A while back, I stumbled across The Wardrobe Coffee Shop completely by accident.

I remember thinking, "How did I not know this place existed?"

And then I started wondering how many other independent cafés, shops, barbers, restaurants and little hidden gems there must be around Cardiff that I've never heard of.

Because honestly, I think we're incredibly lucky in Cardiff. We have so many amazing independent businesses, and they're such a big part of what gives our streets and neighbourhoods their character.

I'm a software engineer living in Cardiff, and that little moment eventually led me to start building something called Helo.

It's a free, bilingual (English/Welsh) directory to help people discover Cardiff's independent businesses.

I'm starting small, street by street. So far I've been focusing mainly on barbers in Roath and Cathays, and cafes and restaurants are next.

I genuinely didn't realise how much work would go into getting the information right. I've been going through businesses individually, checking addresses and details, and even suggesting corrections to Google where I've found addresses that appear to be wrong.

But I've really enjoyed doing it. It's also made me discover places I never knew existed.

Over the last couple of days, I've had some really lovely conversations with people here on Reddit and on Instagram. Some have shared their frustrations about finding particular types of businesses, and others have been incredibly encouraging and even offered to help.

I can't tell you how much that means when you're building something from scratch ❤️

I also want to be completely transparent about a couple of things.

Helo is completely free. Both for people using it and for businesses being listed. And I intend to keep it that way.

I also separately help some local independent businesses with their websites and online presence. But Helo's listings are entirely independent of that work. Businesses don't need to be clients, there's no paid preferential placement, and I've deliberately chosen to display business listings alphabetically rather than rank them commercially.

I really want Helo to be something useful for Cardiff.

And that's partly why I'm posting here.

I'd absolutely love for the Cardiff community to get involved, whether that's suggesting independents I've missed, pointing out mistakes, sharing ideas or helping shape future collections. I'd be very happy to give credit to anyone who wants to contribute.

It's still very early days, and there's a lot left to do, but if you'd like to have a look:

https://www.helo.wales
https://www.instagram.com/helowales/

I'd genuinely love to hear your recommendations, feedback, suggestions...

Diolch! ❤️

I’m in my mid-20s, and lately I’ve been realising just how lonely life can get after graduating.

I used to know so many people through school and university, but over time, those connections have slowly disappeared. Everyone seems to have moved on, found their own circles, got into relationships or become busy with life.

I’ve always been a shy person, and looking back, I genuinely regret how many opportunities I missed to make friends, meet new people or even get to know a girl I liked. Sometimes I wish I’d just had the confidence to put myself out there more.

I work full-time now, and while life is going alright on paper, I can’t help feeling like something is missing.
Sometimes I just wish I had a few genuine friends to hang out with, go for food, play sports, have random conversations or just make memories with. Nothing extraordinary. Just people who actually want to spend time together.

It’s a strange feeling watching everyone else seemingly enjoy their 20s while you’re wondering where all your connections went.

I don’t want to look back in another five years and regret not putting myself out there again.

Does anyone else feel this way after graduating? And how do you actually make genuine friends in your 20s when everyone already seems to have their own circle?

The council has voted through a big package to clean up the city. It includes bringing back road sweepers, trialling a replacement for the absolute rubbish recycling sacks (pun? If so, intended), and maybe even having some skips and/or recycling in each ward for household waste (so you don't have to trek to the tip). If this works out, I'll be so pleased to see the back of those stupid sacks.

Here's an article about it all, sorry it's Wales on Line: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/every-ward-cardiff-recycling-centre-34818926

Hope this is okay to post. Mods, please remove it if not.

I'm sharing my mobile tycoon game that has been in the works for a few months called Valleys Rising. You can start in 1910 or any era after, build railways, bus routes, shipping and air links between Welsh towns and cities. Run coal, passengers or anything in between.

Along the way, history happens: the Great War, the Second World War, the miners' strikes and more.

It's free on Playstore (ios soon): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.valleysrising

Screenshots & More Info: https://valleysrising.com

Feedback is very welcome. Diolch :)

I suffer with migraines, and have found in the past that a super intense head and neck massage can sometimes break the cycle when a migraine won’t end. This would usually an extremely painful massage, often leaving me in tears, but would genuinely help kick the migraine. I used to get this done back home, but since I’ve moved to Cardiff I haven’t had any luck.

