The Thackeray is a restaurant in Rumney, Cardiff, offering a variety of British dishes made from locally sourced Welsh ingredients, including burgers, steaks, fish and chips, and daily specials. The venue features a main bar serving cocktails, prosecco, gin & tonic, draught lagers, cider, and bottled ales. It also has a beer garden and provides facilities for events such as baby showers, birthdays, wakes, and buffet menus. Additionally, it is a licensed wedding venue offering exclusive hire.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 5.0 658
- Google 4.5 561
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Accommodating for Special Occasions The Thackeray is noted for being well-equipped to handle large groups and special events. They offer customized decorations and are flexible with pre-orders, making celebrations seamless.
- Excellent Service The staff are consistently described as friendly, attentive, and helpful, with specific mentions of staff going above and beyond to accommodate customer needs and provide excellent service.
- Good Value for Money Reviewers often comment on the reasonable prices and good value, especially considering the generous portions and quality of the food. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious diners.
- Great Atmosphere The restaurant is frequently described as having a lovely and welcoming atmosphere, with a nicely decorated interior. The ambiance makes it suitable for both casual meals and special occasions.
- High-Quality Food Many reviews praise the food quality, with mentions of well-cooked dishes, generous portions, and delicious flavors. Sunday lunch and the chef's specials receive high recommendations.
Criticised
- Dessert Quality One review said desserts were not as special as other courses.
- Inconsistent Food Quality A few reviews note that the food quality can be inconsistent, especially when attending as part of a large group. Some customers have reported overcooked or less-than-expected dishes.
- Limited Real Ale Selection One review mentions the lack of real ale as a drawback, which may disappoint customers who prefer this type of beer.
- Loud Music Some customers have found the music, particularly when a band is playing, to be too loud for the venue. This can make it difficult to have conversations and detract from the overall dining experience.
- Potential for Slow Service Some reviews mention slow service, particularly when the restaurant is busy or hosting large parties. Customers may experience delays in ordering or receiving their meals during peak times.
The longer read
The Thackeray, also known as Quill & Quote, is highly praised for its excellent food, friendly and efficient service, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both casual meals and special occasions. Numerous reviewers highlight the quality and consistency of the food, with the Sunday lunch and roast dinners receiving exceptional acclaim. Many reviewers describe it as the best Sunday lunch they have ever had, praising the perfectly cooked meat, generous portions of vegetables, and large, tasty Yorkshire puddings. The menu offers a diverse range of options, including vegetarian dishes, and features daily specials and seasonal products, ensuring there is something for everyone. The portions are consistently described as generous and offer great value for money. The restaurant is adept at handling large groups and special events, such as birthday celebrations, anniversaries, and Christmas parties. Staff are frequently commended for their attentiveness, friendliness, and professionalism, often going above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. Specific staff members, including Paula, Cory, Debbie, Steph, Imogen, Paige, Ann-Marie, Mia, Jacob, Becky, Oriana, and Stephanie, are repeatedly mentioned for their exceptional service and ability to make guests feel welcome and valued. The Thackeray is noted for its lovely decor and well-appointed bar and dining areas, creating a pleasant and inviting ambiance. The venue is also praised for its cleanliness, including spotless toilets. The bar offers a great selection of drinks, including cocktails and wine. The Thackeray offers additional features, such as decorations for special events and assistance with cakes. Some reviewers appreciate the availability of a children's menu, making it a family-friendly destination. The restaurant also caters to specific dietary needs, including gluten-free options. Several reviewers mention the convenience of parking and the restaurant's dog-friendly policy. A few reviewers mentioned slow service during peak times or large parties and some dishes not meeting expectations, but the overwhelming majority express high satisfaction with their dining experience, with many planning to return or recommending it to others. The Thackeray is described as a hidden gem and a home away from home, offering a consistently high-quality experience that exceeds expectations. Some reviewers noted the pub's ability to accommodate those with mobility issues.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 29 2000 2499
- Website
- thethackeray.com
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 19:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.8 against a median of 4.5 across the 59 places to eat we hold for Cardiff, where the most-reviewed is The Ivy Cardiff.
Still deciding?
- What are the standout British dishes and locally sourced ingredients featured on Thackeray’s menu?
- What cocktail, prosecco, gin & tonic, draught lagers, cider, and bottled ale options are available at Thackeray’s main bar?
- What facilities and menu options does Thackeray provide for private events such as baby showers, birthdays, wakes, or weddings?
- Does Thackeray’s beer garden offer outdoor seating and what are the typical weather considerations for diners?
- How far in advance should I book a table or event space at Thackeray, and are there any specific dining time restrictions?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.