A new tapas and cocktail bar named Bar 32 has recently opened its doors in the heart of Porthcawl town. Known for its bucket and spade fun, Porthcawl has not traditionally offered a wide variety of dining options beyond fish and chips. However, with the development of the Jennings building on the harbour front over the years, new establishments like the 1832 bistro, Corner Coffee, and Coffi Co have emerged, serving breakfasts, brunches, and lunches. Older favourites in town include Isabella’s Brasserie and Jaipur, now joined by newcomers like The Greedy Pig, The Bone Cartel, and the rebranded Asiad, specialising in Asian fusion small plates. The latest addition to Porthcawl’s culinary scene is Bar 32, a tapas and cocktail bar located in the former Halifax building at 32 John Street, conveniently opening just in time for the Easter holiday.
Bar 32 offers a unique experience with its breakfast service from 9 am until noon and tapas menu available from noon until 9 pm. The venue has undergone a stylish transformation, featuring an elegant black and gold facade, a bar area towards the rear, a mix of seating options including benches, chairs, high tables, and bar stools. Additionally, there is a small outdoor seating area, though it lacks a view of the sea despite its proximity to the shoreline. Upon visiting the establishment around 5 pm on a Thursday, patrons were greeted by a bustling atmosphere, indicating the venue’s early popularity. The interior exudes a touch of glamour with its mirrored backdrop, glasses hanging above the bar, teal velvet seating, dark wallpaper, and herringbone flooring. However, the small white plastic circular tables may seem somewhat out of place in the sophisticated setting.
The extensive cocktail menu at Bar 32 offers a range of options to accompany the tapas dishes priced at £5.99 each, with a special offer of three dishes for £15. Meat and cheese boards are also available in small (£6.99) and large (£19.99) sizes for sharing. Reviewers opted for a selection of tapas dishes, including a small meat and cheese board and six tapas dishes along with an extra dish. The meal commenced promptly, and the presentation of the meat and cheese board featuring a variety of cheeses, cold meats, fruits, and biscuits was visually striking. The subsequent tapas dishes, served hot and fresh, included meatballs, patatas bravas, chicken strips, spicy chicken wings, garlic prawns, and chicken satay, with the spicy chorizo emerging as a standout favourite.
While the food at Bar 32 was well-received, there were minor critiques regarding the temperature of some dishes and the limitations of table space for sharing tapas boards. The cozy yet stylish ambiance of the venue was noted, offering a more casual setting than anticipated from its exterior. Feedback suggested that the presence of a large TV playing music videos was slightly distracting, prompting a suggestion for softer background music instead. Despite these minor points, Bar 32 was deemed a welcome addition to Porthcawl town centre, praised for its good food quality and friendly, welcoming staff. Future visits were promised to explore the breakfast offerings at this new tapas and cocktail establishment.
In conclusion, the launch of Bar 32 has added a touch of sophistication and variety to the dining scene in Porthcawl, catering to locals and visitors seeking a unique culinary experience. The combination of tapas dishes and cocktails in a stylish setting has garnered positive feedback, with a few areas highlighted for potential improvement. Nonetheless, the overall consensus points towards a promising future for Bar 32 as a go-to destination for dining and socialising in Porthcawl.