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Time of India
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Lauren Sanchez? Know about the Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' Fiancee's age, career, and more
Know about Amazon founder Jeff Bezos Fiancee: This June, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez will have one of the most lavish weddings of the year, which will take place in Venice over three days and will never be forgotten. Their selection of a picturesque outdoor amphitheatre and the old Scuola Grande della Misericordia symbolizes a celebration rich in grandeur and romance. With an A-level guest list of over 200 and celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Oprah, and Kim Kardashian, it's hard to dismiss rumours of world-class luxury. Locals anticipate a smooth fusion of city heritage and celebrity glitz as Venice gets ready for this high-profile event. This wedding in Venice might end up being the most memorable social event of 2025 because of everything that takes place against the city's classic waterways. Who is Lauren Sanchez? Lauren Sanchez was born into a second-generation Mexican-American household in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on December 19, 1969. A well-known American media personality, news anchor, and helicopter pilot is Lauren Sánchez. She began her career as an anchor and reporter for a number of TV networks, including "Good Day LA" on Fox. Her rapid climb in the broadcasting industry was facilitated by her strong on-screen persona and journalistic abilities. Lauren Sanchez career She became well-known for co-hosting the morning show Good Day LA, which she worked on from 2011 until 2017. Additionally, Ms. Sanchez appeared in a number of movies, such as Ted 2, Flight Club, and The Longest Yard. The first female-owned airborne film and production firm of its kind was Black Ops Aviation, which Lauren Sanchez founded in 2016. Her childhood desire to be a flight attendant—a dream that was initially rejected because of her weight—inspired her passion for flying. Later on, she obtained her license to fly helicopters. Ms. Sanchez, a proficient helicopter pilot, provided consulting services for big motion picture projects, such as the 2017 Christopher Nolan picture Dunkirk. Lauren Sanchez's past relationship Lauren Sanchez had two children, Ella and Evan, with Hollywood agent Patrick Whitesell, her former spouse. She also has a son, Nikko, who is 23 years old, from her marriage to Tony Gonzalez, a former NFL player. Also Read: Who is Vanshika? Know about the Wife-to-be of Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav Lauren Sanchez's relationship with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos Shortly after Jeff Bezos announced his divorce from his 25-year wife, MacKenzie Scott, in 2019, Lauren Sánchez and Bezos started dating. Since then, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have emerged as one of the most talked-about couples, frequently showing up together at prestigious events. The couple got engaged in May 2023 while on a sumptuous cruise aboard Jeff Bezos's enormous boat. Their engagement garnered international attention. Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos wedding venue The pair will probably welcome their guests at Scuola Grande della Misericordia, as was previously announced. Constructed in 1310, the ancient structure was once one of Venice's Seven Scuole Grandi, a location exclusive to the city's aristocracy. One of the most lavish venues in the city, the venue features magnificent murals by Renaissance masters like Tintoretto, Veronese, and Pellegrini. Up to 1,000 people can be accommodated in the structure, which has been converted for exhibitions and events Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos's wedding guest-list Hollywood celebrities, corporate titans, and political leaders are anticipated to attend the wedding, which is set for the weekend of June 24. Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, and Eva Longoria are believed to be attending. Venetian authorities have promised that, despite the wedding's magnitude, there will be "no abnormal disruption" to the city's regular activities. The mayor of the city has refuted reports that Bezos and Sanchez had reserved every water taxi in Venice. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
Irish Examiner
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
How competitive socialising venues are transforming our nights out
