Photograph by Seth Wales
Cardiff’s most prestigious city retreat is offering a rare opportunity for visitors to indulge in traditional Afternoon Tea in one of its lavishly appointed rooms before taking a guided tour of this grand private house.
Nestled in its own private grounds only minutes from the city centre, this resplendent Grade II listed building was originally built in the mid 1890s for James Howell, founder of the famous city centre department store. The Mansion House was purchased by Cardiff Corporation in 1912 and subsequently served as the Lord Mayor’s official residence and a venue for civic occasions.
Built with two imposing front doors, function rooms lead off from the main hallway with its magnificent staircase which is lit by a large north-facing window, which, like the hall doors is decorated with hand chased glass. The interior has retained much of its original features, notably the extensive use of carved and inlaid woodwork, both in the fine staircase, the fireplaces and the pair of full-length mirrors which face each other in the hallway.
On the first floor are The Lord Mayor’s private apartment and four en-suite guest bedrooms, which have hosted distinguished visitors including former prime ministers David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill, opera singer Adelina Patti, and even King George V. More recently, Hollywood couple Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones enjoyed a short stay at the Mansion House.
Cabinet Member for Community Development, Cooperatives and Social Enterprise, Cllr Peter Bradbury said, “The Mansion House has played an important role in the civic life of the city from early in the 20th Century. This opportunity to truly indulge yourself and your guests within the luxury of this grand private house is not to be missed.”
Traditional Afternoon Tea will include a pot of loose leaf tea from a selection of your choice, finger sandwiches, dainty cake and fancies, scones with fresh clotted cream and preserves.
This unique opportunity to relax in the splendour of the Mansion House is only available for a limited time and advance booking is essential.
Traditional Afternoon Tea at Mansion House Cardiff is £15 per person (minimum of 2 people) and includes a guided tour of the house. Advance booking is essential. Contact 029 2087 1736 for details.
Mansion House Cardiff is conveniently situated on Richmond Road only 5 minutes walk from the city centre.
