FOR Cardiff has unveiled a new St. David’s Day celebration, inspired by the patron saint of Wales’s words “do the little things”. The programme of activities leading up to St David’s Day celebrates Welsh culture through small, joyful moments across the city centre, spotlighting five themes: gastronomy, music, literature, Welsh language and family.
FOR Cardiff is Cardiff city centre’s Business Improvement District (BID), funded by levy-paying businesses to deliver projects and campaigns that support the city centre economy, enhance the city’s experience, and promote Cardiff as a destination.
The first activation kicks-off on 6th February with St. David’s Favourites, a public vote inviting people to sample a handpicked selection of Welsh-inspired specials from hospitality venues across the city centre then vote online for their favourite.
The voting period runs between 6th – 26th February and at the end, the winning hospitality venue will be gifted a PR package managed by FOR Cardiff and the accolade of Cardiff’s first St. David’s Favourite.
Each dish is priced between £4 – £20, making it easy for people to explore the variety over the period, before placing a vote.
Venues and Dishes
Food
- Curado Bar – Pintxo de Queso Horneado: A Welsh rarebit-style pintxo with smoked Spanish cheese and beer.
- The Welsh House – Traditional Lamb Cawl: Served with Welsh cheddar and sourdough bread.
- Daffodil – Welsh Rack of Lamb: Marinated in garlic, rosemary and olive-oil and served with new potatoes, a rich veal jus, and a creamy soubise sauce.
- Parallel – Leek Croquettes: Made with smoked Caerphilly cheese and served with black garlic ketchup and crispy leeks.
Drinks
- Lab 22 – Cwtch Me If You Can: A riff on the classic Old-Fashioned cocktail, created in partnership with Brecon Chocolates.
- Nightshade Bar (below Pasture) – Rum and Raisin Sour: A mix of spiced rum, Pedro Ximinez sherry, lemon, vanilla and milk whey.
- Brewhouse – Pistachio Martini: Made with Aber Falls Distillery Pistachio Cream liqueur and Croeso Pubs coffee.
Carolyn Brownell, Executive Director at FOR Cardiff said: “FOR Cardiff’s Little Things campaign will bring Welsh culture to life across the city centre in the lead-up to St David’s Day. It launches with the St. David’s Favourites vote; a simple way to support and showcase Cardiff’s outstanding hospitality venues and perhaps discover a new favourite dish or drink in the process.”
After tasting their way around Cardiff city centre, the public can vote for their favourite dish or drink by visiting: https://www.forcardiff.com/LittleThings/St-Davids-Favourites
Voters will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a £150 digital Cardiff Gift Card, a tab of up £120 at the winning establishment and two tickets to UB40 in Utilita Arena on 3rd June 2026.
FOR Cardiff’s Little Things campaign will run through February and conclude on 1st March with a city-centre celebration, with further announcements and events to be revealed in the coming weeks.
