There are some menus that feel designed for a quick meal, and then there are ones clearly built for long, easy afternoons in the sun. The new spring summer menu at Cosy Club Cardiff Bay falls firmly into the second camp.
With the Bay looking its best and the outside terrace recently refreshed, it felt like the right setting to put the new dishes to the test.
First impressions
Cosy Club has always had a strong presence in Cardiff, with its city centre site offering something a bit more tucked away. But on a bright day, the Bay location is hard to beat. The updated outdoor area and refreshed signage give it a more modern, vibrant feel and it stands out nicely along the waterfront.
However, it’s nice to see they have maintained that Gatsby-esque style to the interior. Something, which we are such fans of.
The atmosphere was relaxed straight away, helped by a genuinely friendly team. It was also great to see some familiar faces from previous visits. If you are heading there with family, it is well set up too. Plenty of high chairs and a welcoming approach made things easy with our little one.
Small plates that set the tone
We started with a mix of small plates, which turned out to be the perfect way to ease into the menu.
The pulled beef and smoked bacon croquettes (new to the menu) were a standout straight away. Crisp on the outside with a rich, slow cooked filling, they had a proper depth of flavour. The black garlic aioli added a slightly sweet, umami edge, while the crispy leeks gave a bit of texture.
The halloumi and hot honey was another highlight and one of the more interesting new additions. Served with mizuna and pickled onion, it balances salty, sweet and sharp flavours really well. The key here is to dip the halloumi into the honey. It is not spicy, but adds a gentle sweetness that transforms the dish.
We also went for the Asian buttermilk fried chicken. Not new, but still one of the best things on the menu. The glaze brings together soy, ginger, sesame and chilli for a sticky, punchy finish that hits all the right notes.
Elsewhere on the small plates, there is plenty to explore if you are going as a group. The monkey bread with a miso glaze and clotted cream is one that is getting a lot of attention, along with garlic and paprika prawns on sourdough and charred padron peppers with pimento pesto. It is very much a menu built for sharing.
Lighter mains, perfect for the setting
For mains, we kept things fairly light, which suited both the weather and the overall feel of the menu.
The herb crusted roast salmon is one of the key new dishes and it shows the direction the menu is heading. The salmon itself was cooked well, flaking nicely, with the herb crust adding a bit of texture. The pea and tarragon velouté brought everything together, giving the dish a fresh, slightly creamy finish without being too heavy.
Alongside it, the panko crusted cod and chips felt like a must in this setting. Sitting by the water on a sunny day, it just makes sense. The panko coating gives a lighter, crispier texture compared to a traditional batter, and the caper butter sauce adds a nice sharpness that cuts through the richness.
If you are exploring more of the menu, there are a few other dishes worth keeping an eye on. The buttermilk chicken milanese with a fried egg, truffle and black garlic aioli leans more indulgent, while the open Norfolk smoked salmon sandwich offers something lighter again with whipped ricotta and preserved lemon. The chicken and smoked bacon Caesar is also there for those who want a classic done properly.
Overall, the mains feel designed to be flexible. You can keep things light, or build them up with sides depending on how hungry you are.
A dessert worth saving room for
The mascarpone and Madagascan vanilla cheesecake is one of the new desserts and a strong finish.
The texture is exactly what you want. Light, airy and not overly dense, with a proper crumb base that holds together without going soggy. The mascarpone gives it a softer feel than a traditional cheesecake, while the white chocolate shards add a bit of bite.
If we had one small piece of feedback, it would be the amount of strawberry and sauce. For us, it slightly overpowered the lightness of the cheesecake, but that will come down to personal preference.
There are a couple of other new desserts worth noting too, including a coconut and lime panna cotta with mango and a tiramisu with espresso and marsala soaked sponge. Both sound like solid options if you are in the mood for something different.
Drinks and the overall experience
It is also worth mentioning the drinks side of things, which has had a bit of a refresh. There is now a dedicated margarita menu alongside a focused martini selection, which fits nicely with the whole long afternoon vibe the menu is aiming for.
Combined with the setting in Cardiff Bay, it all comes together well. This is not just about the food, it is about taking your time, ordering a few plates, and settling in.
Overall
The new menu leans into what Cosy Club does well. Relaxed dining, fresh seasonal flavours and food that works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for a drawn out afternoon.
The mix of new small plates and lighter mains makes it easy to shape your visit around how you want to eat. Whether that is sharing dishes, going for a classic, or just picking away at plates with a drink in hand.
If you are choosing between the two Cardiff sites, the city centre still has its place. But when the sun is out, the Bay is where this menu really makes sense.
If you are planning a visit, you can view the full menu and book a table here: https://cosyclub.co.uk/menu/cardiff/
