Well-known luxury Cardiff restaurant and bar is on the market

One of Cardiff's most unique restaurants and bars has gone on the market after it closed indefinitely in 2023. Chapel 1877 had become a popular venue within the capital for dining, drinking and socialising and even getting married, after the Victorian chapel was converted in 2008.

First constructed in 1877, the three-storey early French gothic style building was designed by renowned Cardiff architect Henry C Harris, who drew up plans for a number of other schools and churches throughout Wales in the late 19th century.

The former Welsh Presbyterian chapel was awarded a Grade II listing by Cadw in 1975 as 'one of the best Welsh language chapels built in the Gothic style'. During the 1980s the building was converted into use as architects' offices by Wigley Fox Partnership. For more property, renovation and interior design stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.

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But more recently the chapel was given a new lease of life when it was bought by Bevan Holdings and refurbished, then put up for sale for £2.6m in 2018 and later acquired by the City Pub Company, who own the Pontcanna Inn as well as the award-winning The Potters pub and music venue in Newport and The Oyster House in Mumbles.

When it opened the venue offered 'a bespoke experience with fresh and seasonal menus' and an emphasis on fine-dining. The restaurant also became a popular party and wedding venue, with the chandeliers, stone walls and authentic windows of the former chapel providing the backdrop to many ceremonies and receptions.

The venue is well-located on a prominent corner of a main street in the centre of Cardiff that has seen its fortunes continue to develop more recently.

After years of a declining retail scene at one end of the street, Churchill Way has undergone regeneration including new office and residential blocks in the area and a Premier Inn, and the venue is also within walking distance of the Utilita Arena and St David's Shopping Centre. The most recent development in the area is the creation of the city's new 'the canal quarter'. Find out more about that here.

Inside, the chapel offers a stunning gallery restaurant where guests could both dine and get married. Its huge function suite, which had capacity for up to 100 people, was also regularly hired out for parties and other events, while visitors could enjoy everything from a cup of coffee to a luxury cocktail at the gastro bar. Outside, the 269 square foot terrace is an added bonus and very popular with customers during warmer weather.

In January 2023 it was announced that the venue would close. In a statement at the time the team behind the restaurant said: "We're sad to announce that we've taken the difficult decision to close indefinitely. We'd like to thank our many wonderful customers for their understanding, loyalty and support over the years."

The venue is now on the market either as a freehold or leasehold proposition. Property agents ej hales say: "The property benefits from existing planning and licensing to operate as a bar and restaurant and is available with the benefit of the full fixtures and fittings remaining on site.

"Our client’s preference is to dispose of their freehold interest and we are seeking offers in the region of £950,000. Alternatively leasehold proposals would be considered at a rent in excess of £75,000 per annum with wider commercial terms to be agreed." To find out more contact ej hales on 029 2037 8844. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.

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