**Major New Sports Bar Promises Interactive Fun and Sunday Roasts in Cardiff City Centre**
Cardiff’s hospitality landscape is about to welcome an ambitious new addition, as an expansive sports bar prepares for its grand opening this September. Set to transform St Mary Street, the venue will occupy the site formerly home to The Alchemist and aims to deliver not just live sports viewing, but an immersive range of activities and culinary offerings.
Ludo Sports and Live Lounge, already established in Bath and Exeter, has chosen the Welsh capital for its latest, and largest, expansion. With capacity for more than 700 patrons, the bar claims to be the biggest of its kind in Wales. Promising to become a destination for both die-hard sports fans and socialites alike, the establishment hopes to reinvigorate the city’s nightlife and daytime entertainment scene.
What truly sets Ludo apart from other sports bars in the vicinity is its focus on interactivity. Visitors will not only be able to catch the latest live matches on multiple screens, but can also participate in hands-on games, including interactive darts and basketball. The management says this element is intended to foster an inclusive, energetic atmosphere where guests do more than just watch—they play and engage.
The venue plans to boast an impressive outdoor garden area, which will feature Cardiff’s largest ultra high-definition outdoor screen—a major draw for sports enthusiasts seeking to watch big matches amongst a crowd. The garden will also boast a fully retractable roof and its own bar, giving guests an al fresco experience and making it an all-weather destination.
Gastronomy is also set to play a starring role, with a menu crafted to satisfy both traditional and modern tastes. Diners can expect freshly prepared gourmet burgers, woodfired pizzas, sticky wings, and hearty sharing platters. Perhaps the biggest crowd-pleaser, however, is the promise of a classic Sunday roast. The Ludo kitchen intends to deliver all the trimmings, offering what they describe as the complete Sunday dinner experience.
Drinks have not been overlooked either. Alongside classic cocktails and a curated wine selection, the bar will showcase locally brewed craft beers and aim to offer rotating seasonal specials, providing visitors with plenty of options whether they want something familiar or fancy trying something new.
Evenings won’t be limited to sport. Ludo intends to host a full programme of entertainment, including live bands, acoustic music sessions, and stand-up comedy nights. By weaving together sport, music, and comedy, the owners hope to create a year-round social hub for the city centre, catering to a broad audience.
The opening of Ludo Sports and Live Lounge is scheduled for Thursday, 25 September, marking its debut in Wales. Those behind the venture are optimistic that its unique blend of interactive sporting pursuits, diverse programming, and varied food and drink offerings will secure its place as a go-to venue in Cardiff.
As city residents and visitors alike look forward to the launch, anticipation is building to see how this bold new addition will contribute to Cardiff’s vibrant hospitality and entertainment sector. The coming months will reveal whether Ludo’s interactive, multi-faceted approach truly offers something fresh for the capital’s social scene.