re adding to it in the best way possible and we look forward to maintaining these positive relationships moving forwards.
“There’s a lot of work to be done, but we can’t wait to announce our opening date and share more of what we’ve got planned for Flight Club Cardiff in the coming months.”
Flight Club Cardiff is set to open on 3-4 St Marys Street, formerly occupied by Beanfreaks Health Food Store and Creams Dessert Bar.
This will be Flight Club’s first bar in Wales having already set up establishments in Bristol, Birmingham, Chicago, Perth, and London.
The 400 square metre site will be transformed into a darts area, complete with eight dart boards, a cocktail bar and table service which can be booked by up to 20 guests at £10 per person for 90 minutes.
While many people are excited for Flight Club to come to Cardiff, some have their reservations.
For Steffan Lewis, 35, from Aberystwyth, who recently visited Flight Club’s Birmingham bar, it brings an extra incentive to visit the capital.
He said: “It gives me an excuse to take a trip to Cardiff, if you’re looking at having a weekend away with your mates and fancy doing something fun one afternoon with a few beers I’d massively recommend Flight Club.
“I think it will attract people to Cardiff as it gives you something to do in a pub environment instead of just sitting down and chatting.”
But for experienced darts player Danny Dyer, 38, from Cardiff, the price and restrictions against bringing your own darts are concerning.
He said: “I can only vouch for the darts players in Cardiff, but most players go to the pub to practice, and it is free.
“I understand it is for business, but it might be good to offer some form of discount to entice darts players, although it will be hard to get them in when you cannot bring your own darts.
“The bar is better suited to students and beginners but at £10 for 90 minutes it is quite expensive.”
- Further information on developments can be found on Flight Club’s website
