Lab 22 image

Lab 22

Bar Cocktail bar

This cool, eclectically-styled cocktail bar & speakeasy also has a molecular food and drink menu. People often mention cocktails, staff, drinks, cocktail, recommend, great, friendly, amazing, helpful, menu,


Address

22 Caroline St, Cardiff CF10 1FG, United Kingdom

Website

www.lab22cardiff.com

Contact

+44 29 2039 9997

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (596 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 5 pm to 2 am
  • Monday: (New Year's Day), 5 pm to 2 am, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 5 pm to 2 am
  • Wednesday: 5 pm to 2 am
  • Thursday: 5 pm to 2 am
  • Friday: 5 pm to 2 am
  • Saturday: 2 pm to 3 am

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: cocktails (35) staff (26) drinks (19) cocktail (15) recommend (13) great (13) friendly (13) amazing (12) helpful (11) menu (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 E 2 years ago on Google
    We were greeted by a lovely security lady on the door, she showed us to our table to which we were then greeted by the member of bar staff. Incredible service. The menu of cocktails was very nicely executed by the bar staff and explained precisely what everything was, as it was our first time. The interior has a dark, modern and cool vibe with lighting, music and the bar staff showing off with their cocktail skills in classic fashion. The only downside was the prices, £9 a cocktail and £35 for some sharers, a bit expensive and they should do 2 for 1 on a day of the week to make it more affordable and we would be back more often! Will be back again and would highly recommend!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel V. 1 year ago on Google
    Post-June, with their hiring of my best friend Josh, I've come to know everyone at Lab-22 over the last few months. Without any hesitation, the friendliest bar and members of staff I have ever known and I am sincerely proud to have developed a friendship with all of them. Josh has been a great mediator in getting me involved with the business, hence our friendship and how it's stood the test of time. I want to thank all of you, individually, for the hospitality in which I receive when I am either by myself or with someone else. Yesterday, I couldn't have been more impressed with everyone working. Josh has given me a door into a great bar and I am proud to call myself somewhat of a regular. I moved to Cardiff, with Josh, not knowing a single soul and Lab-22 has been a place of solace for me whenever I have wanted to go. Camaraderie is important to me; I want to feel as though I am not a burden but Lab-22 increasingly gives me the notion that I am always welcome. There isn't enough superlatives to describe Lab-22 as a venue, a bar but more importantly... a place that makes me feel welcome.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 kyle o. 1 year ago on Google
    2 weeks prior to visiting Lab 22 I had actually gone to this establishment (21st of jan) to make a reservation for 6 people (My family were in town so booked as I had been here before and was fantastic). The gentleman at the door only took my name and number which made me sceptic I was actually booked in, so I asked him if we were definitly booked in. He assured me and said if It wasn't that he'd called me but if i heard nothing then it was fine. No contact had been made, Great! When we turned up a new bouncer said there was no booking and there was no space ( he was very polite) but due to the rugby we were then left with no reservation so had to cut our evening short. It's such a shame because Lab 22 is a great place but poor organisation and was quite embarrassing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ritchie R. 6 years ago on Google
    When it comes to cocktails lab 22 is one of those hidden gems that you need to visit . It's different to the other bars with its own unique style and blend and the cocktails are something to see and try out. If you are out with friends or even just want a quiet drink check out this place you won't be disappointed 😉
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victoria T. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic environment, a wonderful welcome from all staff. Exceptional array of cocktails to choose from..
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 haley j. 10 months ago on Google
    We had a great evening Sam was extremely helpful and was amazing at making recommendations for cocktails, a very knowledgeable members of staff who completed the experience.

  • 5/5 Saffron T. 1 year ago on Google
    I have been to Lab 22 many times and it is always amazing. The staff are very polite and inviting. I went there with a group of my friends, all of our drinks were amazing and it has a lovely atmosphere. I always recommend it to my friends, one of the best bars in Cardiff!

  • 4/5 Iestyn J. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is one of the best establishments to get a cocktail. There’s a lot of variety and they explain what the cocktails are like in great detail. The music and the lounge area is great. The staff are very quick and helpful.

  • 5/5 Peterowsky 1 year ago on Google
    Lab 22 sets an incredible standard for service. Between Joel, Ieuwan and Josh (I hope all names are spelled correctly) I had felt really cared for! And that's amidst a rush of other people around me. Their confidence and flair, as well as excellent communication, truly continue to make Lab 22 an exceptional place to experience. It was also very welcoming to see how cohesive and friendly the team is with each other. Lab 22 is the incredibly high bar that many venues should strive to achieve.

  • 5/5 Paul I. 1 year ago on Google
    Had cocktail masterclass with Joel, absolutely a memory that will live with me forever. From the moment we walked in until the moment we left, then returned later that evening. Every second was a dream & would recommend to anyone visiting Cardiff or simply a first time visitor. The guys made our weekend. Thank you . X

  • 5/5 murray m. 1 year ago on Google
    What a phenomenal place. Live music was great, cocktails were amazing. One bartender named “Ewan” was more than helpful in helping us chose what to have and was friendly and a joy to talk to.

