GUEST COLUMN:
Simon Baston
CEO
Loft Co
Adapting to change is key for any sector, but in hospitality, it is essential. The way people choose to socialise, eat out and experience their cities is evolving, and the spaces we create must evolve with them.
The days when town and city centres relied on retail to drive footfall are long gone. Instead, successful regeneration is about experience, atmosphere and giving people a reason to return. That is the thinking behind our latest project at Cardiff’s Castle Quarter Arcade, where we are transforming a historic space into the city’s first large-scale food hall.
Retrofitting heritage buildings has always been at the heart of what we do. It is the most sustainable way to regenerate, making use of the energy already embedded in a building rather than starting from scratch. That approach also ensures that a space retains its character. With Castle Quarter, we are taking a listed building and shaping it for the future – keeping its high ceilings, natural light and original features while integrating modern infrastructure. It is about striking a balance, ensuring these spaces remain relevant without losing their identity.
In Cardiff, as in many city centres, hospitality is becoming the focal point of regeneration. People are seeking out independent businesses, locally sourced food, and venues that feel personal rather than corporate.
The next generation of city centre visitors expects something different. They want sustainability to be embedded in a venue, not as an afterthought but as part of its DNA. They look for places that offer an alternative to chain restaurants, where they can experience something unique. At Castle Quarter, every food trader will be independent, locally based and offer something distinct. That mix is essential because what people value now is choice – being able to enjoy a high-quality, affordable experience in a setting that feels welcoming.
The way people socialise has shifted too. Where once the late-night economy dominated, today’s hospitality landscape is shaped by earlier visits, shorter stays and a focus on food and atmosphere. The rise of food-led venues has transformed city centres, bringing people out from mid-afternoon rather than just for late-evening drinks. This shift is not just about preference but also about how people budget their leisure time. Spending patterns have changed – people might drink less, but they are more willing to pay for quality experiences, whether that is street food, coffee or dining with friends.
Hospitality is at the heart of what makes a city vibrant, and it is more important than ever to build spaces that encourage social interaction. Covid reinforced that for many people – there is a renewed appetite to get out, to connect, to be part of something. Venues that provide an environment where people want to spend time, rather than just money, are the ones that will succeed.
Cardiff has an opportunity to position itself as a city that champions independent hospitality, giving both visitors and residents reasons to return time and again. A thriving city centre is one that works for its community, that offers a balance of heritage and innovation, and that provides the right environment for businesses to flourish. By adapting, embracing change, and giving people experiences that match their expectations, we can ensure that Cardiff’s hospitality scene not only survives but thrives.
