After a busy morning in Cardiff and spending time watching the colourful Pride march through the city centre, my friends and I decided it was time for lunch. As usual, we headed to O’Neill’s Cardiff on Trinity Street, one of our favourite places to eat when visiting the Welsh capital.
Located in the heart of Cardiff city centre, O’Neill’s combines a welcoming atmosphere, tasty food and a fascinating history. As a result, it remains a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
A Cardiff Pub Steeped in History
O’Neill’s occupies a building with a remarkable past. Originally known as the New Market Tavern, the venue is believed to date back to the 1600s.
One of the most famous stories associated with the pub involves landlord Joe Holbrook, who also ran a travelling circus during the 19th century. According to local legend, when Joe passed away, his circus elephant Lily was brought to the pub and drank a pint in his memory. Afterwards, Lily reportedly refused to walk past the tavern without stopping for a daily drink.
The building also has a surprising connection to Hollywood. Brinley Newton-John, the father of Grease star Olivia Newton-John, was born here while his grandfather managed the establishment.
During the 1960s, the venue became a popular Berni Inn, serving steaks and chips to busy weekend crowds. Furthermore, local folklore suggests the pub is haunted by the ghost of Welsh labourer and martyr Dic Penderyn, who was executed nearby on St Mary Street.
My Choice – Crispy King Prawn Rice Bowl
After browsing the menu, I decided to try one of the Balanced Rice Bowls. My choice was the Crispy King Prawn Rice Bowl, which featured crispy king prawns served on a bed of sticky jasmine rice.
The dish was drizzled with a rich katsu sauce and topped with Tenderstem® broccoli, spring onions, fresh chilli and coriander. Together, the ingredients created a colourful and flavoursome meal that was both satisfying and refreshing.
The prawns were cooked perfectly and provided a delicious crunch. Meanwhile, the katsu sauce added richness without overpowering the other flavours. The fresh chilli and coriander also gave the dish a welcome lift.
Overall, it was a well-balanced meal and one I would happily order again.
A Refreshing Pint of Peroni
To accompany my lunch, I enjoyed a pint of Peroni Nastro Azzurro.
This premium Italian lager was crisp, light and refreshing. Its subtle citrus notes, gentle bitterness and dry finish paired perfectly with the rice bowl. Consequently, it proved to be an excellent choice for a warm afternoon in Cardiff.
Popular Choices Around the Table
While I opted for the rice bowl, the most popular choice among the men in our group was the traditional combination of egg, chips and ham (gammon). Judging by the empty plates at the end of the meal, it was clearly a popular selection.
Meanwhile, Rachel chose the Lasagne, featuring rich beef ragù layered between sheets of pasta and topped with a creamy Cheddar cheese sauce. Served with a fresh side salad, it looked absolutely delicious.
The generous portion and comforting appearance made it a tempting choice. The rich layers of pasta, meat and cheese created a classic comfort food dish that would appeal to any lasagne lover.
Friendly Service and a Relaxed Atmosphere
As always, the atmosphere inside O’Neill’s was welcoming and relaxed. Despite the busy Pride celebrations taking place across Cardiff, the staff remained friendly and efficient throughout our visit.
The pub offered a comfortable place to sit, enjoy good food and catch up with friends after an exciting morning in the city.
Final Thoughts
O’Neill’s Cardiff continues to be one of our favourite lunch venues in the city centre. Not only does it offer a fascinating history, but it also serves a varied menu with something for everyone.
My Crispy King Prawn Rice Bowl was packed with flavour, while the pint of Peroni provided the perfect accompaniment. Rachel’s lasagne also looked excellent and proved to be another great choice from the menu.
Combined with friendly service, a welcoming atmosphere and a prime city-centre location, O’Neill’s remains a reliable choice whenever we visit Cardiff.
Whether you’re exploring Cardiff, attending an event, enjoying a shopping trip or watching the Pride celebrations, O’Neill’s on Trinity Street is well worth a visit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ 3 out of 5
Hygiene Rating: Food Standards Agency
Address: O’Neill’s, 20-21 Trinity St, Cardiff CF10 1BH
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