A brand-new, all-day brunch venue is set to open its doors at the thriving Amber Vista development in Cardiff on Wednesday, July 17th.
Park Side, originally founded by 37-year-old Sophie Pascoe and her mother in 2021, quickly garnered a loyal following for its excellent coffee and delightful sweet treats at its quaint original location in Heath. Now, the brand is taking a significant step forward with the opening of its second venue, conveniently situated just a short walk from Roath Park lake and wild gardens.
For those seeking a new mid-week hangout or a spot that’s a bit more secluded from the weekend hustle and bustle, Park Side is the perfect choice. Let’s take a sneak peek inside before it opens later this week.
This new venue, now part of the ‘Fire and Wine Group’ which includes popular spots like Bodega restaurant and Ballers Pizza, offers a substantial upgrade for Park Side. The Lakeside branch, known as Park Side (Coffee & Kitchen), will provide laid-back, all-day dining. It accommodates up to 60 covers inside, with an additional 40 covers available on a covered, heated terrace.
The terrace has completely transformed Park Side, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that wrap around the venue. Additionally, they own the two adjacent units, making Park Side a focal point for the entire development. In fact, with their trio of units, Sophie Pascoe and Benito Martinez have truly put Amber Vista on the map as the city’s latest culinary sensation.
Park Side’s all-day menu, available from 9am to 4pm from Wednesday to Sunday, features brunch classics such as avocado, poached eggs, and vine tomatoes on sourdough, smoked salmon with ricotta, capers, and soft scrambled eggs on sourdough, and a selection of Park Side breakfasts – veggie, vegan, or classic. Each dish is crafted using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
In addition to these familiar favourites, the menu also introduces some inventive new brunch items. Guests can look forward to dishes like stuffed sourdough eggy bread with smoked bacon and cheddar, and buttermilk fried chicken French toast with hot honey.
Cakes and bakes have always been a highlight at Park Side, thanks to local independent supplier Carrot Top Bakery. They will be increasing their production to meet the higher demand of the new Lakeside location.
The drinks menu is equally enticing, featuring locally roasted coffee from Hard Lines, brunch cocktails such as Breakfast Mimosas and Bloody Marys, wines by the glass, and a rotating selection of beers and lagers on draught. Whether you’re in the mood for a croissant and coffee, a full breakfast and a pint of Guinness, or Eggs Benedict and a glass of champagne, Park Side offers something to suit every taste.
Beyond brunch, the dog-friendly venue extends its hours from 4pm to 10pm Wednesday to Saturday, offering a concise menu of charcuterie plates and cheese boards. This creates the perfect atmosphere for guests to enjoy a relaxed evening with a glass of wine or beer.
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Sophie Pascoe, co-founder of Park Side and the creative force behind the new venue’s design through her interior design company Studio Severn, expressed her excitement about the opening. She said, “We’re thrilled to have Park Side joining the line-up of local, independent businesses at Amber Vista. Whether you’re coming down for a craft drink at State of Love & Trust, a freshen up at Thriv salon, or staying for a bite at Park Side, Ballers, or Bodega, there’s truly something for everyone in this little corner of Cardiff.”
In contrast to the more intimate spaces of Ballers and Bodega, Park Side is airy and open. The space remains relaxed and welcoming, and with summer weather on the horizon, Park Side is likely to attract crowds to its spacious terrace. We can see it becoming a favourite among locals and others on the east side of Cardiff. We can’t wait to return and see it in full swing.
Walk-ins are welcome at Park Side, subject to availability, but bookings are also available and can be made now at Park Side Kitchen.
