Pandemic BrewDog and Tiny Rebel Bars

Hello all you lovely people.  

    As you are probably aware, Wales' hospitality sector has finally started to open it's doors, pubs and restaurants are once again inviting their punters in.  I took full advantage of this last weekend, visiting Tiny Rebel and BrewDog in Cardiff Saturday 8th August with two work colleagues.

What was it like I hear you ask? Well, it was different. 

    Firstly, don't go anywhere without checking ahead to see if you need to book your place.  Also, don't expect to be able to stay at your table for too long.  I made my booking on the morning of Wednesday 5th August, all that was left available to myself and 2 colleagues was the 1 pm slot in BrewDog.  I luurrvve the BrewDog bar in Cardiff so didn't really mind the early drinking start, plus I was just topping up from the live feed the night before anyway, right?!  With such short visit, I also booked a slot in Tiny Rebel, a stone's throw away.   

    Secondly, don't expect loads of choice.  In both bars the range is limited, the famous BrewDog bar sign was probably nearing half full.  Also, only one of the displayed Sours was available. I would say there was at least one of each style available.  My favourite Zombie Cake wasn't on but I got a Jet Black Heart instead.  Wish I could say it was different at Tiny Rebel, but it wasn't.  Food menu is smaller too.  There were no stouts on at all in Tiny Rebel, had to buy my beloved Stay Puft in a can at an eye watering £3.60. There was gin though, plenty of gin.

 

    As for the experience, it was pleasant enough.  We were three lovely ladies greeted at every door.  Name checked and shown to our table.  BrewDog were kind and welcoming, it was a little on the quiet side at 1 pm though.  Both companies ran through the do's and don'ts.  Do get the app, do order from your table, do not come to the bar and make sure you scan the track and trace bar-code.  All a little faceless after after the initial greeting,  apart from the occasional beer delivery.  It's actually quite strange having pints served to you as though it’s a plate of food. Tiny rebel was pretty much the same, only at the door ahead of us was a disgruntled customer who hadn't booked ahead being turned away.  We'd had a few by then and if you can't be bothered to do your research more fool you right?  Shame I hadn't written this blog for him to read beforehand!

    Both bars use the same software to order drinks to the table, which I felt was a little frustrating having to set up a carbon copy ordering website that I'd already logged into.  But once done, you're sorted for the rest of your stay, all 2 hours of it!  We also ordered a few 'snacks' from tiny rebel.  Watch the portions, they're huge!  Check out my nachos. 

All in all, it was so nice to get out and socialise again. Just don't expect things normal just yet.

Stay safe and look after each other 💜

Melanie Martin