Alternative, modern and effortlessly cool, Buffalo has set a new trend for Cardiff bars that, try as they might, chain bars just can't imitate.

The Venue
Fancy going to a bar that impresses you rather than going to a bar to impress? Then get yourself to this little converted townhouse. Packed with a mish mash of retro frills such as 1960s lampshades, chandeliers and comfy sofas Buffalo is not, repeat not, an identi-kit bar. After one visit it's likely you'll wonder what the hell you did for a night out in Cardiff before you found this place.

Outside there's a sheltered patio for summer barbecues or, if we're being realistic, a bolthole for smokers. Even here there's been some thought put in and you're sheltered from the elements by a large sail-like white canopy.

Upstairs hosts non-mainstream, eclectic theme nights throughout the week including live events and DJs. Loads more design detail has been packed in with black couches, royal blue walls, tall plants and wallpaper depicting galloping horses with flying manes. London fashion people would call it bijou.

The People
It's a creative place with art exhibitions and the invitation to host your own nights so most people who hang out here are in the creative industries, or at least they want to be. During the evening there's an alternative, chilled-out crowd which varies according to the music night.

The Food and Drink
As you'd expect the menu here isn't run-of-the-mill so paninis and nachos are off. Instead treat yourself to a proper Victorian afternoon tea with scones, clotted cream and jam for £3.50. Or there's falafel salad and squash, butterbean and feta burgers for main meals. Prices are around £7 and given the quality the prices are competitive.

Cocktails, cocktails, cocktails. Yep, you'll find all the old familiars here like Tom Collins, Daiquiris and Black Russians as well as some exciting new ones like Bakewell Tart and Berry Beach Iced Tea and they're all priced £5.50.

On tap there's Franziskaner, Leffe, Hoegarden, Becks, Staropromane and Stella and then there’s Baltika, Lapin Kultur, Peroni, Bombadier, Asahi, Tsing Tao and Westons in bottles.

The Last Word
Buffalo offers some charming cool to Cardiff’s bar life with an indefinable something that's common to all great venues. If only you could bottle it.