Saturday 4 March 2017

Society Standard, Cardiff restaurant review


Burger Theory, Small Bar & Wriggle – over the last 12 months Cardiff has seen a number of quality independent imports from Bristol.

Society Standard on Whitchurch Road was the first Bristolian business to set up shop last summer. A bar-cum-restaurant, they’ve good beers from Welsh brewers like Pipes and Mad Dog and a menu that spans from burgers (they're very good) and ribs to more nuanced plates like charred sprouting broccoli and smoky black bean chilli.


The house brew, Double Standard, from Bristol’s Arbor is an absolute banger – packed with fruity hops and a good chew, we sank a few pints throughout the evening. 


Golden salt cod croquettes (£4.95) were packed with tender flakes of fish and a smooth potato base. Earthy beetroot crisps and a potent aioli were well judged accompaniments. 


My blackened chicken wings (£4.95) were coated in an enjoyably sticky creole hot sauce. But, they would have benefited from a good jointing and skin crisping. Also, the accompanying dirty rice was a bit claggy and one dimensional. 


For main, Mrs G ordered another couple of small plates.

Smoked duck breast slices (£5.95) were joined by a peculiarly delicious funky blue cheese and celeriac remoulade. 


A super light and fresh yoghurt-based beetroot dip (£4.50) was topped with walnut pieces and salty feta. Warm flatbreads were ideal for dipping. 


The Mactorious P.I.G (£8.95) might well be one of the most memorable sounding dishes in Cardiff. It tasted just as extravagant and filthy as it sounds.

A first rate bronzed brioche bun was loaded with a crisp-crumbed fritter filled with oozy macaroni cheese, unctuous shreds of smoky pulled pork dotted with crispy bits, and a runny fried egg. It was served with a side of good skinny fries. This was proper Friday night comfort food. 


Having struggled to finish my epic main, I moved on to dessert.

A sticky toffee sundae (£4.95) was a proper looker. Light sticky toffee pudding pieces, creamy vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, pecan brittle crumb and warm salted caramel sauce combined in a melange of deliciousness. 


I really like Society Standard – it’s a quality independent that makes Whitchurch Road an altogether nicer place to spend a night.

The Details:

Address - Society Standard, 79-81 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff CF14 3JP
Telephone - No reservations

Society Standard Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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