Exit 7 & Bar 93 Review (The Riff Report Style 🤘)
Before a single amp hums or a beer gets spilled inside the Utilita Arena Cardiff, there’s a sacred ritual that every gig-goer knows: pre-show pints. And for Cardiff rockheads, the pilgrimage usually begins (and sometimes ends) at Exit 7 or Bar 93 — the arena’s twin temples of tunes, lager, and loud chat.
We went in early — stomachs rumbling, wallets trembling, and ears already ringing from the queue banter — to give you the proper lowdown.
🍺 EXIT 7 – The Calm Before the Storm (ish…)
Right next to the main arena entrance, Exit 7 feels like a pre-gig holding pen for the beautiful chaos to come. It’s compact, loud, and smells faintly of anticipation (and chips).
Vibes:
- Think student union meets dive bar, with neon lighting and a crowd that’s already halfway to the encore.
- You’ll spot every kind of gig-goer — the denim-vest dads, the teens in fresh band tees, and the one bloke who’s been outside since 11AM just to get front row for Iron Maiden.
- It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t pretend to be. This is where you warm up your vocal cords for the night ahead.
Drink Prices:
- Standard arena pint price (around £6–£7 for lager, £7+ for cider or craft options). Painful? Aye. Unexpected? Not at all.
- Pro tip: grab the 2-pint plastic jugs if you’re with mates — saves you queueing twice when “Enter Sandman” starts up.
Food:
- Limited to bar snacks most nights, but occasionally you’ll get a pop-up pizza or burger setup outside.
- Tidy idea before a mosh pit? Maybe not. But it beats the arena hot dog. 🌭
Music:
- Always something decent blasting — rock, metal, or indie staples depending on who’s playing that night.
- DJs or playlist themes sometimes match the gig (heard some deep cuts before the Foo Fighters show — proper job).
Verdict:
👉 Great for pre-drinks, people-watching, and bumping into that mate you haven’t seen since Download 2019. Small space, big heart.
⭐ Riff Rating: 7/10 – “Sticky floors, solid tunes, and a proper buzz before doors open.”
🍹 BAR 93 – Arena’s Hidden Gem (and Slightly Classier Cousin)
Tucked inside the arena complex, Bar 93 is the more polished side of the same coin. You’ll find this beauty if you head up towards the arena’s upper levels or check your ticket for early-entry access.
Vibes:
- Sleek lighting, plush booths, and that feeling of “I’m inside already but not quite at the show yet.”
- You might even spot a few roadies or local musos grabbing a quiet drink before the madness begins.
Drinks & Service:
- Bar staff? Legends. Quick, friendly, and know how to pour a pint without 3 inches of foam (looking at you, stadiums).
- Expect your usual arena fare — Heineken, Amstel, Strongbow, and spirits. If you’re feeling fancy, Prosecco on tap is an option (we won’t judge). 🥂
Seating:
- More comfy than you’d expect. A few high tables, cushy seats, and a perfect perch to spy the pre-gig crowd building below.
- Great for those who like to avoid the rush or just want to actually hear their mate before the walls of Marshall stacks kick in.
Verdict:
👉 Ideal for couples or calmer pre-gig hangs. More “cheers to us” than “let’s get absolutely ruined.”
⭐ Riff Rating: 8/10 – “A lush hideout for a smoother pre-show pint. Bit pricier, but worth it.”
🎸 Final Thoughts: Where Should You Pre-Game?
| Venue | Crowd Energy | Price Range | Atmosphere | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exit 7 | 🔥🔥🔥 | 💷💷 | Loud, gritty, fun | Getting hyped before metal or punk gigs |
| Bar 93 | 🔥🔥 | 💷💷💷 | Chill, modern, sleek | Date nights or calmer pre-drinks |
| Arena Concourse | 🔥 | 💷💷💷💷 | Industrial chaos | Mid-gig top-ups or quick pit stops |
🏴 The Riff Report Verdict
Cardiff’s Utilita Arena might not be Glastonbury, but when you’re necking a pint in Exit 7, surrounded by band tees and the hum of anticipation, it’s got that same magic. Whether you’re pre-loading before Slipknot or sipping something sweet before The 1975, you’ll find your tribe here.
So next time you’re heading down to Mary Ann Street, skip the chain pubs and dive straight into Exit 7 or Bar 93 — the unofficial first act of every Cardiff gig night. 🎶🍻
Tidy spot. Proper job. 🤘
