The journey of the Tipsy Owl didn’t start with a business plan. It began with a simple conversation, sitting on the old cobbled steps of Valletta. I was with a friend, soaking in the Mediterranean atmosphere, watching the world go by, I said, “I wish there was a place like this in Pontypridd.” They turned to me and said, “Then why don’t you just do it?”
That moment sparked something real. It wasn’t about making money. It was about a dream—a dream of creating a space where people could gather, share ideas, connect, laugh, and simply enjoy life. A place with heart. A place that felt like home.
In the days, months and years that followed, that idea slowly turned into something tangible. We dipped our toes in with pop-ups and temporary events, always chasing that elusive feeling of the perfect space. But it wasn’t until January 2023 that we found it—the future home of the Tipsy Owl.
It wasn’t much at first. The space needed a serious amount of love. For four months, we poured ourselves into it, with late nights, early mornings, and endless cups of coffee. Bit by bit, brick by brick, we transformed it into something magical. Just in time for the Eisteddfod, we opened our doors in August 2023.
Tipsy Owl is a reflection of everywhere I’ve been, and everything I’ve loved about the bar culture—from the Mediterranean cafés of Europe to the speakeasies of Bristol and Cardiff. Places like Café Society in Valletta, with its quirky charm and harbour views, helped shape our vision: a cocktail bar that’s more than just drinks—it’s a feeling.
Closer to home, I found inspiration in some of the best: The Dead Canary, Lab 22, Penny. Their creativity pushed us to craft a menu that blends timeless classics with original concoctions like the Afon Taf and The Daffodil, both inspired by our Welsh roots.
Tipsy Owl was never meant to be just another bar. It’s a home for creatives, for thinkers, for friends old and new. Every drink, every detail, every event we host is born from the desire to celebrate the beauty of connection. Our cocktail specials draw inspiration from the local landscape, culture, and seasons.
Our menu is curated with care—featuring locally sourced spirits, including a wide selection of Welsh gins and beers, plus classics on draft and unique, seasonal mixes. But at its core, it’s always about the people.
Welcome to The Tipsy Owl
When I first imagined Tipsy Owl, I wasn’t just dreaming of a cocktail bar. I was dreaming of a space. A space where people feel seen. Where the walls echo with warmth, where the drinks tell stories, and where everyone — from the first-time sipper to the late-night thinker — finds a little piece of themselves in the atmosphere.
This bar was born from more than just a love of great cocktails (though we absolutely love those too). It was born from a life lived fully — a journey that hasn’t always been easy, but has always been honest. I’ve walked through the valleys of South Wales, worked my way up from nothing, and built something out of grit, creativity, and community.
Tipsy Owl stands for freedom — to be, to create, to celebrate. It’s a love letter to those who’ve ever felt like outsiders. A reminder that your past doesn’t define your potential. And a celebration of what happens when you dare to imagine something different.
We’re more than a bar. We’re a living room for the town — a creative hub where ideas brew as easily as cocktails, where we showcase local makers, artists, and dreamers. If you’ve got a passion, there’s a place for it here.
This place is for the wanderers, the grafters, the quiet creatives, the late bloomers, and everyone in between. So come as you are. Order what you love. Stay for the connection.
From my story to yours — welcome to the Tipsy Owl.
— Founder
Aiden Richards