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Free State Kitchen is a relaxed eating spot, complete with outdoor benches. The restaurant prides itself on the locally sourced produce that makes up its menu of American classics with a twist. Take your tastebuds Stateside with a Boston clam chowder, best-selling buffalo hot wings, classic cheeseburgers and more.


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Giggling Squid
Bird-cage seating booths and floral displays are the perfect setting for enjoying Thai cuisine. From zingy prawns and duck spring rolls to spicy curry seabass and pad thai, you'll be spoilt for choice. Push the boat out with a cocktail, like the Spiced Coconut Pina Colada or Mango Chilli Mosquito. Other locations: Cardiff Bay

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As cosy as its low-lit interior is, this watering hole's biggest draw has got to be the beer garden. Heated when it gets nippy but glorious when it's sunny, the spacious outdoor area is the place to be in the summertime, as you sample fine wines and guest ales.

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With unassuming decor that has a family meal feel to it, the food and flavours at Hotpot Spot take centre stage. First, you choose your broths, then your dishes from the range of meats, vegetables, seafood, tofu and noodles on offer. Then, crucially, you pick your sauces for prime dipping.

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For lovers of Greek staples, SouvLike's menu reads like a mouthwatering dream. Dolmadakia (vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs), grilled feta, gyros, souvlaki, yemista (summer vegetables like tomatoes and peppers stuffed with rice)... Salivating yet? Your body might be in Cardiff but your tastebuds will definitely be in Athens.

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Before your pint and meal, you can book yourself a beer, gin or rum masterclass for some very demure tasting under the wise eyes of a Brewhouse specialist. Afterwards, opt for the large gardens, the airy conservatory or anywhere inside before tucking into burgers, steaks and loaded waffle fries.

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If you're after a spot to sing your heart out to live cover bands, light up the dance floor and take as many food and drink breaks as you need, look no further than The Live Lounge. Hot paninis, beer-battered fish and chips, juicy burgers – all fuel for the sing-alongs.

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A quaint hotel, The Beverley also boasts an equally character-filled pub. The building is a beaut, a converted Victorian townhouse with a claim to fame: Charlotte Church held her 18th birthday bash here. The food and drink, however, speak for themselves, from small plates to hearty, good old-fashioned pub grub.



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Ever wondered what the best sign of a grill house was? The healthy shawarmas you can see rotating from the windows outside. That's not all that's on offer at Syriana: think mixed mezze, falafel, lamb mandi and your charcoal-grilled favourites. Get a freshly squeezed juice or smoothie up for, you know, balance.

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This small but mighty restaurant and bar is one of Cardiff's best for tasty African dishes. The variety – egusi soup, makayabu (salt fish and vegetables) and pondu (cassava leaf stew) is a treat in itself. With DJ sets and screened football matches, come for the food, stay for the vibes.

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With sunnier days and warmer weather ahead, you might be tempted to unearth your BBQ and get grilling. If, however, you cannot be bothered, get your fix at the Smoke Haus. Rock to tunes while indulging in brisket, pulled pork, baby back ribs and chicken straight from the pit.

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At the Welsh House, the menu is warming and affordable. Locally sourced meat and veg are turned into Welsh favourites like cockles and laverbread and leek and cheddar Welsh cakes. Enjoy an alfresco family meal or pints with the gang as you people-watch and take in Cardiff Castle. Other locations: Carmarthen, Swansea

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The bright yellow interior of this Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurant certainly matches its name. The warmth and vibrancy of this spot extend to the menu. Samosa bombs, Punjabi butter chicken, prawn kothu, lamb biryani and more naan than your stomach can handle, perfect for sharing with friends.

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Three-time winner of the British Kebab Awards, you know that when you pop by Golden BBQ, you're getting some sterling stuff. A proudly Turkish joint, you can entertain your wildest kebab fantasies here – whether you're after a donner, a shish or a mix-and-match combo.
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While they offer a food delivery service in Newport and Cardiff, you can always find the Tin Can Kitchen in Leckwith. Breakfast baps range from the Egg Bap to The Don, featuring a beef burger, bacon, chipolatas and an egg. Burgers, hotdogs and loaded fries are also in the offing.















