Ffresh (yes that is the correct spelling) finds its home at Cardiff’s arts and cultural hub, the Wales Millennium Centre. The moody dining room is a low-lit space which features faux trees climbing up the walls and a stage at the rear which is used to showcase live music and entertainment acts.
With its plush interiors, Ffresh so easily could have been a case of all style and no substance, but instead it delivers a star performance of its own – serving up everything from bar snacks to full meals with verve and confidence. The kitchen’s tagline is “small plates, large plates…big smiles” and the menu changes with the seasons so that the kitchen is always using the freshest ingredients.
Although the contents of the menu changes on a periodic basis, on your visit you might come across small plates such as an Asian-style salad tossed with charred tofu, or perhaps wedges of battered Brie served alongside an apricot compote for dipping. The larger plates are designed to share between two people, with options including baked salmon fillet with parsley sauce. There are lots of festive specials too in the winter months, such as a giant pig in blanket served with creamy mashed potato and peas.
To round off your meal on a sweet note, pick from a selection of desserts which could include the likes of a warm chocolate brownie or a slice of caramelised biscuit cheesecake. Desserts with that much sugar content are sure to thrill younger diners, so it’s a good job that Ffresh is also a family-friendly affair; the children’s menu features options such as cheese and tomato ciabatta and chicken breast with curly fries.
Reasonable prices and friendly service are further draws. Note that Ffresh is closed on Monday evenings if there’s no show at the Donald Gordon Theatre.