Cardiff needs a black venue - shame about the Rocking Chair

Sadly the closest thing we have to a Caribbean venue in Wales is the badly run, rip-off joint called the Rocking Chair, in Cardiff's Lower Cathedral Street. Rude and aggressive owners who seem to be in so much financial trouble that they have no idea what customers see as good service and prefer to grab money through shortcuts. Pity, because a good Windies bar/restaurant with authentic food, great music, fair pricing and traditional Caribbean warmth would really work.

Anyone ready to take the Rocking Chair on and do it properly? Cymru Ddu is worth an investment!!!

Posted 28th Dec 2009 11:02pm by spud

excellent venue

I disagree completely with spud. I have been to the rocking chair and absolutely LOVED it! The staff were friendly, the food was wonderful, and the music created a chilled out atmosphere. It's not the flashiest or the busiest place, but for me thats great. No long waits, no rowdy kids. Everything from the service, to the reggae and soul music, to the food fit, a venue which seems to attract likeminded people who just want to have a quiet drink and enjoy a traditional carribbean menu. I will definately continue to visit this place, and I reccommend the rocking chair to anyone who wants to taste good carribbean food, in a small friendly bar with a nice vibe. You won't be dissapointed!

Posted 30th Jul 2010 3:55pm by martha.stuart

The Rocking Chair is NOT Rocking!

Sad to say I was a huge fan of this business and loveed supporting by buying my food there, however the staff are rude, and the food is no longer apetising.

Posted 11th Sep 2010 5:20pm by st05002320

if you want the best jamaican food check out Bauhaus coffee shop, authentic food and great service. I went there with my friends, staff very friendly and good vibe we have been in the day and the evening. cocktails and live music mixed crowd will definately be going back for the best curry goat. its opposite home bargins in Bridgend.

Posted 31st Dec 2010 10:09pm by marley

I read your posts,and i went to rockin chair to see how is it really there...and you know what people, it was NICE! the band,the food,the staff...i just regret that i read this posts here and went there with sceptical attitude. Any way to all new readers: DONT LISTEN TO NO ONE,JUST GO AND SEE YOURSELF!

Cheers people!

Posted 15th Jan 2011 1:07pm by kelly.smith

Loved it...

I went to Rocking Chair Sunday for lunch and it was great, it has a real nice feel to the place-my 5year old was really relaxed and comfortable there and the books and pens they gave her kept her occupied, the food was delicious and fresh-my friend commented it was better than her mums! the music was chilled, the place was spotless, the staff were friendly and more approachable than a lot of places I have been in - mostly in Bristol, so I don't know where the person born in Bristol goes to that is better than this! Just one word would cover Bristol venues...Feisty!

It's a shame Spuds post tops the reviews, but it's clear to see from later posts that the place is a great place to eat.

Posted 24th May 2011 5:14pm by Sarahw

jahjoe

Im glad you've been back to Rocking Chair and loved it.
I don't go Bridgend but if I ever do will defo try Bauhaus.
I have been Plantation, on Cheltenham Road, but this was when it first opened...blimey a while ago now, all I can remember the place was empty, the food was ok and over priced. This was a long time ago but don't think the staff were feisty, actually thinking well spoken and posh...am I remembering right! So ok will give you that one.
Maybe it's time I made a visit again soon.

Posted 12th Jul 2011 8:45pm by Sarahw