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At The Philharmonic, you get five bars in one venue. From the Philly Bar, perfect for a chilled tipple with pals to The Artium, a lush suntrap, an escape from Cardiff's streets, there’s something for every vibe. Food and drink are available wherever you are, with the Philly bottomless brunch a real people-pleaser.

















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The Big Easy is a dream for lovers of both surf and turf. Meat aficionados will enjoy their mouth-watering take on American barbecue – think smoky Texas-style brisket, Carolina pulled pork, and baby back ribs – while lobster obsessives can get their fix of the finer things too.

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Using ingredients and recipes that have been passed down through generations, dig into fluffy idlis (steamed rice cakes), hearty biryanis and sumptuous thalis. With food this good, your tastebuds will be in southern India while your body is very much still in Brum's Chennai Dosa.













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With roots that stretch back to central Persia where they have a farmhouse, you're guaranteed an authentic Persian-Indian fusion with a Scottish twist at KoolBa. From tandoori sizzlers to marinated kebabs, you won't have to choose. In fact, at this home away from home, you can have it all.


Corner Corner is a lot of things: an indoor vertical farm, a co-working space, an event space and crucially, a food court. Find locally sourced street food wherever you turn, from Middle Eastern small plates at Café by Sireli to Chick 'n' Sours' fried chicken burgers.

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Fast food takes on a whole new meaning at HANBAO. From the pulled pork-stuffed Piggie Smalls to the chicken and pancetta-filled Caesars Palace, there's a juicy burger for every taste. They also go hard on cocktails here. Try the Peach Blossom Spring for a light, fruity treat.




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Here, tasty staples like nachos, chicken wings and mac & cheese sit on the same menu as South African classics like biltong (dried meat), traditional sausages and sosatie (meat cooked on skewers). Curried jackfruit, veggie samoosas and pap (fluffy maize similar to mashed potato) are also in the offering.





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You'll get "true Neapolitan pizza" at Rudy's. What does that mean, you ask? Fresh dough made everyday, ingredients like flour and tomatoes straight from Naples, and traditional ovens that were handmade in the Italian city. Whatever pizza you choose, you know they'll always be authentic. Other locations: Westside, City Centre

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This King's Cross bar and restaurant has a cracking location when sunshine hits. Sure, its addresses says traffic-heavy York Way but Rotunda's real plus comes from its view out back, of bobbing barges and boats on Regent's Canal. There's usually a cute little garden set up on the terrace, too.



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Slap and Pickle's bang-up beef burgers come with 40-day dry-aged patties - we're no butchers but we know that means serious flavour - plant-powered goodness. Their fries come locked and loaded: think molten cheese, proper gravy, hoisin duck, chicken kiev. Sure, the name is playful but Slap and Pickle packs a punch.

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"Small dishes with big flavours" is what Saffron by Paradise offers, and that's what they deliver. Gather your loved ones for a traditional meal as you exchange fresh dips, fragrant stews, mixed grills and fluffy saffron rice. You'll find the yellow-orange spice everywhere, including in the classic saffron ice cream.

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Overlooking the waters of Birmingham's canals, Noel's is all about opulence. It oozes all over this place, from plush, pastel booths to the floral settings, from the in-house sommelier (real fancy!) to the artful presentation of the dishes. Go alfresco for some sunshine and an unmatched view.
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Named after a Scottish town and someone prone to extravagant glorification (a suck-up, in common parlance), The Lauder's deserves high praise. With the packed menu, the flowing drinks on tap, and the sports banter, this pub has a reputation for great scran and better vibes.



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The Fire Station is a perfect meeting place: with a location close to Waterloo station, a light, bright bar, and good value bottomless brunches at the weekends – offering two hours of unlimited drinks including Prosecco, beer, or Aperol Spritz – this is a chilled spot for spending some time catching up.

