Best Small Indie Music Venues In Cardiff, Wales: Amazing Nights Out

Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is one of the best places in the UK for live music. Both an attraction for touring musicians, as well as a hotspot for upcoming talent due to its strong arts scene, Cardiff is an amazing place for gigging. Home to many unique and enjoyable small indie venues, this is one to keep an eye on. Here is my guide to the best small indie music venues in Cardiff.

Clwb Ifor Bach

This is a favourite venue of many and a staple of the alternative music scene in Cardiff. Having been an iconic venue since the 80s, this venue is a great place to go to see unique alternative, rock and punk bands. They book many indie touring artists, as well as up-and-coming locals. They have a bar that also plays a variety of different music, but it thrives most as a live music venue and is definitely on to head to if you’re in the area.

https://clwb.net/

The Moon

This 140-capacity venue is a unique venue hosting a variety of genres in the town centre. This venue is particularly beloved by many for its ethical practices. With a goal of giving back to the music community, this is a non-profit venue. They have a focus on accessibility, making sure the venue is a comfortable place for women, trans and nonbinary people, and people with disabilities. They book a wide variety of music genres, including up-and-comers and the stars of tomorrow. Make sure to check out their kitchen too!

https://www.themooncardiff.com/

Fuel

Fuel is Cardiff’s only dedicated rock and metal club. If you’re a fan of these genres, then this venue will be your paradise. This is such an iconic metal venue, it is now world-famous and a staple of the local music scene. They host live music events throughout the week, with local bands as well as touring bands from around the world. They also host rock and metal DJ sets, so it is always worth popping down if you’re a fan to enjoy some classics. This is one of the most iconic small indie music venues in Cardiff.

https://www.fuelrockclub.co.uk/

The Globe

Once a fully operational cinema, this 350-capacity venue might be the trendiest venue on this list. Cardiff’s leader in booking the coolest indie bands, this is the best venue to head to and see bands before they get famous. Having hosted bands in the past such as Royal Blood and Catfish and the Bottlemen, this is a much-loved venue in Cardiff’s music scene. Head here for a friendly atmosphere, and many bands to choose from – from indie classics to up-and-comers.

http://globecardiffmusic.com/

Porters

This one is a little different to the other entries on this list. Whilst still functioning as a live music venue, Porters is so much more. It functions as an entertainment venue, hosting sing-alongs, quizzes, parties, open mic nights and more. This is a great place to head to see something a little different as, no matter the event, it always delivers unique and out-there entertainment. They host a number of creative, forward-thinking and unique live music events, so this is definitely one that should not be missed.

http://www.porterscardiff.com/

Brewhouse

This sports and music bar is the top spot to go to for enjoying local music. You’ll never be out of luck too, as this bar has live music playing every day of the week. Following the old traditions of the music venues of the 50s and 60s, Brewhouse has music playing every day, from the afternoon right through to the evening with a number of regular acts. A number of locals play here who have become firm favourites with regulars and play often, as well as a number of one-off acts for patrons to enjoy. For a reliable spot to settle in a find a home away from home, this is the spot to go.

https://www.brewhousecardiff.co.uk/

Acapela Studio

This is another unique venue to enjoy in Cardiff. Both a live music venue and a music studio, it is hosted in an old converted Welsh chapel. It is worth heading here just to admire the beautiful venue alone. Luckily, they also book wonderful, interesting and unique bands. This is another spot to head to to see something a bit different. They’re great at booking interesting artists playing genres such as bluegrass, psychedelic rock, folk, post-punk, gospel and more. Head here to broaden your horizons and be inspired by the beautiful sounds and sights of this venue.

https://acapela.co.uk/

Conclusion

That concludes my list of the best small indie music venues in Cardiff. Hopefully, these wonderful venues give you a starting point to have some fun nights out in Cardiff. By keeping an eye on these venues you will be able to discover new music all the time and be ahead of the curve when it comes to music. Impress your friends by being in the in crowd.

If you want to check out some great small indie music festivals, including a wonderful nearby Welsh festival, check out my post by clicking HERE.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you back here again soon.

Ta-ta for now! x