  • 5/5 Joanna P. 10 months ago on Google
    This bar has a lovely atmosphere. It upstairs and you could easily miss that it’s there! Sam was serving our group of 5. He was friendly and very knowledgable? The cocktails are fabulous, the presentation of some is breathtaking. We didn’t eat here so I can’t comment on the food. Definitely recommend making a booking if you want to visit.

  • 5/5 Marky_marc 11 months ago on Google
    Pleasant service. Great atmosphere. Concrete daisy was a well crafted cocktail, a little like Pisco sour despite the very different ingredients. My friends enjoyed theirs as well especially the smokey cocktail which was definitely impressive. Einstein on the ice cubes was a nice detail.

  • 5/5 Daniel M. 6 months ago on Google
    Recommended to come for drinks after dinner, and it was fantastic. Unique Cocktails each with a fun twist, not your basic menu you come across in your standard chain! Knowledgeable and very friendly staff, will be back when we’re next in Cardiff!

  • 5/5 Taps H. 10 months ago on Google
    Fantastic atmosphere. Fantastic drinks and fantastic staff. Especially lottie. Great new starter. With an amazing attitude and great knowledge on drink advice. 10/10, would recommend

  • 5/5 Aaishah K. 10 months ago on Google
    Easily one one of the top bars in cardiff, Lottie was amazing and so helpful, she was a fantastic host and dealers choice was a win every time. If you are undecided this is a must. Wide range of drinks, knowledgeable and friendly staff. We will be back!!!

  • 5/5 knit365 b. 1 year ago on Google
    We visited on a busy Saturday night and had a great experience - definitely 5*! The menu had some brilliant cocktails and we both enjoyed a selection from the menu. We ended the night with a couple of spiced rums and I love a cocktail bar that has a great range of spirits and not just focused on their menu drinks. The staff were super attentive and couldn't do enough for us. This was our first visit but certainly won't be the last!

  • 5/5 Amber W. 7 months ago on Google
    We loved the entire experience here, the menu was well explained, with plenty of cocktails to choose from. We were also told that they could make any other cocktails we wanted as their bar is well stocked. I had the dark matter whisky cocktail, which was very well presented. Maybe one of the best cocktails I've had, this place is quite expensive, but I'd definitely recommend it for a treat.

  • 5/5 Stephen W. 5 months ago on Google
    I have been to this bar a few times now, and it just gets better every time. The cocktails are amazing. A wide selection of drinks, and if you aren't sure what you want, the very friendly and experienced staff are at hand to knock up something you will enjoy. The energy and positive happy vibe from the bar staff is infectious, and the DJ is amazing. Lab 22 is definitely a must go to place whenever you are in The Diff.

  • 5/5 Robyn P. 4 months ago on Google
    I love lab. My Co-workers we love lab. We have been coming since February this year (used to be more often) but now we come every couple weeks. Love love love the staff, the cozy vibes of the tables and the service. They bring water for everyone at the table and are so helpful with recommendations. I’ve had so many funny nights here it’s definitely where I’d recommend for anyone. Have way more photos but I’ll keep them for privacy of my friends in them haha!

  • 3/5 Dann T (. 7 months ago on Google
    The service is fantastic. Very helpful and knowledgeable about the cocktails. Unfortunately they don't have pictures of the cocktails so you keep seeing other people ordering nice looking drinks that you want but don't know what they are. I ordered a long island ice tea that I use as a baseline drink and it wasn't great. It was too citrus and the coke tasted bad. The other cocktails were ok but I can't judge them against anything else. I won't want to come back.

  • 5/5 Laura P. 4 months ago on Google
    Lottie was amazing! She listened to all our individual tastes and made us the best cocktails ever! Sam was also great as a host, made us feel so welcome and made the whole experience 10/10. Fantastic place!

  • 5/5 Alan P. 6 months ago on Google
    This is my all time fave place in Cardiff. The vibe is so chilled, the music is brilliant. The drinks… Well best old fashioned I ever had! They really go the extra mile when preparing the drinks. My favourite part of the bar is the staff. They are just so approachable, good looking, decent people that seems to be on a mission to give you a good night! It’s the type of place that you would feel comfortable going to on your own because they are so welcoming. The owner must know what he wants to represent him and he should be proud of him self for crating such a gem. X

  • 5/5 Charlotte B. 6 months ago on Google
    I loved the Jazz (came on a monday). The staff are amazing, especially Lottie! She kept us entertained the whole night and walked us through the drinks and gave us good recommendations based on what our preferences were. They can tweak the drinks to fit your style. The music was great. Would 100% recommend for a night out at Cardiff

  • 5/5 Jason L. 2 years ago on Google
    One of those rare bars in Cardiff that still has an element of mystery; you really need to know it's there to know it's there. The staff are warm, friendly and absolutely excellent, the venue is perfectly cosy, and the drinks are award winning on a national scale. If you're looking for superb cocktails but you want to avoid the high street chains, Lab 22 is the perfect place for you!

