There is free parking for 6 hours, however some days it gets full especially if tgere is a new movie released, and on busy times like 5-7.The cinema is cool, lovely staff, there is bowling in the centre, a few restaurants etc.Kids would enjoy spending the day here
The Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay is a decent place for a chilled evening of food and entertainment. It’s not really a shopping centre – it’s more for hanging out. There’s an Odeon cinema with an IMAX screen, a bowling alley, a casino, a gym, and a few casual places to eat. It’s a good option for a relaxed night out or something to do when the weather’s bad. Food-wise, there’s a decent selection like Five Guys, Bella Italia, Chiquito, and Cadwaladers for coffee or dessert. That said, I had a really bad experience at Buffet Tonight. The food felt stale, service was poor, and overall it didn’t feel clean or welcoming. I’ve written a separate review on it if you want the full breakdown, but I definitely wouldn’t go back. One thing the centre does well is parking as long as you know how it works. You get up to six hours free, but only if you spend at least £6 and remember to register your car reg at one of the machines inside. It uses number plate recognition, so there are no tickets. If you forget to register or don’t spend enough, you’ll end up paying a fair bit, and the prices jump quickly the longer you stay. There are plenty of spaces though, including accessible ones, so parking itself is usually easy. The biggest downside is that the place can feel a bit run-down. Some parts of it look like they haven’t had an update in years, and outside of the cinema and a couple of restaurants, it lacks atmosphere. If you’re expecting a modern, lively vibe, it might feel a bit tired. Still, it does the job if you just want somewhere convenient for a film and a bite to eat.
The place is clean and tidy and has multiple businesses onsite. There are many choices on food outlets, such as Indian, Chinese and Burger restaurant. A place to go bowling and places to have a quiet drink and also a casino. The place is well worth visiting and going to see a film in the Odeon.
Perfect cinema experience (almost, as staff forgot to prepare one food order), beautiful place, clean and tidy. However as we came out of main entrance, 2 people were smoking right in front of entrance less than 2 meters away from door. Are there designated smoking areas for such public places?
Lots of restaurants inside, best value is the Greene King, Tavern if you need lots of drink. Otherwise the Chinese buffet is the good choice. The Japanese buffet is by the gate. Drinks are pricey though.
I had a great time going here when I went on a trip to Cardiff with my school! The cinema was very spacious and large, up until then I'd never seen such a giant screen! I throughly enjoyed bowling here and I was charmed by the decorations and the lights! Excellent place to visit if you're looking for a nice place to watch a movie or relax and bowl! I have no problems with this place besides the prices! The cinema and bowling alley charge quite high prices for food, drinks and other items from what I've seen! Other than that it was a very satisfactory visit!
I've becoming here since it first opened in 1997 and although there's been a lot of changes it's still a good place to come for a film, bowling or a simple bite to eat. There are a couple of empty units but still plenty of food options. 6 hours free parking, when you buy something in the centre, is certainly welcome and it's a short stroll to the Cardiff Bay basin. One moan is the state of the rear entrance, rubbish and weeds everywhere!
The Red Dragon Centre is located at The Red Dragon Centre, Hemingway Rd, Cardiff CF10 4JY, UK
You can contact The Red Dragon Centre at +44 29 2025 6261
You can find directions to The Red Dragon Centre by following this map link