As I swing my golf club over my shoulder only to comically miss yet another shot at launching the ball into a virtual scrap yard, my friends erupt into laughter. I haven't had this much fun on a Wednesday night in a long time. The location is Pitch, a golf and entertainment venue on Dublin's Dawson St where guests can practice their swing via virtual golf on a simulator screen. It's an unusual way to socialise for me, always the one to complain of stomach cramps so I could sit out PE. My willingness to partake takes me by surprise, and my enjoyment even more. Maybe it's a combination of the resident DJ who is spinning tunes, the snacks brought to us by a kind waitress, and the Guinness 0.0 which has been poured perfectly at the bar, but it seems socialising in the capital has entered a new era, one where trashing your pals during a round of virtual crazy golf is par for the course. Research by the property advisor Savills showed that competitive socialising has grown by 40% since 2018 in the UK, and it looks like something similar is happening here. Pitch is one of many competitive socialising venues that have popped up in the capital in recent months, joining others like Flight Club, also on Dawson Street, Super Social, Leopardstown, and Lane 7 on Chatham Street and Dundrum. With more than 2,000 pubs in Ireland closing their doors since 2005, could these new social experiences be the way forward for nightlife? Forging bonds Adele Miner at Pitch. Picture: Moya Nolan Chatting with Claire Cogan, a behavioural scientist and founder of BehaviourWise, she shares that there are several factors at play in these venues which contribute to our bonding experience with friends. 'As humans, we connect through shared experiences including games and activities,' she begins. 'At these venues, together you are bonding through a joint multisensory experience which stimulates different parts of the brain, making experiences more enjoyable and memorable. 'There's also a natural feel-good factor that comes from physical activity. Movement releases dopamine and endorphins that make us feel better. So too does social contact. Blending the two increases happiness and connections.' This form of socialising feels less passive than sitting in a pub and speaking over a table of pints. Andrew Fisher, the General Manager at Flight Club Dublin says the level of engagement he has seen with customers has been different from other venues in the city centre. It has been a joy to watch our customers' reaction as they have come through the doors. 'An activity like Social Darts gets everyone chatting, laughing, and making memories in a way that just doesn't happen in a regular pub. It adds something extra to the night.' The sober curious trend isn't letting up among young people either, with a 2023 study by DrinkAware revealing that 36% of adults in Ireland would like to drink less often. Venues and events which put a focus on an activity might be more appealing to those who don't want alcohol to be at the centre of their night out. Shireen Langan, one of the creators of 'Rave To Remember' a sober rave with events in various coffee shops and other locations around Dublin, says her own sober curiosity led her to set up the community alongside her brother, who does not drink. 'As a nation, we really do rely heavily on a few drinks,' she shares. 'We need more genuine environments to meet people without alcohol. 'For many sober and sober-curious people, these venues can make socialising easier. Alcohol is often described as a social lubricant, and people who don't drink, or are trying to drink less, might find the focus on activity reduces any sense of pressure they might feel. In these settings, alcohol is not the focal point, but enjoying an activity together is.' It's a no-brainer that a venue with a group activity will put less emphasis on alcohol consumption as punters are paying less attention to the drinking habits of others around them. 'It is no secret that people are consuming less alcohol than before and are looking to be part of the experience without feeling like they are missing out,' Fisher says. 'We put a lot of work into our Non Alcoholic Menu too, which offers guests the chance to try some cocktails or beers without consuming alcohol.' This comes at a price tag, I haste to add, with a non-alcoholic cocktail setting revellers back €11.50. Capturing memories Adele Miner: I haven't had this much fun on a Wednesday night in a long time. Picture: Moya Nolan Posting a picture to my Instagram of my trip to Pitch, I realised there's no shortage of free advertisement for these venues too. My inbox was quickly heaving with responses from curious friends keen to find out my location, giving me an extra boost of social currency too. 'There is an appeal in capturing and sharing an experience that is novel or unique. It generates talkability and creates memories. It makes the positive effect last longer,' Cogan shares. Activity venues are encouraging this, curating an Instagramable backdrop and props to entice customers to snap away. 