
The Dead Canary
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Quick info
About The Dead Canary
The Dead Canary is a cocktail bar on Barrack Ln in Cardiff, and getting in is part of the format. The entrance is unmarked, so guests look for the "dead canary" and ring a doorbell, and the team greets them at the door once the bell sounds. Inside, the speakeasy theme runs through prohibition-era decor and seating that includes distressed armchairs. The cocktail menu ties its drinks to Welsh stories and Welsh explorers. Classic cocktails, including a Sazerac, sit alongside mocktails and beers for those who want something different. Drinks are brought to the table by the staff.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention welsh-themed cocktail stories, hidden doorbell entrance, speakeasy prohibition decor and sazerac cocktail.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention welsh-themed cocktail stories, hidden doorbell entrance, speakeasy prohibition decor and sazerac cocktail.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the Welsh storytelling behind the cocktail menu, with drinks named after Welsh explorers and each one carrying its own back story. The Sazerac and Walter and the Wreckers, served in a skull, are the named drinks, and classics, mocktails and beers sit alongside the novel cocktails. Close behind is the hidden entrance, where guests ring a bell and are welcomed in, and several enjoy the effort of finding the place. Staff are repeatedly described as friendly, knowledgeable and happy to talk through recommendations. The speakeasy setting draws praise for its dim lighting, distressed armchairs, a good playlist and a décor that recalls prohibition times. One reviewer enjoyed the whiskey box wall in the men's, and another notes the bathrooms are quirky but upstairs. The main caveat is cost, as one reviewer says prices run high. Several suggest booking, and one visitor on a birthday outing said they could have stayed from opening to close.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the Welsh storytelling behind the cocktail menu, with drinks named after Welsh explorers and each one carrying its own back story. The Sazerac and Walter and the Wreckers, served in a skull, are the named drinks, and classics, mocktails and beers sit alongside the novel cocktails. Close behind is the hidden entrance, where guests ring a bell and are welcomed in, and several enjoy the effort of finding the place. Staff are repeatedly described as friendly, knowledgeable and happy to talk through recommendations. The speakeasy setting draws praise for its dim lighting, distressed armchairs, a good playlist and a décor that recalls prohibition times. One reviewer enjoyed the whiskey box wall in the men's, and another notes the bathrooms are quirky but upstairs. The main caveat is cost, as one reviewer says prices run high. Several suggest booking, and one visitor on a birthday outing said they could have stayed from opening to close.
Featured reviews
- Alannah-Jade Thomas
“Bendigedig! My friend and I visited this on a whim for her birthday and I am so glad we did! The atmosphere of this hidden welsh bar is gorgeous and totally euphoric. The cocktails were stunning and we easily could have stayed from opening to close. Shoutout to the team and Cameron for making it such a great, relaxing and fun experience. This is definitely going to be a place we will be returning to frequently!”
- Andreas Lappas
“Genuinely unique experience that starts right at the door. The unmarked entrance and doorbell requirement set a mysterious, exclusive tone that adds to the quirky magic. The hospitality is seamless—from effortless booking to being personally greeted and guided to your table. The atmosphere is fantastic and the novelty cocktails are brilliantly inventive. The waiters are incredibly knowledgeable, offering spot-on recommendations that perfectly match your taste. A standout spot”
- Bailey Martin
“A great bar. Speakeasy vibes. Super cool. The Staff were super great. Highly recommend”
- Helen West
“Welcomed at door once bell was rung. Table service. Love all cocktails named after Welsh explorers. So atmospheric,great service. The cocktails were out of this world. Bathrooms also worth a visit..very quirky. Note, they are upstairs.”
- Aaron Sansom
“5/5 ⭐️ Fantastic experience at Dead Canary. The staff were brilliant — really friendly, chatty and clearly passionate about the bar’s concept and cocktails. They were super knowledgeable and happy to talk through the menu and recommendations. The cocktail menu itself was really quirky and creative, with lots of Welsh culture and storytelling behind the drinks which made it feel much more unique than your average cocktail bar. Great to see options for mocktails, classic cocktails and beers too. Prices are on the higher side, but honestly worth it for the quality and overall experience. The interior is a huge bonus as well — part of the fun is even finding the place! Definitely somewhere we’d recommend visiting in Cardiff.”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Eclectic cocktails are freshly prepared at this designer bar with a style harking back to the 1920s.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Location
Cocktail bars near The Dead Canary
- Golf Fang Cardiff4.82,4560.1 mi
bottomless golf package, glow in the dark course, themed mini golf holes
- 0.3 mi
themed cocktails, arcade game tokens, Maimai arcade game
- 0.3 mi
cocktail making class, pornstar martini, 2for £14 deal
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Dead Canary | 4.7997 | — | welsh-themed cocktail stories, hidden doorbell entrance, speakeasy prohibition decor |
| Golf Fang Cardiff | 4.82,456 | 0.1 mi | bottomless golf package, glow in the dark course, themed mini golf holes |
| NQ64 Arcade Bar - Cardiff | 4.7718 | 0.3 mi | themed cocktails, arcade game tokens, Maimai arcade game |
| The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Cardiff | 4.7758 | 0.3 mi | cocktail making class, pornstar martini, 2for £14 deal |
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