The appropriately named On The River is a stone’s throw from the Principality Stadium
A HOSTEL and venue with great views of the Principality Stadium is opening next month, replacing what had become a drug den and eyesore.
On The River, on Fitzhamon Embankment, will cater for up to 32 guests with a coffee shop, outdoor bar and street food kitchen opening later this spring.
“It is a shame how Wales is doing in the rugby because you will be able to hear the boos from here rather than cheers,” said co-owner Mike Catris.
It replaces the Nos Da hostel and music venue which became a hotspot for anti-social behaviour after it closed in March 2020.
There were several complaints about drug use at the site despite Cardiff Council clearing it up in November 2022.
“People had gone in and ripped out all of the wiring and copper piping. There were used mattresses, needles and waste all over the floor,” said Mike.
“It has taken a long time to get here but we are excited to open and make a different to the area,” said Mike.
“You just have to walk down the high street and places are closing left, right and centre. So many pubs and other social spaces are closing down because of stuff like National Insurance and cost-of-living.
“Ideally we want to bring a little bit of positivity back to the area, and get people excited about socialising again.”
Mike is hoping to set up community events such as a dementia café and memory meetings.
The 11 hostel rooms will be spread across two floors and feature a social kitchen area, pool tables, and art from a local graffiti artist.
The breakfast bar downstairs will have scenic views of the River Taff and Principality Stadium.
“We will be able to put games on the big screen, so you will be able to watch it there and hear the cheers and atmosphere from the stadium,” said Mike.
Mike is planning on marketing the rooms to groups, as well as individual beds in hostel rooms.
“It will stay as a hostel primarily, but we will rent out the rooms on Airbnb to get bigger groups in at weekends,” said Mike.
“It is a shame we missed the Six Nations, but we would rather get it right than rush and cut corners.”