'Designers know how important social media is, both in creating a memorable experience and generating publicity for a venue. They have thought of ways to make aspects of the experience more TikTok or Instagram friendly, to provide ready-made content and to tempt people to share it.' Jade McNamee, a recent visitor to Flight Club, is an example of just how effective this is. 'I took some pictures of our cocktails which arrived with a picture printed onto the top of our pornstar martini. There were a lot of people taking pictures in the old Irish phone booth behind us all night too.' The venue even takes social media marketing into its own hands, capturing key moments from each group's experience and sending a photo and video highlight to guests the next day. This ensures the occasion is immortalised on someone's social media grid. 'I haven't walked into somewhere in Dublin with an atmosphere like that in a long time. It was definitely an unusual night out, with so many stories and memorable moments which made it much better than just some drinks in a pub,' McNamee says. With the rise of these competitive third spaces, there might be the risk of saturating the market as venues all vie to entice the same crowd. But for revellers, it likely means we'll just see venues evolving as they expand their offerings and improve their technologies to provide a unique experience for us to enjoy. See you at the next hole? Five experiences to check out Kelly Gleeson and Laura Maquieira at Potteria. Picture: Larry Cummins Potteria, Cork Opening its doors in Cork's City Centre, Potteria is a premium pottery painting studio offering a fun and creative experience for all ages and skill levels. Plates, bowls, teapots and more, there's no shortage of painting options and many are turning to it as a space to socialise outside of the pub. Padel LK, Limerick The racket sport padel is taking off in Ireland, with new courts popping up all around the country. Limerick has been added to that growing list of enthusiasts, with Padel LK opening, Ireland's largest padel indoor padel tennis centre. It's the ultimate social experience as it requires four players, if you're Limerick local, round up the troops! Hot Box, Louth Outdoor sauna experiences are hugely popular as both a wellness activity and a social experience. Hot Box Sauna connects the power of the traditional sauna experience with the raw beauty of the Irish landscape. With locations around the country, one to note is the Louth sauna, engulfed in views of the Carlingford Marina. Axe Throwing, Waterford If you're keen on something a little more physically challenging for your next night out, try out Axe Junkies Waterford. Physical activities like axe throwing help to release endorphins, your brain's natural mood boosters. At Axe Junkies, you and up to eight people can sling axes side by side while you catch up. Pallas Karting, Galway Europe's longest Go Kart track, Pallas Karting in Galway is for all abilities with three different track configurations catering for beginners to advanced. Perfect for stag or hen dos, corporate events, or a family and friend's day out.
Business Insider
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Topgolf's founders raised $34M to shake up a new sport. A 28-page deal memo reveals their plans.
Topgolf founders Steve and Dave Jolliffe are trying to shake up a new corner of the sports world. Their new startup, Poolhouse, raised $34 million to bring the Topgolf model to billiards. Poolhouse's lead investor shared a 28-page deal memo that breaks down the business's growth plans. Topgolf founders Steve and Dave Jolliffe have raised $34 million for a new take on the game of pool. A deal memo from one of the company's lead investors reveals its strategy to stand out amid a slew of social sports concepts. The new venture, Poolhouse, plans to bring Topgolf's recreational model to billiards. It uses tech to make the game more social and is building a lounge-like experience with higher-end food and drinks than you'd find in a typical sports bar. The UK-based company plans to open its first location in London next year and then expand to the US. VC firms Sharp Alpha and DMG Ventures led Poolhouse's seed round with a primary close in October. The startup is also backed by investors including David Blitzer, Simon Sports, Active Partners, and Emerging Fund. Sharp Alpha, which shared its 28-page deal memo on the investment exclusively with Business Insider, sees Poolhouse as part of the burgeoning category of " competitive socialization." Companies are trying to modernize various recreational sports with concepts such as Puttshack, the Jolliffe's spin on mini golf, the darts chain Flight Club, and racing simulator F1 Arcade, which raised $130 million last year. Topgolf helped popularize the category with its gamified indoor driving ranges and exposed a new audience to golf. In 2020, Callaway bought Topgolf in a $2 billion deal. "Who would have thought 20, 25 years ago when Topgolf was created that people would be going in dresses and high