The Hayes, Cardiff

In the center of Cardiff are three shopping streets: Queen Street, Saint Mary Street and the Hayes. The Hayes is almost entirely pedestrianized. Going southward to the east end of the City Center one encounters the Hayes Island Snack Bar. Doesn't sound like much, but wait, this snack bar has a history and a reputation.

The snack bar was originally built as a parcel depot for Cardiff Corporation Tramways in 1911. Horse trams were used in the city until 1903 when Cardiff switched to electric trams. The depot kiosk was closed in 1942 and reopened in 1948 as a snack bar. It is the oldest snack bar in Wales. It is "a rare survivor of Cardiff's tramway system."

At the north end of the Hayes is the Old Library. From 1882 until 1988 it was known as the Cardiff Free Library, Museum and Schools for Science and Art. The new permanent Cardiff Central Library sits at the opposite end of the Hayes.

Victorian glass covered shopping arcades are especially peculiar to Cardiff. The Royal Arcade and the Morgan Arcade each have entrances on the Hayes. The Hayes shopping arcades and shops have undergone massive renovations.

The renovated Hayes is memorialized in an 82 foot high stainless steel sculpture called "Alliance." The sculpture is a stainless steel enameled arrow column.

On Hayes, one can find some of the best shops and restaurants in the city.