Exploring vintage treasures in Cardiff

Wales’s capital is full of wonderful contrasts. Rachel England explores the vintage treasures hidden within Europe’s fastest growing city

With an ancient mythical history, a language among the oldest in the world and a natural landscape that’s almost aggressive in its breathtaking beauty, Wales truly owns its moniker as the land of dragons. I first discovered it as a student and then, after half a decade living in London, it tempted me back two years ago. I’m not Welsh, but it’s home.

For antiques lovers the fun starts just outside of town, at vintage wonderland The Pumping Station. Spread over three floors, more than 35 traders have taken residence among the nooks and crannies of this beautiful listed building. Clothing, jewellery, antiques and furniture from the Victorian era right through to the modern day are packed in floor to ceiling, with rooms hidden behind mannequins modelling retro wedding gowns and corridors tucked away behind artfully stacked vintage suitcases.

Occupying a curious position nestled between two gleaming high-rise office blocks, Jacob’s Market on West Wharf Canal is as much a Cardiff institution for its residents as it is a happy surprise for meandering tourists. With three large floors of treasures and trinkets, military history enthusiasts will find themselves in good company here, as will serious vintage fashionistas. It’s also the go-to prop destination for film crews in Wales – chances are you’ve spotted an item or two from Jacob’s in a BBC drama.

I drag myself away from the vintage dresses and make my way up the famed St Mary’s Street – a major drinking hotspot at night but by day a relaxed shopping artery for the city. After a brief nosey at the Saturday flea market, it’s up to the Castle Emporium, a light and airy space for young creatives and vintage enthusiasts to share their wares and ideas, and then to the gates of beautiful Bute Park and the delightfully authentic Pettigrew Tearooms, situated right by the tranquil riverside.

Stroll through the light and airy High Street Arcade and you’ll find Hobo’s, a brightly-coloured cacophony of retro clothing and home furnishings (another firm favourite of mine in my student days), then turn into Cardiff Market and seek out Hatt’s Vintage Emporium, a theatrical gentlemen’s outfitters run by a father and son combo dedicated to opulent men’s stylings. Finally, take your time exploring the treasures of Royal Arcade.

Cardiff has no end of bars and restaurants, but after a day immersed in the past Buffalo Bar is my favourite spot to decompress. Here you can sink into a comfy Chesterfield, old-school cocktail in hand and admire the many antique curiosities adorning the walls, all the while the DJ spins chilled-out tunes and staff glide past carrying plates of whatever latest food trend has gripped the city. It’s a place of many contrasts, just like Cardiff itself.