The Vulcan Lounge

Reviews

• Caroline A.

  star star star star star_border 13 June 2026

  When I was invited out to the Vulcan Lounge, I was like what, really! There?  It used to be The End pub, and it wasn't exactly glamorous, not at all...I went along anyway, and O.M.G WHAT a transformation, the place looks great!  Visually, it's gorgeous, really cosy and smart.  The atmosphere is always fantastic, especially on the open mic nights that they have on a Monday- the artists are always credible, and it almost turns into a sing-a-long session, it's definitely a crowd pleaser and a lot of laughs.
  It's definitely first- date material in there, lots of cosy, nice softly lit corners to cuddle up in!  And great for groups too, with large tables and a large bar area.  There's a lovely outside area too for smokers and hot beer garden days!
  Price wise, pretty good.  Inexpensive and quality hand in hand.  What more could you want.  It's usually quieter than the other busy student bars in Cathays, so feel free to escape from it all in The Vulcan Lounge.

• Tiffany M.

  star star star star star_border 5 June 2026

  I've not eaten at the Vulcan but I have had a few cheeky drinks and I have to say, the atmosphere is really great. Being smack bang in the middle of student central, the drinks are dirt cheap but the interior is not compromised and is actually really pretty.
  
  Somewhere between classic, dark and moody old pub and trendy bar it provides something aesthetic for people who like to drink in an attractive setting.

• Rachel W.

  star star star star star 2 June 2026

  This place was classy even before it got classy... if you know what I mean? The fact that it's now had a reburb that shows it in its true colours is simply a case of a place fulfilling its promise!
  
  It'll come as no surprise to many that the people behind the Vulan Lounge are the same people that transformed the North Star into a shining beacon of contemporary style. Tim Rice, the illustrious Cardiff based  designer responsible for the magnificent results out in Maindy / Gabalfa is now working his magic in Cathays. And that's not all... The winning formula that has made The North Star such a manifold success is being down-scaled and transposed onto this centrally located pub cum lounge. That means great food, live music and high levels of customer satisfaction!
  
  Rowan Liggett, one of the people behind MMP (Miniature Music Press), and responsible for the music nights at The North Star is also providing the entertainment here. So, for those of you without a car.. well... rest assured, they're bringing the good times to you, instead of making you hanker for something that is just a little too far out of reach...
  
  The Vulcan is still closed mid week until the work is complete.
  
  Here's what I wrote about The North Star:
  
  The North Star is a vast pub cum restaurant and music venue occupying a prominent position on North Road in the Maindy / Gabalfa area of Cardiff. It is an incredibly inspiring and important addition to the cultural wealth of the city. Opened in October last year, it is already the home to a cosmopolitan mix of locals, business people and students, as well as regular visitors from all over the city and beyond.
  
  When you walk into The North Star you can appreciate why it has such a draw. The old Victorian mansion-sized building has been lovingly refurbished with impressive style. The modern look, embellished with antique flourishes and an eclectic use of period furniture, has been created by Tim Rice, one of Cardiff's most successful designers, leading The North Star to be shortlisted for 'The Best Bar and Restaurant Design Awards' within months of its unveiling. It also scooped up another accolade when it was voted the fifth best 'cheap eat' in the UK by The Guardian.
  
  There's more to say about The North Star than I've got space here on Yelp. It's a multi-faceted business that offers a lot, to many. Managed by a brother and sister team, with Alex taking care of front of house, and her brother conjuring up epicurean delights in the kitchen.
  
  The food, organic and locally sourced wherever possible, is extensive in range and all homemade from scratch, including the relishes, dough's and even the Yorkshire puds! Dishes are predominantly Italian, but the menu frequently includes Welsh favourites like cockles and lava bread, Monmouthshire lamb and potted pig. With deals like '2 for 1' operating from Monday to Friday, customers are visibly increasing on a weekly basis.
  
  Specialty dishes are changed regularly, usually prompted by the advice of their local butcher, J T Morgan, who tips them the wink about all the best seasonal cuts on offer. Established in 1861, J T Morgan Butchers have occupied a position of importance at the indoor market, in central Cardiff, for more years than anyone can remember. A family butchers that have moved with the times, they are presently one of the most recognized purveyors of free range and organic meat and poultry in South Wales.
  
  Not surprisingly, The North Star makes the most of a good thing. As well as fantastic Sunday lunches, boasting the most succulent roasts in town, they're also hosting BBQ's on Friday and Sundays over the warmer months.
  
  Live music is on offer most days of the week, kicking off on Wednesdays with the Open Mic Night hosted by Rowan Liggett, who is also Co-Director of The Miniature Music Press, a really well produced A5 music magazine and 'What's On', that you can pick up for free at a whole host of places around the city.
  
  The North Star also has a sister pub worth mentioning; The Vulcan in Cathays on Wyvern Road, another haunt of the ubiquitous Rowan Liggett, who runs the Open Mic nights here as well. Frequented mainly by students, this is a cool live music pub, also designed by Tim Rice, that is equally well worth checking out.

• Cinzia Y.

  star star star star_border star_border 27 May 2026

  I tend to go in here a lot, but mainly for the musical entertainment - in the main the open mic night on a Monday. The Vulcan Lounge is an improvement on The End. The interior is inviting and quirky - look out for the table, chair and lamp on the ceiling - and there are plenty of little snugs and sofas for an intimate evening.
  
  The open mic night is really friendly, if a little repetitive if you go every week, but then there are some occasional surprises; One week I arrived to find a Danish Prog Rock band setting up! Local bands also often play and as its such a friendly setting you'll find some good quality music from well known locals in the open mic.
  
  The beer is cheap as it is a student friendly venue, and the staff are friendly. In fact, with NUS you get a discount on certain beers. And they have more novelty vodkas than I have ever seen!!!!
  
  I wouldn't bother with ordering food though, They do say they're a Gastro pub, but I've attempted to eat in there a few times and its has not arrived, or I've been too late etc. Basic pub fare really.
  
  Oh, and it can get a bit confusing with the name - this isn't the one they tried to knock down, this is the other one...

• Anna T.

  star star star star star_border 18 May 2026

  A couple of mates told me about this place so I decided to venture into student town to check it out.
  
  You step into a weird kind of Victorian living room, with lots of light shades and plenty of students. The food is dubbed as 'Gastro' which means it sells burgers, pasta, platters and usual grub fair. Surprisingly though the food is really quite cheap, a good bit cheaper than a Wetherspoons and much better.
  
  Its refreshing to visit a place that not only looks great, but offers value for money and good service too. They also have a fun quiz night on a Tuesday, an open mic night and lots of live music.
  
  If being around the students didn't make me feel so old then I'd probably be here more often, still it's a great place for a cheap bite to eat and drink for anyone if your ever in that area.