La Pantera, Cardiff’s first independent cantina dedicated to mezcal, tequila and Mexican street food, has announced it will close its doors at the end of November.
The bar and kitchen, located on Quay Street, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement posted on social media, explaining that their lease has come to an end.
Opening in February 2020, just weeks before the UK went into its first lockdown, La Pantera quickly became known as the “home of the unauthentic taco”, where no ingredient was off limits. The team gained a reputation for their bold weekly menus that saw everything from mussels and crab cakes to onion bhajis and even Big Mac-inspired tacos served up alongside mezcal cocktails.
Speaking on Facebook, the owners said:
“Regrettably, the time has come to close the rickety old doors of La Pantera. Our lease is up and it’s time to bring this crazy pipe dream to an end. As you can probably imagine, we’re all pretty bummed out with this, but do not despair. We’ll be going until the end of November. This gives you all a couple of months to come down, skull a few margs and reminisce about the weird and wonderful times you’ve spent here.”
They also confirmed that a big closing party will take place on Sunday 30 November.
La Pantera was founded by a group of friends who wanted to bring a more casual and experimental approach to tacos and mezcal, drawing on their experience working in some of Cardiff’s most popular restaurants and bars. The venue quickly became a much-loved part of the city’s independent food and drink scene.
The team added:
“It’s been a wild ride. One we couldn’t have done without the immense support from all you guys, gals and pals every step of the way. Huge thank you to everyone and anyone who’s helped over the last five and a half years. Couldn’t have done it without you.”
La Pantera will continue trading as normal until the end of November, with more details about its final weeks to be shared on social media.