heels, having never swung a golf club before, and having a great time playing golf," Poolhouse CEO and cofounder Andrew O'Brien told BI. The Topgolf founders positioned Poolhouse as their "most ambitious" and "scalable" business yet, according to deck. O'Brien said Poolhouse outfits regular pool tables with tech to determine how good or bad each player is early in the game, and then introduces handicaps to level the playing field, such as bonuses for beginners or hazards for pros. A game can include up to 12 people. The gamified elements are projected onto the pool table, so the facilities don't need to be as cumbersome as some other social sports concepts. Where a Topgolf venue can cost more than $40 million to build, O'Brien said Poolhouse aims to spend around $15 million to $20 million per location, though it may spend more in pricey markets like New York or Las Vegas. Many companies have adopted the "Topgolf for X" model in other areas, from darts to ping-pong to racing. "All of these venues are fun to visit. Not all of them are investable," Sharp Alpha wrote in the deck. The firm, which focuses on sports, gaming, and entertainment, spent over a year evaluating concepts in this space before investing in Poolhouse. It said successful models have four key elements: Strong food and beverage revenue High frequency, in that they're built around an everyday hobby Conducive to events like corporate parties or birthdays Proprietary software that can create a high-margin third-party opportunity To that last point, O'Brien said Poolhouse is exploring franchising and licensing to scale its brand beyond its own venues. Poolhouse's founders were also a big draw for investors. Danzig described the company as a "textbook case of founder-market fit." Here's the deal memo from Sharp Alpha, which redacted some details: Poolhouse is looking to bring the Topgolf experience to billiards Sharp Alpha Sharp Alpha's deal memo outlines its investment in Poolhouse and the competitive landscape Sharp Alpha The deal memo includes: Deal overview Opportunity Competitive landscape Recipe for success Product Comparable companies Team Go-to-market strategy Risks Financial model It gives an overview of the company, including its investors, concept, and team Sharp Alpha and DMG Ventures led the seed funding round. Other investors included David Blitzer, Simon Sports, and Active Partners. The company's team includes execs with experience in hospitality, food and beverage, augmented reality, and computer vision. The slide also describes Poolhouse's business and revenue streams: What is Poolhouse? Poolhouse is a software company building a cathedral to tech-enabled pool where gamified billiards tables serve as centerpieces to high-end competitive socialization paired with refined food & beverage. This forms the foundation for a higher-margin revenue mix that includes licensing white label technology and franchising. Revenue streams Poolhouse-operated venues Franchise/Joint-venture Licensing to 3rd parties Poolhouse is targeting 3 markets: restaurants, out-of-home entertainment, and events Sharp Alpha Poolhouse wants to be considered a "third place," which is a social setting that's separate from the home and the workplace. This slide shows how demand for 'Third Place' experiences is surging It includes charts on the share of American 30-year-olds who live on their own, have ever married, live with a child, or own a home — all of which seem to be trending down from the 1980s through 2023. It also shows the growth in Google search volume for the terms "how to meet people," "meet new people," "where to make friends," and "feel lonely." It says landlords want these kinds of venues The slide reads: Mixed-use spaces anchored by entertainment are coveted by landlords Increase high-quality foot traffic Attract multiple tenant types Robust against the rise in online shopping "A premium competitive socialization venue can have a hugely positive impact on a central London development. The success achieved by F1 Arcade at the ONC location has resulted in improved footfall for the shopping center, a significant halo effect sales increase for other operators, and notably higher rental asks for new incoming tenants." — Jonathan Peters, the Global President at F1 Arcade (previously CFO at Richard Caring restaurants). A graph compares site-level EBITDA margins for traditional F&B and competitive socialization. Sharp Alpha points to a variety of concepts in this space Sharp Alpha These include lounges, sports, and arcades. They offer a range of value propositions Sharp Alpha The slide includes a word cluster analysis for four categories in this space: training facilities, watering holes, arcade 2.0, and adult playgrounds. A map suggests London is a popular launchpad for concepts in this space Sharp Alpha It shows locations in London as of March. Those businesses tend