If you're a floppy quiffed, tight jeaned dour arty trendy wannbe - and i don't mean this is a…read morenegative way although as I write this I fail to see how this could be a compliment - then you will love Cardiff Arts Institute. Its air attempts to reek of pretension and the odour of the in crowd - the wall of marigold gloves is a testament to that. Having said that i was welcomed by a smiling bar maid who was more than happy to serve me. Which I found odd, I almost expected her to look me up and down disdainfully before walking away in disgust. I only spent a couple of hours there with a few mates and it was a quiet night so I can't say I experienced it at its best but I wouldn't say this is ever going to be my local or a regular haunt of mine - why? I loathe what its trying to be it doesn't feel natural - maybe I'm being a bit harsh - I just have a natural anathema to all things pretentious - it's only a personal view you may love it there. There are some nice design touches about the place and part of me can imagine it being a nice place to hang out but that part of me is very small indeed.

Don't be put off by thinking you need to be an Art student to get in here. You don't, though arty…read moretypes will defiantly appreciate the decor more than most. Its pretty much just a really good bar and music venue. The interior really must be seen, its far more unique and off the wall than any other bar in Cardiff. There is some amazing stuff going on here from poetry reading to amazing DJ's and artists. There's something for everything so check out their website now!

Cameo is a bit of a peculiarity. It is a member's club that has a sign out front explaining that it…read moreis open to non-members during the day... all well and good! But then there's a sign that states that Cameo is open every evening to non-members too! What's that about? Doesn't it mean that non-member's can go as often and for as long as the members can? Do you get my confusion? I know that being a members club affords a business a certain legal status. It allows venue owners to offer their clientele discretionary benefits, but I forget the details... all I can remember is that it is a preferable arrangement in certain circumstances, particularly for the customer in terms of financial considerations... I think it definitely will make certain things less expensive... sometimes significantly...! What I can tell you for sure is that Cameo Bistro serves food all day, starting with breakfast and ending with dinner. It has a full bar, with indoor and outdoor seating. It's also pretty popular, especially for Sunday lunch. Food includes everything from Tapas to A La Carte in the evenings. They also offer the Cameo lounge for private hire.

This stylish, modern bar is mainly a members' club, although non-members can also go there (but can…read moreexpect to pay more for drinks and food!). They serve breakfast from 8.30am, plus lunch and dinner, in their bistro area or outside on the pavement. It's popular with local Pontcanna media and arty types, and while it's reasonably friendly it can feel a bit cliquey some nights because everyone seems to know one another. It's less like this during the day, when it feels more like a café-bar that's open to all. It's also worth knowing that only members can gain admission after 9pm, as far as I know - so it's best to get there early if you're a non-member. To join, you have to pay a fee (£65 for 2010 individual membership) - probably only worth it if you're going to be a regular. You then get 10% off orders at the bar when you show your membership card, and meals are also cheaper than they are for non-members. While you're there, check out their 'wall of fame', showcasing photos of famous people that have visited the bar, most of them well-known Welsh personalities.

Well, on the plus side, it's a friendlier - much friendlier - place than the Cathays Conservative…read moreClub. However, it is still very much a local club for local people. You won't find yourself shunned but you probably also won't feel the gentle relaxed atmosphere of other places around here, like Gassy Jacks or Mr Smiths. The main problem really is a lack of atmosphere which means that you can sit and have a quiet drink but there's no real buzz in the air. There's nothing there to make you want to stay for a second or third drink. The prices are pretty good, though, so you're pocket won't mind if you do decide to stay.

I have been informed that the previous comments were posted by students. Its a pity you didn't see…read morethe club before all you students moved into the area and drive all the residents and old club members away. As for people hanging round the entrance, this is the scene outside most buildings since the smoking ban came in, so I think your comments are quite unjustified . Adrian Lock (club member)

This club opening hours are sporadic on the best days, it depends if the manager (M) feels like…read moreopening, no one is going to go there if there is a chance of it being closed early or not opening. one wonders why she is doing this? The manager has made the club pay out £20,000 to travelling folk as they claimed she is racist towards them and would not let them enter the club, her husband is on the committee which is against club policy. Something is not right here which is a shame as when my dad went here it was a lively club, bingo/shows every Saturday, yearly outings (free) for the kids and pantomime production as well as going to the real pantomime. The manager however does take a GREAT INTEREST in doing her private buffets, and has no problem opening on these days. Gone are the old days, maybe the Memorandum and Articles need amending to cover clubs interests if club ends up bankrupt

My cousin booked wedding buffet here and was lefty really upset. Contact was near impossible before…read morethe wedding buffet as this place was always closed and nobody to answer phone (landline -business line, not mobile as advised by WHICH). Make sure you take out wedding insurance as things that were promised were not given. Food was bland and not enough, decor was old tat but luckily my cousin took some of her own stuff. They tried to get her to pay in cash and kept pushing for this, (not sure why),make sure you pay with credit card although they were not happy with this. On occasion club organiser was rude at questions asked and because deposit was paid made it clear that it was non refundable, so if you cancelled deposit would be lost. Black guests were questioned on arrival! not sure why? My niece posted a non favourable review too, immediately afterwards 5 GREAT reviews were posted which were probably false, so please beware of fantastic 5 star reviews. My poor cousin was devastated but made the best of a shoddy wedding buffet. So take heed, book here at your peril, because once your deposit is paid the communication turns sour especially if you have a complaint. Club will try and get any bad review removed so share this info with anyone who's thinking of using this club. Have a look at some of the previous negative reviews (engagement parties that they have ruined too)and the attitudes of the staff.

A great venue for entertainment and live music…read more The building is truly unique with some fantastic features. Right in the middle of the city centre next to the train station. The food was excellent and a superb wine list all at a very reasonable charge. What more could you ask for?

From the owner: Cardiff Masonic Hall is the ideal venue for business or social events. Built 150 years ago, the…read morehistoric venue has several function rooms suitable for meetings from two to 180 people. For business seminars, conferences or training sessions to parties, dinner-dances or live music shows, the unique Cardiff Masonic Hall will provide a friendly welcome. Licensed to hold wedding ceremonies, Cardiff Masonic Hall combines the romance and grandeur of the Victorian era with the luxury, style and exclusivity you would expect from one of Cardiff's most impressive addresses. The atmospheric interior of the building provides a perfect backdrop for outstanding wedding photographs. The Hall boasts a fully equipped commercial kitchen and team of chefs capable of producing delightful meals for 180 diners, or more intimate family or business meals. Our Bar Manager ensures we always provide a comprehensive wine list and excellent range of well-kept real ales, all at very competitive prices. The Cardiff Masonic Hall events team is experienced in anticipating and providing all the equipment and services required for a successful function. With excellent parking, bus and train facilities so close, Cardiff Masonic Hall is a popular choice for event organisers looking for a venue with a difference.

The Drama Association of Wales creates opportunities for people to become actively involved in…read moretheatre activities which are 'rewarding, fun and of a high standard.' It also houses the largest specialist Drama lending library in the world. Over 300,000 volumes of plays, biographies, critical works and technical theatre books including the entire Playsets and Lending collections of the former British Theatre Association.Wowzer. Loads of books. I'll race ya. The association was founded in 1934 and has been a registered charity since 1973. It offers a wide and varied range of services to Community Drama. Most of their membership is based in Wales, but they also have members from across the world. Members include amateur and professional theatre practitioners, educationalists and playwrights.

From the owner: DAW is a charitable organisation that believes that the arts should be accessible to all. We…read more work on a membership basis and aim to assist each individual with their specific needs in order to bring high quality drama to communities across the UK

The Palladium is a fantastic venue with the emphasis on good music. The club is open all week and…read morealthough it is a members club membership is quick & easy - just ask at the bar. The Club has live music every Friday & Saturday and occasionally other nights too( and usually free entry) with a regular Jam Night every Tuesday if you can sing or play an instrument. A great bar with Jollyboat Mainbrace ale, 2 snooker tables and pool and a great atmosphere info on http://www.myspace.com/palladiumclubnorthdevon or http://www.palladiumclub.co.uk/site/index.php

I spent years at Market Street, but I now live in Thailand…read more I hope to get back and say hello in September. Owen Jones

Live acts on Sunday nights bingo quiz,& raffle.An excellent & friendly club.read more