New gin bar adds to Cardigan’s thriving food and drink scene

​​Bar 45, a new gin bar owned by award-winning local distillery In the Welsh Wind, has opened at 45 St Mary Street, adding to the thriving food and drink scene in Cardigan.
 
Formerly the Bara Menyn bakehouse, which has relocated to new premises on the corner of St Mary Street and Chancery Lane, Bar 45 is a must for gin lovers.
 
The bar stocks the full range of In the Welsh Wind and Eccentric gins and offers a carefully selected cocktail menu showcasing the different gins available. Alongside gin, Bar 45 stock a range of bottled and canned beers from local breweries.
 
Customers can also enjoy a selection of wines by the glass or the bottle and the Bar 45 team has exciting plans for the spring and summer.
 
Molly Smith, bar supervisor, explains: “It’s been really exciting getting Bar 45 up and running and we’re looking forward to welcoming more people through the doors over the next few months.
 
“Alongside premium spirits, wines and beers, we offer our gin tasting boards and there are regular opportunities for people to create their own unique bottle of gin in a gin blending experience.
 
“The courtyard garden will be open for people to enjoy and we’ve got regular cocktail evenings and other events planned. We can also hire the space out for private parties.”
 
Distillery co-founder and director Ellen Wakelam said: “Opening a bar in this beautiful building is something of a dream for us.  After Bara Menyn moved out, it stood empty for some time, so when we had the opportunity to move in, we jumped at the chance.
 
“It’s a lovely, intimate venue and a great way to bring our award-winning spirits to more people, both locally and to visitors.”
 
Bar 45 is also open as a bottle shop, so customers can pick up a bottle of locally distilled gin, buy a gin making or gin tasting voucher, or In the Welsh Wind merchandise. Gin Blending experiences are available for people to create their own unique bottle of gin.
 
Bar 45 is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 2.30pm to 11pm, with plans to open from 11am in the next few weeks.
 
Picture caption:
 
Ellen Wakelam and Molly Smith at Bar 45, St Mary Street, Cardigan