to expand next in the US, including New York, Boston, and DC Sharp Alpha The slide shows a map of competitive entertainment businesses in New York. Successful models for these venues have 4 key qualities, the deck says Sharp Alpha These traits include high food and beverage revenue, high visit frequency, conducive to events, and high-margin third-party opportunities. Poolhouse cofounder Steve Jolliffe says the startup is his 'most ambitious' yet Sharp Alpha The slide reads: "Poolhouse is the most ambitious and scalable concept my brother and scalable concept my brother and I have created, representing the pinnacle of our lifelong work. Today, more people play Topgolf than on traditional golf courses in the US, and we aim to make an even greater impact on the world of pool." — TopGolf and Puttshack founder, Steve Jolliffe It explains why the game of pool is ripe for reinvention This slide reads: Why Pool? There is an opportunity to reshape how people perceive and play the game of Pool Pool enables a business model that draws on all four ingredients in the Recipe for Success The recipe for success is: High F&B High frequency Conducive to events High-margin 3rd party opportunity Pool is widely recognized, accessible, and associated with social consumption Pool tables are the perfect centerpieces for entertainment, with eating/drinking/socializing integrated into the game (as opposed to venues where consumption and socialization are separate from gameplay Poolhouse games offer the perfect balance of engagement and effort + attention required to enable social experiences and maximize F&B More examples of companies in the space Sharp Alpha A chart breaks down the companies by when they were founded, where they're based, number of locations, the cost per hour, alcohol association, athletic exertion, dwell time, and visit frequency. Some details are redacted. The memo introduces the Poolhouse team Sharp Alpha The memo says Poolhouse has nine senior members with industry experience in addition to the Joliffes. They include Paul Hawkins from Hawk Eye Technologies, CEO Andrew O'Brien, and COO Matt Fleming. Poolhouse's first location will be in London, by the Liverpool Street station Sharp Alpha The deck described risks to Poolhouse's business Sharp Alpha Sharp Alpha redacted these details in the version of the deal memo sent to BI. It describes the margin profile for Poolhouse's locations Sharp Alpha The flagship locations will be in London and New York, the deck says. They will serve as showrooms for franchise opportunities and white-label customers, such as pool halls or hotels. Poolhouse plans to charge per person per hour Sharp Alpha The details on "revenue assumptions" are redacted. Sharp Alpha forecasts Poolhouse's net ROI and site-level EBITDA margins Sharp Alpha The forecasts are based on comparable companies. One graph shows net ROI for companies, including F1 Arcade, Bowlero, and Dave & Buster's. Another shows site-level margins for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization for companies such as Bowlero, TopGolf, and Puttshack. This slide outlines the financial model Sharp Alpha Those metrics include table utilization, food and beverage cost of goods sold, licensing revenue, and capital expenditures per location. It reads: The most important metrics in the financial model are: Table utilization F&B COGS Licensing revenue Capex per location We rebuilt the company's model from scratch, arriving at 7-year estimates summarized on this page. Our diligence process suggested the company may have been a bit aggressive on its utilization projections but too conservative on the EBITDA contributions of the white-label revenue stream. We specifically sensitize Year 7 EBIDTA below on two key dependencies, F&B gross margin and utilization rate, compared to our base case projections. The charts in the slide are redacted. This slide summarizes the memo's key takeaways Sharp Alpha The slide reads: Problem: The game of pool is desperate for reimagination at a time when demand for activity-based food & beverage experiences is surging. Solution: A cathedral to tech-enabled pool where gamified billiards tables serve as centerpieces for high-end competitive socialization paired with refined food & beverage. Traction: Construction is underway at Liverpool Street; multiple U.S. sites are under contract. These locations establish a foundation for a scalable, higher-margin revenue mix through technology licensing and franchising. Market size: The out-of-home entertainment market alone exceeds $100 billion within the $2.6 trillion global entertainment and media sector. The events market, including corporate events and weddings, is valued at over $160 billion, while the US full-service restaurant market surpasses $400 billion. Investment opportunity: We are leading the company's $34M seed round alongside the Daily Mail Group, David Blitzer, and Simon Sports ahead of the London launch in Q1 2026, followed by U.S. openings, international franchising, and white-label tech deployments. Team: Led by Steve and Dave Jolliffe (TopGolf, Puttshack) and Paul Hawkins (Hawk-Eye), supported by nine senior executives from F1 Arcade, Swingers, TopGolf, Flight Club, and Puttshack. The memo closes with the Poolhouse logo Sharp Alpha It also includes a legal disclaimer Sharp Alpha
