Tea and Theatre in Cardiff

When we booked our tickets for the New Theatre in Cardiff , myself, my daughter and Bears' mummy, we didn't realise that it would coincide with the Rugby World Cup quarter finals. Having our magnificent Millenium Stadium in Cardiff City centre is wonderful. It always adds a party atmosphere when an event is on. Brightening up even the dullest day.

Rugby ball in castle wall and not far away the Millenium stadium

So we arrived in plenty of time to be surrounded by France and New Zealand supporters, and a few other nationalities, although it looked mostly New Zealand supporters identified by their black coats.

Although we had left it a bit late we were lucky enough to book a table in Pettigrew's, a lovely tea room on the edge of Bute Park just a stones throw from the castle and stadium.

Pettigrew sign

Chalk board outside Pettigrew

Window of Pettigrew Tea Rooms

Pettigrew's is a traditional cafe serving afternoon tea on vintage mismatched china. The tables and chairs are old and rickety but comfortable and wonderful to dine on. Tea is served in individual china tea pots using leaf tea and needing the little strainer provided. I had their delicious breakfast tea.

The afternoon tea is a choice of filling for the finger sandwiches and scones with cream and jam. This is followed by a piece of their homemade cake, I opted for more scones, they were warm and straight from the kitchen mmmm. If you do not want the afternoon tea they also serve snacks and soup served with fresh bread.

Afternoon tea

Breakfast tea

It was a nice dry autumn day so we walked to the New Theatre through the park, passing the Castle Mews, where I once lived, but is now part of the College of Music and Drama.

We arrived early at the New Theatre but it quickly filled and before we knew it we were being seated for the show.

Just a bit early

We had gone to see Agatha Christies A Murder Is Announced. None of us knew the plot so every twist and turn and red herring had us truly hooked.

We got it half right!

Miss Marple played by Judy Cornwall, "Daisy" from Keeping Up Appearances

I just love the plays the New Theatre put on. The sets are always so wonderful and imaginative. If you get the chance go and see one. Just be careful with the seats. The upper circle (I haven't been there for years so it may have changed) is too far away and the seats are small and hard. The boxes have restricted views. I like the circle seats best at the front if possible but if not, near the centre.

View from circle seats

I can't wait until Bear is older and we can go to see pantomimes again!

New Theatre, Cardiff

We bought our own tickets and paid for our afternoon tea, just a treat for ourselves.

Cardiff is a great city with lots to see and do. This is just one way of spending an afternoon with friends, or like me with family.