Venue Type
Indoor
Typical visit duration
All day
Booking
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Went there on a lunch break. Saw Toy Story 5. Seats were comfy and the accompanying restaurants such as Costa and Five Guys were ok. I just wish there was more variety with the food. I think it’s wicked that you get 6 hours free parking just by being a customer. I will be visiting again!
Amazing place! Has Capital Radio Studio! Large gaming and bowling arcade! HIGHLY Reccomend! 5 stars!
It was very quiet due to the time of the day we were there. There were a number of vacant hospitality units and I understand how difficult it is for hospitality at the moment. It's definitely worth visiting because there is plenty to do. If you use one of the venues then you'll be able to park for free.
The Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay is a decent place for a chilled evening of food and entertainment. It’s not really a shopping centre – it’s more for hanging out. There’s an Odeon cinema with an IMAX screen, a bowling alley, a casino, a gym, and a few casual places to eat. It’s a good option for a relaxed night out or something to do when the weather’s bad. Food-wise, there’s a decent selection like Five Guys, Bella Italia, Chiquito, and Cadwaladers for coffee or dessert. That said, I had a really bad experience at Buffet Tonight. The food felt stale, service was poor, and overall it didn’t feel clean or welcoming. I’ve written a separate review on it if you want the full breakdown, but I definitely wouldn’t go back. One thing the centre does well is parking as long as you know how it works. You get up to six hours free, but only if you spend at least £6 and remember to register your car reg at one of the machines inside. It uses number plate recognition, so there are no tickets. If you forget to register or don’t spend enough, you’ll end up paying a fair bit, and the prices jump quickly the longer you stay. There are plenty of spaces though, including accessible ones, so parking itself is usually easy. The biggest downside is that the place can feel a bit run-down. Some parts of it look like they haven’t had an update in years, and outside of the cinema and a couple of restaurants, it lacks atmosphere. If you’re expecting a modern, lively vibe, it might feel a bit tired. Still, it does the job if you just want somewhere convenient for a film and a bite to eat.
I've becoming here since it first opened in 1997 and although there's been a lot of changes it's still a good place to come for a film, bowling or a simple bite to eat. There are a couple of empty units but still plenty of food options. 6 hours free parking, when you buy something in the centre, is certainly welcome and it's a short stroll to the Cardiff Bay basin. One moan is the state of the rear entrance, rubbish and weeds everywhere!
Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026
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This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026
