Christmas has arrived in Cardiff Bay, and Tiger Yard’s Winter Wunder-Yard has returned for the season, transforming the popular venue into a dazzling winter escape.
Running every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 29th December, the Wunder-Yard has something for everyone: ice-free curling, cosy seating, seasonal décor, delicious festive street food, and holiday-themed events. Here’s what to expect during your visit to this seasonal Cardiff attraction.
What’s on Offer: Ice-Free Curling and Family Fun
The Winter Wunder-Yard’s ice-free curling lanes are one of the main draws, creating a fun winter activity for families, friends, and colleagues alike. Ten custom-built, under-cover curling lanes allow you to experience curling with a twist – no ice, no skates, just plenty of sliding and competition! Each lane can accommodate up to eight players, with a minimum booking of three people priced at £10 per person.
For those of us who hadn’t seen this set-up before, it was an exciting surprise. Unlike traditional curling where the game resets, these lanes allow continuous play; you can slide stones from one end to the other and then back again, ensuring more game time within your booking period. The experience is both affordable and entertaining, making it a fantastic winter activity that everyone can get involved in.
Enchanting Décor and Cosy Atmosphere
Tiger Yard has gone all out with the décor, creating a space that’s practically sparkling with Christmas charm. Fairy lights, holiday greenery, and festive ornaments decorate every corner, adding a warm, magical touch. You’re outside but sheltered, and with plenty of patio and halogen heaters, it’s cosy and comfortable even on chillier evenings. There’s also a generous supply of complimentary blankets, so you can wrap up and enjoy the seasonal surroundings in warmth.
For an extra layer of cosiness, Tiger Yard offers rentable hideaway huts for £5 per person. Each hut has a relaxed, festive feel, complete with board games, Christmas colouring sheets, mulled wine, and even a mini disco ball for a touch of holiday party spirit. These huts are perfect for groups of four to eight, offering a private, Christmassy retreat to relax and celebrate with friends or family.
Festive Street Food: Winter Warmers and Holiday Specials
No Christmas outing is complete without great food, and Tiger Yard’s resident street food vendors have crafted seasonal menus filled with indulgent winter flavours. The line-up features favourites as well as some new guest vendors, bringing a delicious variety of festive treats:
- Dirty Bird: Their Santa’s Dirty Bird offers a fun twist on fried chicken with a Christmas combo of gravy, grated cheddar, and a touch of chilli cranberry sauce.
- Fire and Flank: Their Festive Burger is topped with pigs in blankets, brie, and cranberry sauce. But for those who prefer the classics, their Flank Burger – loaded with house sauce, smoky flavours, and smashed patties – is as good as it gets.
- Meating Point: Featuring a slow-cooked pulled pork shoulder, served with caramelised onions, chips, and rich gravy, this dish hits all the right notes for a hearty winter meal.
- Brasco’s Burgers: Their Lefty’s Xmas Burger comes with double smashed patties in a garlic challah bun, brie, and chilli cranberry sauce – a rich, indulgent burger that’s perfect for the season.
Guest vendors Khione and La Pintera/Million Dollar Gravy add more flair to the menu, offering Italian deli bites, Mexican street food, and comforting British favourites. We tried the Chipotle Chicken ‘N’ Chorizo Sabrosada Quesadilla from La Pintera and the Stuffed Beef Yorkshire Pudding with rarebit roasties from Million Dollar Gravy. Both were crowd-pleasers, with bold flavours and a festive touch.
Ordering is simple and seamless. A quick scan of the QR code at your table lets you browse the menu and order drinks and food straight to your seat, making it all feel efficient and relaxed.
Holiday Events and Packages
Tiger Yard isn’t just about food and curling – they’ve planned a series of festive activities and packages perfect for holiday gatherings, team nights out, or simply adding some Christmas cheer to a weekend with friends:
- Christmas Cocktail Masterclasses (£30 per person): These fun, interactive classes feature Prosecco on arrival, a festive Jager Train finale, and Christmas cocktail games, suitable for groups of 8 to 16. It’s a great option for those looking to add some holiday spirit with a twist!
- Bottomless Brunch (£35 per person): Featuring one hour or 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, a choice of street food, and a round of curling, the Bottomless Brunch experience is ideal for those who want to mix food, drinks, and some friendly competition.
For sports fans, Tiger Yard has set up large screens to show the season’s big matches, from the Rugby Autumn Internationals to Premier League football games. It’s an inviting spot to gather with friends, enjoy a pint, and cheer on your team amidst the festive decorations.
Practical Information and Tips
Winter Wunder-Yard is open:
- Friday: 5 pm – 10 pm
- Saturday: 12 pm – 10 pm
- Sunday: 12 pm – 7 pm
You can pop in for some impromptu curling fun, but I’d highly recommend booking in advance, especially for weekends, to avoid any disappointment. Groups of five or more can also pre-book tables and even arrange drinks packages in advance, adding to the convenience.
Tiger Yard’s Winter Wunder-Yard truly captures the festive spirit, creating a memorable experience for both families and friends. Whether you’re curling with the kids, tucking into a hearty festive burger, or cosying up in a private hut with mulled wine, this seasonal venue is packed with holiday magic that’s sure to make this Christmas season extra special.
Visit Tiger Yard’s Winter Wunder-Yard to plan your visit and book your spot!
