Cardiff Bay pub gets £1.25M makeover

Some news from SA Brain

Iconic venue to get £1.25M makeover

Terra Nova, the Brains-owned Mermaid Quay pub, has closed ahead of a major four month refurbishment.

After trading for 12 years as Terra Nova, the site closed on Sunday 13^th December ahead of a major development program that will see one and a quarter million pounds invested in creating an iconic site.  An extensive period of guest research has informed the development of a modern new venue that is expected to open in late April 2016 and ready for the summer trading period.

Commenting on the development, Bruce Newman, Group Head of Marketing at Brains said, “Terra Nova has been a hugely successful business for Brains over the years, however, our guest research indicated the need for change.  It was very apparent that users of the Bay felt that Terra Nova had become dated and failed to make the most of its stunning waterside location.  We’ve tested a number of different ideas, with guests clamouring for a high quality, premium bar with a strong and unique food offer.  Our plans to meet that need are at an advanced stage and the team are confident that the new business will become a favourite of Bay visitors.”

The transformation will see new glazing to further expose views of Cardiff Bay and flood the internal space with natural light, a stunning new island bar and an internal scheme that will open up the ground and first floor space.  Upon completion, Brains expect to host at least 400 guests for casual dining in addition to those visiting to enjoy a re-launched premium drinks offer.

The venue will also carry a new name, The Dock, acknowledging the heritage and uniqueness of its Cardiff Bay location and the interior design scheme will tell guests the story of Cardiff Bay, with a modern eclectic twist.

Looking ahead to the opening Graham Wheatley, Manager of The Dock commented, “The Dock will without doubt be the go to venue within Cardiff Bay.  A superb range of food and drink and a stunning new interior are already progressed.  Critically, the highly skilled team required to make the guest experience truly exceptional is currently being recruited.  I can’t wait to get the doors open and welcome guests to the business next April.”

Follow progress on The Dock on Twitter @brainsbrewery and Facebook