Wales Online
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
These 16 lush hidden gardens and rooftop terraces in Cardiff are perfect to enjoy a drink in the sun
These 16 lush hidden gardens and rooftop terraces in Cardiff are perfect to enjoy a drink in the sun The sun's shining in Costa del Cardiff so it's time to find a suntrap rooftop for a cheeky pint The Botanist has a gorgeous, urban terrace, right in the city centre (Image: The Botanist ) The sun's shining in Costa del Cardiff, and you know what that means: it's time to hunt down the perfect rooftop or terrace spot for a cheeky pint or a crafted cocktail. From hidden gardens and swish city-centre terraces to sky-high suntraps, Cardiff's alfresco scene is seriously bringing the vibes this summer. Expect thirst-quenching Aperol spritzes above antique shops, rooftop DJs, and bottomless brunches with plenty of fizz and tunes. Slap on some SPF, gather your squad and prepare to sip, snack and sunbathe around the balmy capital. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Rhostio Down below, pedestrians might be blissfully unaware that just above them is one of Cardiff's most underrated rooftops. (Image: Portia Jones ) On a busy stretch of Crwys Road, amid a jumble of independent cafés, late-night takeaways, and student pubs, there's a rooftop bar that feels like Cardiff's best-kept secret. Above a former car showroom, hipster hangout Rhostio has surprisingly cool rooftop terrace views over Crwys Road, the railway line and the city skyline. Down below, pedestrians might be blissfully unaware that just above them is one of Cardiff's most underrated rooftops. Along with a decent drinks offering and chill vibes, Rhostio has also cultivated a strong sense of community with a rotating calendar of events, from comedy nights and live music sessions to wine-tasting evenings and rooftop DJ sets that keep the party going as dusk falls. Article continues below 16C Crwys Rd, Cardiff The Botanist Cardiff Central (Image: The Botanist ) The Botanist is known for its fantastic brunch boards, carefully crafted cocktails, beautiful leafy décor and inviting roof terrace above Cardiff city centre. Gather your squad and soak up the sunshine on their swish roof terrace, the perfect place for a sunset dinner and drinks in the city. Try one of their famous 'hanging kebabs' served with properly seasoned chips and follow with a summery Peppered Peach Mojito. 10 Church St, Cardiff Flight Club (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Since opening in 2022, Flight Club's heated terrace adorned with botanical décor has become a firm favourite in the city. Sit in cosy cabins or a vintage circus caravan and pose for photos in a disco phone box. With the roof terrace half under cover and areas like the shed also undercover, it's a top spot to head to all summer, no matter what the Welsh weather is doing. While known as a Social Darts hub, Flight Club has plenty of events and summer socials to keep you entertained throughout the year. You can also toast the weekend in style with their two-hour brunch social from noon, which features Prosecco, beer, bottomless pizza, and a Social Darts sampler. 3-4 St Mary Street, Cardiff Bacareto Bacareto's secret terrace on Church Street (Image: Bacareto Instagram ) Inspired by the laid-back bàcaris of Venice, Bacareto brings small plates, good wine and relaxed vibes to Cardiff. This informal bar and café is a fresh addition to the city's food scene, serving tasty tapas-style dishes alongside cocktails, beers and spritzes. Pop in on a Monday and grab an Aperol Spritz for just £6 all day. And if the sun's out, head upstairs, there's a hidden rooftop terrace perfect for soaking up the rays with a crostini in one hand and a cold spritz in the other. 13 Church St, Cardiff Gin and Juice Gin and Juice is where it's at (Image: Michael Lloyd Photography ) Stylish, continental and effortlessly cool, Gin and Juice is the perfect people-watching perch in Cardiff. Inspired by the charm of Parisian cafés and New York's West Village vibe, its cosy High Street terrace is ideal for sipping, snacking and soaking up the city centre buzz. As you'd expect, gin is the highlight here, with more than 350 varieties, but there's also a great selection of wines, beers and other spirits if you fancy something different. Pop in during the day for healthy breakfasts, fresh lunches or a virtuous juice if you're keeping it light. 