![Kardomah Cafe, Swansea](/img/gd_attr/41326.jpg)
Kardomah Cafe, Swansea
The Kardomah Cafe holds a special place in the city’s cultural and literary history. Established as a popular dining spot in the 1930s, it quickly became a favorite haunt of Dylan Thomas and his circle. Known for its unique atmosphere and vibrant discussions, the Kardomah was where Thomas and his contemporaries, collectively known as the "Kardomah Gang," gathered to exchange ideas and inspiration. This group, comprising some of the most creative minds of the time, used the restaurant as a creative and intellectual hub.
Dylan Thomas himself praised the Kardomah in a 1949 BBC broadcast, highlighting its role as a meeting place where the city's diverse social strata—ranging from wealthy artists to struggling businessmen—convened. The restaurant's distinctive ambiance and the lively exchanges it hosted contributed to its reputation as a cultural landmark in Swansea. The Kardomah's dual floors, with artists and business figures meeting separately but under one roof, fostered a unique environment of cross-disciplinary dialogue and creativity.
The term "Kardomah Gang" emerged from this vibrant scene, signifying the group of influential writers, poets, and artists who frequented the restaurant. Their regular meetings at the Kardomah played a significant role in shaping Swansea's cultural landscape and in influencing Thomas's work. Despite changes over the years, the Kardomah Cafe remains an iconic symbol of Swansea's rich literary heritage and a testament to the city's dynamic artistic community.
Dylan Thomas himself praised the Kardomah in a 1949 BBC broadcast, highlighting its role as a meeting place where the city's diverse social strata—ranging from wealthy artists to struggling businessmen—convened. The restaurant's distinctive ambiance and the lively exchanges it hosted contributed to its reputation as a cultural landmark in Swansea. The Kardomah's dual floors, with artists and business figures meeting separately but under one roof, fostered a unique environment of cross-disciplinary dialogue and creativity.
The term "Kardomah Gang" emerged from this vibrant scene, signifying the group of influential writers, poets, and artists who frequented the restaurant. Their regular meetings at the Kardomah played a significant role in shaping Swansea's cultural landscape and in influencing Thomas's work. Despite changes over the years, the Kardomah Cafe remains an iconic symbol of Swansea's rich literary heritage and a testament to the city's dynamic artistic community.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Swansea. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Kardomah Cafe on Map
Sight Name: Kardomah Cafe
Sight Location: Swansea, Wales (See walking tours in Swansea)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Swansea, Wales (See walking tours in Swansea)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Swansea, Wales
Create Your Own Walk in Swansea
Creating your own self-guided walk in Swansea is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Swansea Introduction Walking Tour
Swansea, the city on the southwest coast of Wales, is the country's second-largest. Its original name in Welsh – Abertawe – means 'mouth of the Tawe' and hints at its geographic location and historical ties to the River Tawe.
The area's history dates back to ancient times when it was contested by early Welsh kingdoms. During the Viking Age, it became a significant trade... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The area's history dates back to ancient times when it was contested by early Welsh kingdoms. During the Viking Age, it became a significant trade... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Dylan Thomas Trail
The Dylan Thomas Trail in Swansea is a captivating journey that celebrates the life and works of one of Wales' most famous literary figures. This trail guides visitors through a series of landmarks intimately connected to the poet and writer native of Swansea, providing a deep dive into the environments that influenced his work.
Starting at the Captain Cat Statue, this whimsical sculpture... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Starting at the Captain Cat Statue, this whimsical sculpture... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles