Going out guide: Cardiff

Polly is a Cardiff-based music writer. You can find more of her recommendations on her Substack.

Three local DJs to look out for on flyers

Gammonslag is maybe better known as the bassist for local punk band Panic Shack, but they’ve also made a name for themselves for delivering intimate sets at the Paradise Garden cafe and massive parties at the 1400 cap club District.

Kaptin Barret is a local legend and his expertise in Welsh hip-hop is unmatched, to the extent that he works as a freelance music consultant whose clients include Amgueddfa Cymru/​Museum Wales.

DJ Dilys is a resident DJ at the Clwb Ifor Bach venue and has guided party-goers through a range of mixes, from dance classics to indie sleaze to hyperpop. If you’re sick of Mr. Brightside clogging up your dancefloor, he’s the one to watch for.

LGBTQ spot

CINC run regular queer and kinky techno parties at venues across the city, and they recently curated a live music line-up for Cardiff’s Sŵn Festival. Expect loads of PVC, leather and chains, as well as the friendliest (and hottest) crowd in town.

Decent local band

Over the last two years, The Family Battenberg have perfected a filthy, fuzzy psychedelic sound that they’ve coined as ​“spider rock”.

Legendary artists you need to have listened to

It’s rare you’ll go to a venue without hearing at least one track by the Manics, Stereophonics or Super Furry Animals. And don’t miss the Gwenno mural looking down at Clwb Ifor Bach’s smoking area.

Nightlife photographer who you want to be snapped by

Hannah Tottle always manages to capture the coolest people at the coolest parties; and their work with local pro-Palestinian organisations has been vital.

Best boozer

The Flute and Tankard, sat just off Queen Street in the city centre. It doesn’t serve food, so it attracts people who take drinking seriously.

Bar that serves past midnight

Fuel Rock Club might seem scary from the outside – with the sound of pulverising metal anthems leaking onto the street and bearded guys in leathers and studs hanging around – but you won’t find a friendlier bar in the city centre. They’re open until 2am on weekdays and 4am on weekends. Bring a pen, and join the conversation on the toilet cubicle walls.

Beloved takeaway

Chippy Lane (aka Caroline Street) is a rite of passage for anyone on a night out in Cardiff; Dorothy’s has been serving drunk customers steaming boxes of chips since 1953.

Hyperlocal fashion trend

If you’re coming to Cardiff on a weekend, chances are there will be some kind of sporting event on. Keep an eye out for the Cymru bucket hats in red, yellow and green – in my opinion, the most stylish of the Welsh national team garb.

What not to say to a local

Anything about Gavin and Stacey.