Wales

Salt

Mermaid Quay, Cardiff

When Welsh brewer/retailer SA Brain bought Salt over four years ago, it was an underperforming Scottish & Newcastle Retail outlet run under the Bar 38 format.

At that time, the regeneration of Cardiff Bay was in its infancy. Brains had the foresight to see that it would only be a few years before the area sprang to life.

A local for young professionals

James Dixon, who has been Salt's manager for around 15 months, says he never ceases to be amazed at the building work going on around Cardiff Bay. "There must be five or six large complexes being built at present, mainly for young professionals. We're their local."

When S&NR sold out, transport links weren't good and Mermaid Quay was largely overlooked in favour of pubs and bars in Cardiff city centre. Now, as James notes, "transportation is a lot better."

Customers choose the music

These two factors have combined to create a buzz around the Bay area and Salt is cashing in on the extra footfall. During the quieter nights of the week, custom is attracted by acoustic entertainment on Tuesdays and live bands on Wednesdays and Sundays. But for the peak trading times on Friday and Saturday nights, DJs hold sway.

The type of music played by the resident DJ is customer-led. James explains: "We play for the crowd as long as the requests are suitable - no hardcore hip-hop, and we try to stay away from heavy metal."

The DJ starts at 8pm and the music continues until Salt closes at 2am.

Better equipment

To enhance the entertainment experience for customers, Salt has invested over the past year in better CD players and speakers, new AV screens and improvements to lighting.

Another gambit that has proved successful is holding theme nights, such as Beach Party and Caribbean evenings.

James adds: "The mix of popular music we offer, along with a great atmosphere and friendly staff, makes a fantastic night out for locals as well as those from further afield."