Footballer Gareth Bale tees up Cardiff golf venue

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High-profile Welsh footballer Gareth Bale is to open a restaurant, bar and mini-golf venue in his home city of Cardiff.

The Wales and Real Madrid player will open Par 59 within the 18,000sq ft basement of the Capitol Shopping Centre this summer.

The venue will have two mini-golf courses alongside a number of bars and eating areas.

Two independently-run kitchens will provide the food: local trader Sushi Life will serve up sushi and other Japanese dishes while another local business Dirty Bird will offer buttermilk-fried chicken.

The project is the result of a new partnership between Bale’s company Elevens Group and The Depot, which is billed as one of Wales’ 'most successful' alternative entertainment brands.

Par 59 marks a second step into the hospitality sector for the footballer, following on from his partnership with Brains Brewery and the opening of Elevens Bar & Grill in Cardiff in 2017.

“My love for golf is no secret, so I am delighted to be working with an independent Welsh company to bring this concept to Cardiff,” says Bale. “It’s all about creating a fun environment where people can enjoy something a bit different, and where everyone can have fun.”

Competitive socialising venues that combine food and drink with activities are a rapidly growing part of the hospitality landscape. Key players in the space include Swingers, Puttshack, Bounce and Flight Club.