Bar 44 Penarth is another link in the mini chain of Grupo 44. Founded by Tom and Owen Morgan – Welsh brothers with a love of all things Spanish – Grupo 44 aims to bring the Spanish experience to Wales and the West Country. Although each site boasts a unique menu and atmosphere, all aim to retain a sense of Spanish authenticity in their food, drink, and hospitality.
Based in the friendly seaside town of Penarth, Bar 44 quickly became a community hub. The venue stays true to Spanish custom, with a long, narrow shape and hanging hams. It also boasts an open kitchen, allowing customers to enjoy a drink while seeing, quite literally, how the sausage gets made. There is also a light and airy garden room available for private events.
The menu offers a range of quintessential Spanish dishes made with produce sourced both locally and from Spain. To begin, we have a selection of nibbles spearheaded by jamón, charcuterie and regional cheeses, alongside various tostadas, marinated olives, Galician peppers, and salted almonds. The tapas menu covers eight classics, including cider-poached chorizo, triple cooked patatas bravas, and Jamón Ibérico croquetas, accompanied by a dozen seasonal tapas.
Dessert options include chocolate mousse, Valencian orange and almond cake, mixed chocolate hazelnut truffles, and a variety of ice cream and sorbets. There are vegan and gluten-free menus, as well as a children’s’ menu.
The drinks menu offers a staggering range of Spanish copas, including many wines, sherries and cervezas.
Bar 44 operates an online shop, where they have teamed up with Crafty Devil to sell their own products such as jarred olives, aioli, and gift hampers. Bar 44 also offers its own book, written by co-founders Tom and Owen Morgan. Entitled 'Bar 44 Tapas and Copas: This Is Our Spain', the book blends Spanish food and drink recipes with stories of the brothers’ travels around the country.