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At Taco Mazama, you dictate what your meal looks like. Contemplating a burrito bowl or are you on a quesadilla vibe today? Load up on your filling, toppings, side (guacamole, anyone?) and drink of choice. Next step? Enjoy heartily. Other locations: West End

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You'll be pleased to know that this quaint little cafe does, in fact, boast Syrian pies on its menu. These include the spicy muhammara and minced meat, halloumi and zaatar and kashkaval cheese specialities. Pair them with hummous, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh salad and falafels - authentic sides to sate big appetites.

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The King's Head is a friendly pub that's all about the traditional pub experience. Whether you're enjoying the weekly pub quiz, ordering from their menu of heart but refined dishes, or simply just soaking up the atmosphere at the bar, you're certain to come away with a smile.

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Sit back, relax, and get ready to be thoroughly entertained: a night at SoulStreet promises live entertainment combined with showy cocktail mixology and great food – so if you're in the market to be thoroughly impressed from every side, then step right this way.

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In the centre of the city, you'll find this traditional pub on the doorstep of New Street Station. With banging burgers, loaded sides and top-tier sarnies, it's a perfect pit stop for travellers, plus anyone after a quality cask ale, a hearty breakfast or a TV with the game on.



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The Pasta Poet doesn't serve up just your standard carbonara (as elite as it is). We're talking saucy Pomodoro Milano, creamy Garlic Venice and crowd-pleaser Basil Genoa. They've also got lasagne, ragu and focaccia by the bucketload. You'll be spoilt for choice, made better by the very reasonable prices.

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With the decor, food and cocktails, The Lawn Club is all about indulgence. With three outdoor spaces for alfresco enjoyment, head to the Pergola for twinkling lights, hanging floral adornments and an Insta snap that needs no caption. Their popular bottomless brunch is available every single day. Run, don't walk!


Once a gin palace and fire station, the drinks are still poured at The Trocadero and the heat comes in the form of warming pints and hearty meals. Make sure you check out the stained glass window where the firemen's pole used to be.

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If poring over Walnut Persian Restaurant's Instagram doesn't get you salivating, nothing else will: juicy chargrilled meats, rice made colourful with pomegranate seeds and saffron and the glaze of baklava as it catches the light. Take the dream offline by heading into Rusholme for the Iranian meal of your dreams.


An airy yet decadent interior, sensational canalside views on the terrace, bottomless brunch... These are just a few reasons why Pitcher & Piano is one of the city's gems. After you've enjoyed the all-day food menu, stick around for an evening of music and letting loose.



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Looking for a lively spot? An Argentinian restaurant and bar, Fiesta de Asado have brought their love of tender grilled meats, warming pasta, empanadas and, of course, chimichurri to Brummie. When summertime hits, grab a cocktail and hunt down Fiesta's secret garden terrace to soak up the rays. Vamos! Other locations: Solihull

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With a pint of craic always on offer, it's little wonder that O'Neill's is Manny's ultimate Irish bar. Tuck into a burger or (begrudgingly) split a chicken wing platter while you catch the game on their big screens. Plus, there are DJs and local bands showcasing their stuff every weekend.

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104 Hope Street, G2 6PH
Paris says: ‘Mexican food is my favourite and I’ve just found my new top spot in Glasgow – Mezcal! 🌮🔥 The food is next-level, with the perfect mix of authentic Mexican flavours and a little Scottish twist. Plus, the interior? Such a vibe. Can’t wait to come back!’
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7 Waterloo St, B2 5PG
Luke says: ‘Thai food is just the best! My favourite spot to hit now is definitely Sabai Sabai – the flavours be FLAVOURING. The venue, the food and service are all banging! If you’re a vegan like me, it has amazing options.'

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9 Kingsland High Street, E8 2JS
Formz says: ‘Nashville is my favourite place on earth, and Sides have smashed it out of the park in terms of bringing that flavour back to the UK! I'm also a milkshake addict and I don't think I've been to a place with a nicer selection than Sides!’