The Clink is a kitchen and restaurant at HMP Cardiff where prisoners can train towards gaining a nationally recognised qualification in the catering and hospitality industry. Open daily for lunch but only one night per month for dinner, it's not easy to get a table, especially since rising up the ranks on Tripadvisor and now coming in at no.6 of 623 restaurants in Cardiff, up from no.12 just two months ago. I actually booked 2 months ago via their online enquiry process, and boy, was it worth the wait! Outside the main prison walls, the exterior is a classic example of "don't judge a book by it's cover". The plain brick block opens up into a boutique style dining room with soft reflections of their slow colour change lights bouncing off mirrors, gleaming silverware and glass topped tables. It's clean, open and very inviting.... Our server for the night, Lee, welcomed us warmly and offered non alcoholic drinks.... The men
I came here with a large group that rented out the whole restaurant. We had a three course meal that was really well done! The decoration and lights are are a little crazy; very purple and loud; not sure if that is always going on. The front of house staff is pretty friendly and handled a completely full restaurant really well, with only a little confusion about who ordered what. No alcohol though, just mocktails, so keep that in mind.
Overall the price is reasonable and I really support the idea of the restaurant; giving prisons a job and working toward a useful goal. I'd go back again.
I was very surprise when I was able to get in, as I had been warned it was normally booked up, but I walked around anyway just in case. It was a set meal of 4 courses but at £39.95 I figured as a treat it would be ok. I had the Tart Tatin as a starter, then Mackerel, then the plaice, then rhubarb dessert. There is no alcohol served so I opted for fizzy water, although they have lots of soft drinks and a mocktail of the day. It was all absolutely lovely! It's attached to the Prison and the staff are all inmates so this is a chance for them to try something. The manager told me about their mission and what it meant for them. I'd definitely go again although I think I'll book just in case.
Extremely delicious food at The Clink and at extremely good prices. We had a three course meal for £33.00 and throughly enjoyed it. Service was excellent, professional and friendly. Apparently The Clink is closing in December, what a shame. Definitely recommend a visit here before it's to late.
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Fine dining is challenging to do well, from ensuring servers are friendly but not intrusive to serving up food with general appeal whilst pushing boundaries, but the clink excels on all counts. Our server, Francesca, clearly has a bright future in the industry as she trains for a multitude of qualifications. Compassionate, attentive, caring, knowledge and friendly, she enhanced a wonderful experience to perfection. Consideration was given to my pregnant wife's food restrictions, knowledge of the dishes was superb and she ensured excellent communication regarding perceived delays (amendments to orders etc).
The food itself was the equal of any elite cooking establishment in South Wales. Superbly presented dishes which had clearly been prepared with care, using the best ingredients which were a delight to eat. Of particular note was the subtle touches which enhanced the flavour profile of each dish, something which can be overwhelming if not done carefully but was executed to perfection.
A truly excellent dining experience and one which I would not hesitate to recommend.
The concept of retraining detainees in the hospitality business is wonderful, the servers were helpful and the food looked good. Sadly it was expensive, overprepared and overcooked but we might have been unlucky.
I would still recommend a trip.
Really love this place! Gorgeous food and very friendly service. A little slow when I have been there but worth the wait. No alcoholic beverages, but this just made the meal slightly cheaper. Would definitely recommend. Lovely homemade after dinner chocolates.
An amazing organisation, just gutted that they have to close. The food was excellent and the staff were really friendly. I would definitely recommend trying to get a table before they close for good.
This is some of best food I've had in Cardiff.
Slow cooked rib of beef for main course, which was cooked to perfection.
Lovely food and great service too.
Absolutely delicious food Everything was lush 😋. The best horseradish sauce I've ever tasted. Fantastic service. Super friendly staff. Can't wait to come back. Many thanks 🥰👍
Visited for lunch and was thoroughly impressed with everything from the genuinely warm welcome into the restaurant, to the fantastic service and, of course, an amazing three courses.
I highly recommend visiting The Clink. Not just for the amazing food, but also to support what is a really great cause. I will definitely be coming back in future.
Awesome food with great presentation. I had high hopes and these were exceeded. One of the best Sunday's roasts in some time. Nice friendly waiters etc. Book it as you won't regret it.
Such a disservice to our community that this place is closing down, go if you can before they close their doors. The mushroom tartar was great and the good service only complimented the dishes and wonderful work this charity does.
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