Chapel 1877 - Cardiff

I have to admit, the decor here is lovely. It strikes a nice balance between simplicity and impressive church-like architecture, with nice wooden details and a diverse bar selection. Unfortunately, that’s where the positives ended. We were short-changed, the drink measures were lacking, and the atmosphere felt odd and not particularly welcoming. To top it off, the music was way too loud for a dining setting. However, if they were to clean house with the clientele and play some decent music—not the kind that sounds like blurry bass filtering through a wall from your neighbor with questionable taste—this could actually be a fantastic venue for a wedding reception!

For the main course, I had the sea bass served over pasta. The sea bass was flaky and tender, and once again, I found no extra seasoning necessary. However, the pasta was a bit bland, presented in a very light sauce with mussels. I simply added a touch of black pepper to enhance the flavor. The service was excellent, and the drinks were delightful. I particularly enjoyed the Dark and Stormy, which was refreshingly akin to a spiked lemonade, and the Espresso Martini, which was sweet and creamy. Overall, I had a wonderful experience at Chapel 1877.

The bar area is located downstairs, featuring cozy nooks for guests to enjoy their meals. The atmosphere is welcoming, with friendly staff and plenty of eye contact. There’s also an upstairs dining area that was bustling with well-dressed patrons, creating a nice ambiance. I ordered the sirloin and house fries. The steak arrived quickly and presented well, but unfortunately, it was disappointing. It was poorly seasoned and extremely tough. The waiter was apologetic and offered me an alternative dish, which I appreciated as the service was commendable. However, I was really hoping for a great steak, so I made the mistake of asking the kitchen to try again. The Chapel is a lovely venue with attentive service, but there seems to be an issue with the quality of their meat supplier and the chef's cooking skills. The fries were average, and the wine selection was uninspired. Overall, it was a stylish setting but lacking substance, earning a score of 4 for style and 2 for substance.

Setting is great: delightfully converted building, interesting architecture, all good. Alas, that was the high point. Some of the starters were decent: my liver pate was tasty and substantial, the salmon sashimi had an interesting slaw base. But: that's all of the good. The service was an odd mix of obsequious and supercilious, the wine list is appalling (and the wines by the glass themselves not fresh , the beer list nonexistent (a shock in Wales the closest thing that they had to beer was an American ale! , and the main course dishes ranged from mediocre to inedible. That latter is no exaggeration: a pork

Relatively new and welcomed addition to the bar/restaurant sector in Cardiff central.They have been opened long enough now to have nailed their product offer down and it comes up on the top side of good. First of all the building and appointments are truly world class and would grace any major european city. Top marks for the care taken and the quality renovation of a beautiful old chapel with such a distinctive architectural style,seeing is believing as they say. Food wise,well good,just, but not outstanding.The set lunch menu was well priced but lacked that enticement factor which led us all to go a-la-carte. All the food was well cooked and presented, table service was on the button,the only downside, the seared scallops starter turned out to be just one scallop and at £10.50 considered extremely poor value for money. The wine list is OK, but again just a tad overpriced,£22 for a one year old viognier! Our final bill for a quiet lunch for three rocked in at around £155. Final analysis, good but overpriced. Will we go back?Probably.