Crunch
Westgate Street, Cardiff
Rising from the ashes of the now defunct Boudoir, Crunch offers a completely
different proposition to its predecessor. With its bright and airy decor, the
entrance is welcoming without being too overbearing. The white walls are complimented
by plush sofas and circular pods, with the emphasis on keeping things fresh
and minimal. Crunch operates as a dual purpose; afternoons are taken up with
busy diners taking advantage of the bar's express lunches with the evenings
providing the perfect warm-up to a big night out - all sound-tracked by 70’s
funk and classic Motown. The extensive wine menu concentrates on the Mediterranean
region with Spanish riojas and Italian chardonnays propping up an enviable
list. Cocktails swing from the wholly effeminate (a loaded Stiletto crammed
with Jameson’s, fresh lime and soda) to house classics with a twist (the
Tabu Ice Tea dilutes the pupils with one sip of vodka, Havana rum, house tequila,
Tanqueray gin, taboo, fresh lime and gomme - all topped off with a smattering
of cola). For those with a less excitable drinking palette, the bar provides
a decent range of premium lagers, both bottled and on tap. With Westgate Street's
ever-expanding stretch of bars, Crunch proves to be a neat addition to the
competition.
Punters: Express diners in the afternoon, party enthusiasts in the evening
Ambience: A classy warm-up to the weekend
Drinks: Champagnes £30, £65 a bottle. Wine £12, £16
a bottle. Cocktails £4.50, £6.50. Premium lagers £3, £3.50
Contact: 029 2039 9400
Keith Carey
Monkey Café
Castle Street, Swansea
Regulars to this vibrant, arty Swansea haunt will be more than aware that some
serious renovations have been underway at Monkey Cafe over the past months as
the independent, individualist scenester has strived to become bigger and better.
The Grand Opening champagne fest on June 21 proved they have succeeded. Having
languidly stretched out into the building next door, the downstairs DJ box has
stepped back to allow more room for dancing, and the entrance has shifted to
the right to give the whole space a sleeker, more grown-up look, a decade after
opening their doors in 1998. Those wanting to chat have been granted an extra
bar away from the booty-shaking masses, while the upstairs gig space now offers
a really decent expanse for punters of live bands and top acts, like the forthcoming
Freestylers. With regular nights for all manner of tastes including Breaks, Drum’n’Bass,
Funk, Latino, Dub and Electro alongside live Acoustic, Americana, Punk and Indie
nights, the eclectic venue intends to continue catering for broad tastes in their
own unique way, but now at a capacity of 650 (previously 400). It isn’t
just about the music, Monkey by day is a great place to meet for good food – all
organic and Fair Trade where possible and 99% homemade using fresh, local produce – and
with a new chef on board they will be extending the restaurant opening hours
to serve great grub in the evenings from 7pm ‘til 10pm, Tuesday to Saturday,
perfect for mates or dates. Also be sure to look out for their new line in Gower
Eco Hotels. Posh.
Punters: The arty, stylish and unique, the cool cats in hats and the acrobats
Drinks: Draught premium lagers (£1.50 - £3.20 a pint), various bottles
from Magners to VK (£2.60), spirit & mixer (£2.60), cocktails
and shots
Ambience: Friendly, party-happy, open-minded, eye-candy a-plenty, and chillaxed
Contact: www.monkeycafe.co.uk or 01792 480822
Susie Wild
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