Croeso Pubs Limited, which owns The Philharmonic, Brewhouse, Retro and the Blue Bell has added a new member to its family – Daffodil – previously known as 33 Windsor Place.
The former Brains pub locked its door during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained shut ever since – but today it will welcome pub goers and diners for the very first time as Daffodil, a food-led venue with a substantial wine, spirit and cocktail list that champions Welsh produce and suppliers.
General Manager of Daffodil, Alex Howells, has a fine pedigree when it comes to launching successful restaurants and he is looking forward to welcoming guests back through the doors.
Alex has been in the restaurant trade since he was 18, when he started out in the Red Fox in Penllyn. He went on to set up the hugely successful Hare & Hounds at Aberthin, which has won many awards including a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2017 before launching its sister site The Heathcock, in Llandaff, which has also been lauded in Michelin and the Good Food Guide.
The 32-year-old says: “We will be making everything in-house to offer Cardiff a true Welsh produce food-led venue that is accessible to everyone. Though we are perfectly based for the nearby offices and university, we hope to welcome people of all backgrounds to Daffodil. There will be tasty food for every price point with a very service-led laidback style of service. We want people to feel like they have come to an old friend’s house for dinner, and we are really looking forward to welcoming people again.
“We were inspired to name it after the Welsh national flower and think it’s the perfect name for a pub/ restaurant in the Welsh capital that celebrates local tastes and suppliers. If you want to just come for a drink, there is plenty on offer, including, of course, a very warm welcome.”
Daffodils’s new menu, devised by Croeso Pubs Ltd’s executive chef Jamie Newman, will feature produce sourced as locally as possible and dishes will include starters like ham hock scotch egg, pan seared king scallops and crispy squid, as well as mains such as rack of Welsh lamb, fish pie, a selection of steaks and vegan options. Mouth-watering desserts include panna cotta with passion fruit syrup and lemon posset.
Jamie explained: “We will be offering a varied and sophisticated menu with dishes made from good quality locally sourced products wherever possible. Diners will be able to enjoy good Welsh food throughout the day as well as a selection of varied sandwiches for a lighter option and a traditional Sunday lunch.”
Simon Little, Director of Croeso Pubs Ltd, added: “Adding Daffodil to our pubco made absolute sense. It has always been a popular establishment in Cardiff and we are looking forward to it being even bigger and better. We are thrilled to open the doors of another member of the Croeso Pubs family. We are always looking for opportunities to expand our business so more and more people can enjoy everything Croeso Pubs has to offer, from great food to live music, fine ales to dancing – and always a very warm welcome.”