6 Castle Arcade, Cardiff Brewhouse & Kitchen (Image: Brewhouse & Kitchen ) This large pub and brewery in Sophia Gardens has two expansive outdoor areas for drinking and dining, one at the front and one at the back. The dining area at the back of the venue is well covered and even has heaters if the Welsh weather suddenly turns. Check out their tasty menu of proper pub classics and their signature 'beer can chicken' dish, which is coated in a dry rub and then roasted over a can of Brewhouse & Kitchen American Pale Ale. Make sure also to sample some of their home-brewed signature beer or book one of their awesome beer masterclasses. Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff Zero Degrees Tucked away above busy Westgate Street, the rooftop at Zero Degrees is one of Cardiff city centre's best-kept secrets and a proper little sun trap to boot. While everyone else scrabbles for pavement tables below, head upstairs at Zerodegrees (you'll need to be dining) and bag yourself a spot on the rooftop. With views of the Principality Stadium, it's the perfect perch for whiling away an afternoon and basking in the warmth. Order a freshly fired pizza, grab a pint of their ever-changing craft brews, and soak up the sunshine from one of the two outdoor terraces. 27 Westgate Street, Cardiff Mocka Lounge (Image: Mocka Lounge ) If you've spent any time on Mill Lane, chances are you've clocked Mocka Lounge—a sleek cocktail bar and alfresco hotspot that's long been a favourite with Cardiff's Friday night crowd. Mill Lane comes alive when the sun's shining, and Mocka is right at the heart of the action. As the outdoor tables fill up and the music gets louder, the whole street takes on a proper summer party vibe. It's not just about the drinks either. While soaking up the rays, you'll want to tuck into some tasty food. And if you're after something special, Mocka's Bubbles and Brunch is where it's at. For £35 a head, you get 90 minutes of bottomless Prosecco, Mimosas, Peroni, mocktails or soft drinks alongside a cracking three-course meal. Expect big tunes, feel-good energy and plenty of fizz as you sip and brunch in style. 1-2 Mill Ln, Cardiff The Pen & Wig (Image: Pen & Wig ) Situated in the heart of the city centre, the award-winning Pen & Wig has a large and busy beer garden, which is wildly popular with everyone from local students to city centre workers. It has a great selection of benches in its dog-friendly urban outdoor area and sheltered seats if it rains. This reasonably-priced pub is a great place for outdoor drinking in the city centre that won't break the bank. The pub has a brilliant choice of ales from local breweries and beyond, ciders, wines, and Welsh spirits. Drinking and dining with mates? Try the Signature Combo, loaded with chicken goujons, chicken wings, crispy calamari and Camembert, served with cheesy garlic ciabatta and a selection of dips. 1 Park Grove, Cardiff Ty Mawr On sunny days, the garden is where it's at, especially as dusk falls and you can see city lights in the distance. (Image: Facebook / Tymawrcardiff ) Perched on the edge of Cardiff with sweeping views over the Vale, Ty Mawr is a proper gem of a pub that feels far from the urban centre. With its rustic charm, countryside setting and cracking beer garden, you'll want to linger for a long lunch or a lazy afternoon in the sun. Inside, there's a smart restaurant and a lovely barn-style function space for bigger get-togethers, but on sunny days, the garden is where it's at, especially as dusk falls and you can see city lights in the distance. Round up your mates, order a round, and don't miss the Hunter's Chicken Schnitzel—breaded chicken topped with crispy smoked bacon, cheese sauce, melted mature Cheddar, a BBQ drizzle, and triple-cooked fries. Tidy. Graig Rd, Cardiff Pontcanna Inn The Pontcanna Inn, which is a great spot to enjoy a pint on a summer's day or some live sport. (Image: Rob Browne /WalesOnline ) The Pontacanna Inn is another lovely terraced drinking establishment in Cathedral Road. This revamped venue has two fantastic terraces, one at the front and one at the rear of the pub, and also offers boutique B&B accommodation. The back terrace has been overhauled in recent years, undoubtedly making it one of the most impressive in the city. Previously an empty car park, the pub has converted it to a huge outdoor space, with covers when needed, and can now hold up to 270 seats and double that standing. The space can also be hired for private functions and has a range of craft beers, real ales, cider, wines, cocktails and spirits. It's a great place to watch live sports on their huge TVS with your mates. 36 Cathedral Road Lab 22 It may have been voted one of the best bars in the UK, but most won't realise that the decorated venue has a tiny heated terrace in the middle of the city centre. Sip on crafted, award-winning cocktails in luxurious surroundings. Book a table with your mates and prepare to be wowed by their daring mixology. Their premium cocktails change regularly, so you never know what kind of shaken and stirred delights you may encounter on your next visit. 