The 2000s was the boom and bust decade. When the decade kicked off, it seemed the main priority for lots of people was partying. In Cardiff, bars were packed in ways you rarely see today. The city skyline also began to dramatically change, Wales won a couple of Grand Slams and Doctor Who was being filmed everywhere across the city.
Nights out in the capital were especially memorable and seemed packed out no matter what day of the week it was. And the new bars springing up everywhere all quickly became the new place to go.
Since then, Cardiff has continued to change a huge amount, but many of the bars and restaurants which were difficult to get into in the 2000s long gone. Here are the Cardiff bars and restaurants where everyone wanted to be seen in the 2000s, but aren't there now.
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1. Mimosa
Mimosa was one of Cardiff Bay's hippest hangouts, when triple-cooked chips were all the rage. Originally opened in May 2006, Mimosa Kitchen & Bar in Mermaid Quay was part-owned by Hollywood actor Ioan Gruffudd and two of his school friends, Andrew Hepworth and Rhodri Bowen.
2. Salt
Like Mimosa, this was also a very popular venue down by the bay, with minimalist decor across its two floors and a balcony overlooking the bay. It was the perfect place for a date with a partner, or a liquid lunch with a group of friends.
3. Terra Nova
Across the walkway from Salt, Terra Nova became a hugely successful business for Brains over the years. Unlike its minimalist neighbour, Terra Nova was luxuriously decorated, with high-backed chairs, curtains, the works. It was also deceptively huge. It closed, but after a major revamp, the venue opened up again with a new name, The Dock, in April 2016.
4. Le Gallois
This restaurant was located in the capital's most trendy district, Pontcanna, and was hailed by many as the best restaurant in the city. The fine-dining French restaurant was awarded three AA Rosettes for 2011, but soon closed after almost 13 years of trading.
5. Charleston's
If it wasn't a kebab at the end of the night, it was Charleston's. The famed late-night steak house located on Caroline Street, or Chippy Lane, had been a city centre institution for 30 years before it sadly closed in October 2021.
6. Hard Rock Café
It felt like Cardiff had joined the ranks of the big boys when Hard Rock Café opened here. But the day before it was due to celebrate seven years in the city, Hard Rock Café stunned staff by suddenly closing in 2010. It had been part of the whole Brewery Quarter revolution but despite the chain's worldwide fame, it didn't last.
7. Ba Orient
Dim sum and amazing cocktails were Ba Orient's hallmarks. This was the place to go to enjoy Cantonese, Pekinese, Malaysian and Sichuan cuisine. It looked so plush inside. It's now Las Iguanas.
8. Bosphorus
This Turkish restaurant commanded a spectacular position in Mermaid Quay. On the first Thursday of every month, the restaurant also offered Turkish Night, which included exotic belly dancers. It's now Coffi Co.
9. The Wharf
The Wharf had a great weekly quiz and AC/DC tribute acts on weekends in a lovely big building that looked much older than it actually was. Drinking Magners with ice next to the water on a hot day was a perfect way to spend a day in the 2000s. In March 2016, this much loved pub in Atlantic Wharf closed its doors for good. Brains described its planned sale of the pub as its "last resort".
10. Cwtch
Below Jolyon's hotel, you could find a quaint and cosy little place called Cwtch. Although it got very busy at times, which made it hard to find a seat, it had a good selection of beers and cocktails.
11. Scalini's
If you were in the know, Scalini's near Roath Park was a fantastic Italian restaurant. The steaks were fabulous, as were the meatballs and all the pasta dishes.
13. 10 Feet Tall
The much-loved venue opened its doors back in 2008 and quickly became hugely popular. It had a bar on one floor and space for live music on another. Over the years, 10 Feet Tall established itself as a popular spot for music, giving local bands as well as up-and-coming tour acts the chance to hone their skills.
14. Cibo
The Italian restaurant Cibo on Pontcanna Street was home to classic Italian dishes such as gamberoni saltati as well as a wide range of pizzas, pasta and calzone. In 2017, however, it closed for good after having served customers for nearly 20 years.
15. Rococo
Rococo was a fantastic venue for live performances. The independent bar on St Mary's Street was also known for its amazing cocktails and for being awashed in 70s decor.
16. Barocco
Right at the hear of the city centre, Barocco's great location made it the ideal venue to visit on a night out. Ornate and spread over different floors (you'd hire out the second floor then pull across the massive curtain to keep non-guests out), it was often heaving.
17. The Armless Dragon
In Cathays, this restaurant offered Welsh cuisine and had a good reputation.
18. Koko Gorilaz
Also in Cathays, Koko Gorilaz was a tatty student bar with sticky floors, dingy lights and fridges stocked with Brazilian WKDs. It also served curries, all day breakfasts and pub classics such as scampi and chips.
19. Café Calcio
Cafe Calcio on Crwys Road was a fantastic little place. With its breakfast menu, it catered very well for the many hungover students who lived nearby.
20. Positano
Who can remember Positano? This place was great, with friendly staff and massive portions of food.
21. Topo Gigio
Topo Gigio on Church Street in The Hayes was the place to be at one point. But in 2007, this Italian restaurant shut its doors for good. Tony Venditto, a former waiter, moved to south Wales from Milan in 1973 and set up a string of companies. Celebrity guests at his restaurants included David and Victoria Beckham, Ioan Gruffudd, Joe Calzaghe, Cerys Matthews, Gareth Edwards and Lennox Lewis.
22. Inncognito
What you call this place depends on when you used to drink there - it has seen many makeovers and name changes over the years. For the twenty-somethings that loved their nights-out in the 2000s, it will always be Inncognito.
23. Champers
One of the best-known restaurants in Cardiff for a time, it had been serving customers for 20 years before its closure.
24. Cameo
This popular bar in Pontcanna included a bar, bistro and lounge and you had to be a member to get through the door. They opened their second branch on Roath's popular Wellfield Road in 2015. Unfortunately, the Pontcanna closed for good in 2019, while its Roath branch closed in 2023. Luckily, both venues have reopened as successful restaurants by now - Thomas by Tom Simmons and Silures.
25. Ha! Ha!
Ha! Ha! was no laughing matter. Done out in that classic 2000s style of cold chrome colours, its great big windows not only meant you got good sunlight coming through, but also a fantastic spot to people watch. It was also one of the most expensive pints in the city.