  • 5/5 Hexis P. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice bar, blink and you miss it walking down towards chip alley. Clean up market decor and talented bar staff making banging cocktails.

  • 5/5 dick t. 2 years ago on Google
    Staff are awesome, helpful, even took time out to recommend some other nice cocktail bars. really cool and cozy little place. Was our first stop on a night in Cardiff which was almost cancelled, so will come here again

  • 4/5 Cranrine 2 years ago on Google
    Great cocktails in cool vibe. Music was not too loud, which is a plus. Our waiter, Mike, was awesome. He was very attentive and knows cocktails well. Highly recommend this place to everyone!

  • 5/5 Sophya K. 2 years ago on Google
    the vibes are good, the drinks are *scrumptious*, the staff is nice and helpful. We came here after our anniversary dinner and there wasnt a better way to end the night. Also my boyfriend really liked the whisky cocktails even though he hates whisky. (was expecting to pay more than £10 per cocktails but all of them are less)

  • 5/5 Megan L. 2 years ago on Google
    A must visit venue! My absolute favourite place to go with the best drinks, amazing staff and awesome vibe. Highly recommend checking Lab 22 out, you won’t be disappointed!

  • 5/5 Nicola T. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing cocktails. Told bar staff my preference and he made me my favourite even though it wasn’t on the menu. Nothing too much trouble. Friendly and chatty staff! Will definitely be back. Many thanks to the team!

  • 3/5 Douglas M. 2 years ago on Google
    Slightly tatty "cocktail bar" trying to be more than it is. An expensive place for what were very ordinary cocktails. You'll do better elsewhere.

  • 5/5 Mark W. 2 years ago on Google
    Very welcoming and friendly staff! Custom made drinks based on your preferences! Great cocktail menu! Highly recommended!

  • 4/5 Deepti S. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved the experience and the cocktails were very unique and priced well.what we really enjoyed was our treatment by Wellie( I hope I got your spelling right?!) who was very patient and knowledgeable and helped us choose drinks that were enjoyable! Would definitely go again! Please note, they are asking to see proof of being double vaccinated to let you in.

  • 5/5 Michaela D. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely recommend! We went as a group for a Hen Party and we all had a brilliant time. Joel asked us what drinks we liked and managed to instruct us how to make the perfect cocktails for every single one of us. Brilliant experience 😊

  • 1/5 Tim S. 1 year ago on Google
    A small bar above Greggs. Upon arrival the bar smelt bad. I was massively disappointed with the cocktails, they put huge ice cubes in the glass the make the glass look full. The cocktails are bland and not exciting, and very overpriced. There are many better places in the City centre for cocktails in a nicer environment too. I won't ever go back.

  • 5/5 Tim I. 2 years ago on Google
    Great service! Very friendly and helpful staff who also gifted us with a free drink after ringing up to delay our booking due to a flat tyre! Delicious drinks as well!

  • 5/5 Aaron L. 2 years ago on Google
    Great Cocktails, awesome staff. You'd be beyond foolish not to swing by and grab yourself a drink or 2!! Keep it up Peeps. 🤘

  • 5/5 Tim B. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice quirky cocktail bar.. requires booking as the size of location is not massive, but this adds to the charm. For the prices of cocktails these days the prices are average and competitive of the local bars. Odd toilet setup, but works.

  • 4/5 Leesa S. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun upstairs cocktail bar! Great ambience/vibe and a good selection of cocktails. We were in on Monday which was prohibition night which had a whole new menu. Waiter friendly and helpful! Honestly if there was a 4.5 we would’ve rated it that.

  • 5/5 Matt M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great cocktails; thoughtful but playful, artful, well-balanced and delicious. Friendly service and apparently a major spot for bachelorette parties so it’s got that going for it too ; ) I’d definitely come back.

  • 4/5 Georgina T. 3 years ago on Google
    My husband and I popped in last night. It's quite a small building, so booking is advisable on weekends and special occasions. The menu is based on a kind of re-jigged Periodic table which sets it apart from the other myriad of cocktail bars in Cardiff. Pricing is in line with other bars in the area (average £8 a cocktail). Staff are extremely attentive and friendly. Cocktails are a subjective concept - I loved the first one I had, but found the Negroni utterly revolting! Regardless, I can happily recommend Lab 22 and will doubtless be back again in the future.

  • 5/5 Danielle G. 3 years ago on Google
    I've been going here for a while and never had a bad experience. The mixologists really know what they're doing and are always so welcoming and helpful! Cool experience with high end cocktails.

  • 5/5 Cardiffgirl _. 1 year ago on Google
    Cool bar with amazing cocktails!

  • 5/5 tam 1 year ago on Google
    Always incredible drinks and service. Rare for such a nice venue to be dog friendly too! Full of very friendly people and pups


Call +44 29 2039 9997 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Free water refills
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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