22 Caroline Street, Cardiff The Heathcock (Image: Mark Lewis ) The Heathcock in Llandaff pairs great food with a laid-back pub atmosphere and a sunny garden. It's a smart spot for sipping local ales in the sunshine and tucking into seriously good food from their award-winning kitchen. This Michelin Bib Gourmand pub was recently named one of the UK's best pubs with secret gardens by chef Tom Waters of Cardiff's Michelin-starred Gorse. The Heathcock was the only Welsh pub to make The Telegraph list and was praised for its relaxed Sunday evening vibe and sun-trap garden. The menu makes the most of seasonal produce from the Vale and Cardiff, with standout dishes like hake, lamb, pork belly, and their signature ham hock and leek pie. Out the back, the peaceful garden and fragrant herb beds make it a great spot for a long lunch or early evening pint. 58-60 Bridge St, Cardiff The Dock (Image: Portia Jones ) If you're heading down to Cardiff Bay for a sunny pint, make sure The Dock is on your radar. It's a top spot for a laid-back afternoon by the bay with two outdoor terraces overlooking the water. Inside, huge floor-to-ceiling windows mean you'll still get cracking views while you tuck into your food. The waterside terrace is especially popular in the warmer months, so if you bag a seat, settle in and make a day of it. And keep an ear out for the regular live music sessions, featuring some of Cardiff's finest crooners adding smooth vibes to your sundowners. Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Laguna Bar and Kitchen (Image: Laguna Bar and Kitchen ) Swanky Laguna bar at the Park Plaza hotel has a hidden outdoor terrace at the back that's a bit of a local secret. It's a quiet leafy terrace that offers a tranquil retreat from city life and overlooks a small stream. You can order drinks, feast on bar dishes, or treat yourself to delicious traditional afternoon tea. Park Plaza, Greyfriars Rd, Cardiff Jacob's Antiques Perched about the Jacobs Antique Centre, this secret oasis has an incredible urban vista (on a day when rain is not forecast). (Image: John Myers ) Wine with a view over Cardiff's skyline? Yes, please! And the best part? You can enjoy this idyllic scene from the rooftop of an antiques shop—one of the city's best-kept secrets. Above the Jacobs Antique Centre, this hidden oasis offers epic urban views (as long as the Welsh weather plays nice of course). Article continues below Don't miss the Roof Garden Bar's summer opening party on May 3rd, where you can soak up the views, groove to great tunes, and sip on cocktails. It's the perfect spot to kick off the summer season in style. W Canal Wharf, Cardiff
Axios
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Philly weekender: Darts, arts and Penn Relays
🎯 Dart on over to Flight Club, Center City's new entertainment hub, which opens today. Bullseyes, drinks, food. Book a reservation or walk right in. 👟 The Penn Relays, the country's oldest and biggest track and field meet, continues today and Saturday at Franklin Field, marking its 135th anniversary. The event includes more than 15,000 participants from across the world, competing in more than 300 events. Tickets: $26+ 🏳️🌈 Come celebrate Philly Black Pride continues this weekend with programming that lifts up LGBTQ people of color. This year's theme is "Love is Love" and includes dance parties, open mic, poetry slams, film screenings and drag brunches. Here's a full listing of events. 🛼 Roll on by the skating rink at City Hall. It's now open for the season. Book your session ahead of time. It's $10 for adults, $8 for kids, plus you'll need to rent a locker ($8) and skates ($6) 🍴Chicken wings and margs, anyone? Liberty Point, the indoor-outdoor dining spot at Penns Landing, has reopened for the season. Book your reservation and get ready to chow down along the Delaware River. 🌸 It's flower after hours. The Franklin Institute and the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society have partnered up for an adult-only night of fun, Booms and Blooms. Botanical-inspired alcoholic beverages, exhibits and rooftop stargazing. Friday, 7:30-11:30pm. Tickets: $40 🎨 The Philadelphia Show, a top art and design fair, is back this weekend outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Dozens of exhibitors show off their ceramics, jewelry, silver and more. Friday, 11am-7pm; Saturday, 11am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. Tickets: $35 🚶♀️Sunday, Sunday, Sunday. You know what that means. It's time to enjoy another weekend of Open Streets in Rittenhouse Square. Roam around West Walnut, shop, eat, enjoy music and activities, including double-dutch lessons.