I’m getting very little help from the GP/NHS in general, and am quite desperate for some relief. Anyone have any recommendations for a deep tissue/sports massage therapist that could help?

Thank you!!!

Hi all, I will be visiting Cardiff from Friday for a week and are seeing what’s the best things to do is bar wise. I’m in my late 20’s so looking for some nice grown bars and things to do!

Any help is appreciated!

Hey ya,

Planning to trek near Merthyr tydfil. But, me and my fiancé are new to Cardiff. If anyone is interested in joining us tomorrow who have already trekked, it would be nice to have you with us.

Thanks ya.

This could be the last time I use it as my mothers next appointment is next year. All these cars will have to find a new place as I don't have any faith in the council listening to the citizen's of the city, the people they are suppose to be representing :(
They never do. Lost all trust in them.

Hey everyone, late at night I know so hope that isn’t off putting 😂 I work a set shift pattern which means I don’t always have days off on the weekend but have days off from work during the week (like today). Anyways I was looking to meet some new people, I live on the outskirts of Cardiff.

I like my reading; fantasy, classics, history, autobiographies (probably more)

Weight training and sometimes do runs.

Football - I watch Spurs and Wales and play.

Rugby - I watch the Ospreys and Wales.

Feel free to say hi or drop a message if you’re interested :)

Thought this may be helpful to share this blog post for any parents out there during half term looking for free things to do as life is so expensive right now - these are open all year round. Also, if you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear.

Hi everyone,

I'm making a documentary about the story of Wales, with Cardiff at the centre, exploring how coal and industry shaped the country, what happened when those industries declined, and how Cardiff (and Wales) has changed over time.

I’m looking to speak with local historians, former miners and dockworkers, anyone who lived through these changes, and people currently living in Cardiff who can share their experiences and views on how the city has changed, how local communities have been affected, and whether regeneration has benefited everyone.

It’ll be a really relaxed, people-focused documentary, nothing too formal, and there’ll be free food as a thank you!

If you, a family member, friend or anyone you know might be interested, please drop me a message or tag them below.

Would be great to hear from people with personal stories, memories or knowledge of Welsh history! Diolch! 🙏

Hi! not a uni student in cardiff but i’m visiting some friends there for halloween and they all have tickets for a club. Unfortunately i didn’t manage to get one on Fixr :( In my uni, there are usually reliable resale apps to get a seccond hand ticket on if you missed the drop on fixr, but as im not a student here im not sure which platform is the best/ most reliable to look for a ticket on. Help appreciated!!!!

Hi all,

I’m not sure if this is allowed, I cannot make it to the Cardiff Devils game tomorrow so I was looking to sell my ticket and see anyone can make use of it.

It’s in block 10. Message me if interested :)

We are looking to get married at insole court 2028 just 40 people in the registry office rooms. We then need somewhere for the reception with an additional 40 people. The ceremony is in the evening so no formal wedding breakfast required just relaxed evening food. Somewhere with a dance floor and DJ.
We have contacted Portland House, Norwegian Church, insole court for the evening part, Coppa Club. Anywhere else? I’m not keen on a rugby club. But all of those above places not including food are 3k upwards!

Willing to travel a bit further if anyone has suggestions pls? Thanks

Hello, I’m thinking of spending Christmas alone this year as my daughter is with her dad (3 hours away). It’ll be my first Christmas without her and I feel like spending Christmas around my family without her there will just make me miss her even more.

I also don’t get on with a couple extended family members as they hold some extreme bigoted views so just think I would rather stay clear of that. I was thinking of volunteering but I’ve seen that there are normally more than enough volunteers helping on Christmas Day (and organisations prioritise pre-trained/existing volunteers which makes sense).

So I’m not sure what to do. I’m quite an extroverted and sociable person so don’t want to be completely alone. I could afford to travel for a night or two maybe. Is there anything in Cardiff or any other nearby cities which seem like a fun way to spend the day?

Talks about the datacentre proposal for the Pentwyn Park and Ride

Any tickets going for the beat tonight? Im in spoons with a Russian dude who reckons he can get us free tickets but hes lost the guys and it doesnt look very likely -buttholegerbil

looking for badminton or tennis communities in cardiff ( preferably open to all skill levels ) wanna make friends and have fun