The Touring Club — Restaurant in Wales

11/5/25: This was my fourth or fifth visit to The Touring Club, and while it’s consistently enjoyable, there are still a few quirks. Their online booking system doesn’t seem to allow lunchtime reservations for the day when looked at lunch time —only later in the day—which can be a bit frustrating.

Had a 5 star review write up from the Telegraph and was very busy the last few visits. That said, I arrived around 2pm on a sunny Sunday (about 24°C), and it was quiet, with just a couple of other tables occupied. The staff kindly opened up the windows, and one group sat half inside and half out, making the most of the weather.

We were seated in the upstairs lounge area, which has a cocktail bar feel more than a typical dining setup—leather stools without backrests, and a more casual atmosphere.

Food-wise, the crab on sourdough was generous and well-prepared, with both white and brown meat. A special on offer, described as a roulade but more like a terrine of pork with herbs and apple, was nicely balanced and came with crisp fried sourdough slices, salad, and a light dressing.

Service was attentive and friendly throughout.

Drinks are always a highlight here. The special cocktail of the day—a rum and orange blend—was refreshing and served in a margarita glass. The basil cocktail remains their standout signature, though its quality can vary slightly depending on who’s behind the bar. This time, it was spot-on.

Overall, another solid visit—good food, great drinks, and relaxed service in a stylish space.

Second Visit: Disappointing Compared to the First! My first visit to The Touring Club left a lasting impression—minimalistic Scandinavian design, a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent food and drinks. Unfortunately, my second experience didn’t quite live up to the same standards.

The sleek black exterior and Scandi-inspired interior remain highlights. The glass roof and open kitchen add charm, while the mix of bar seating, window stools, and cozy tables offers versatility. On this visit, I sat upstairs at the long communal table before moving downstairs as seats became available.

However, space management remains an issue. By 2:15 PM, the venue felt cramped when a group of five arrived. The food aromas were present but not overwhelming, and the view of the chefs from the bar seating is still a nice touch.

The Beef Sliders: Disappointingly dry, with average-quality meat. The kimchi and cheese added some flavor but lacked the moisture or richness a good sauce could have provided.

The Crab and mango Salad: A lackluster dish with a small portion for the price. While the pesto was passable, the crab was underwhelming, and the accompanying vegetables didn’t elevate the dish.

Gin Basil Smash cocktail : A letdown this time—less intensity and balance compared to my previous visit. The drink lacked the vibrant flavors I had enjoyed the first time.

The team is warm but seemed somewhat overwhelmed - the wait for order was long and had to come down to ground level to prompt.

Also be aware of a food service break between breakfast and lunch (12:30–1:00 PM) creates a gap where no food is served, which could be inconvenient for...

This opened a year old in Penarth, currently on the Michelin guide.

A sleek, minimalistic exterior in black, paired with a Scandinavian-inspired black interior, definitely sets a modern vibe. The glass roof, open kitchen, and mixed seating options (from bar stools to cozy sofas) make it feel versatile and inviting.

Even more impressed, when I found out that they open for breakfast at 0930 and close at 2330!

The drinks seem stellar, too – a well-made Negroni, which was potent and well balanced.

The gin basil smash was again excellent, think gin and basil sour: gin with lemon juice and basil with black pepper on the top and a creamy top- beautiful balanced and delicious, very much a summer drink.

The food also sounds like it complements the ambiance perfectly, with highlights like the miso cod beautifully presented and tasted excellent. Excessively salted which enhanced the taste of the fish. Pickles looked like beetroot due to the red colour with a yuzu mayo.

The herb salad with crab apple offering fresh, flavorful twist, The crab apple and herb salad with some toasted sour dough bread was excellent. Fresh , light with lovely brown and white crab meat. Lovely complex taste of Asian leaves: corriander, mint and some basil.

With warm, accommodating service, this definitely sounds like the ideal spot for a relaxed evening of drinks and bites. The ambiance and thoughtful food and drink curation make it sound like an absolute gem. It’s a tad bit expensive for the portions and limited seating for a...

We were really looking forward to our visit, but unfortunately the food did not live up to the prices or expectations of a named Chef on the Michelin guide.

We paid £70 for 4 tiny plates of food and one drink, perched on a bar stool. Besides the one slice of rarebit for £12, the other dishes unfortunately hugely lacked in flavour.

The dish with raw sprouts seemingly had no dressing, and an odd pairing with mozzarella and segmented orange. For £16 on a small side plate it felt a bit of a cheeky price, not to mention the pinch pot of almonds for £6.

We’re more than happy to pay for expensive food, but without the generosity of flavour and considering extortionate prices for the ingredients on the plate, it’s hard to...