Built between 1883 and 1888 in the days when Cardiff was the busiest coal port in the world, the Coal Exchange at its peak played host to as many as 10,000 businessmen a day. But as the coal trade waned, so too did the fortunes of this magnificent Grade II-listed building until in recent years it was just a shell of its former self, mostly abandoned and hosting only the occasional music event. Then along came property developers and hotelier Lawrence Kenwright, who with his Signature Living group has been the driver behind the rebirth of iconic buildings like 30 James Street in Liverpool, once the home of the White Star Shipping Line of Titanic fame. After a mammoth restoration project, the reborn Exchange opened in May 2017 at Cardiff Bay as a luxury hotel, wedding and event venue. R.P. Culley & Co is the restaurant and bar at the Exchange, named after the philanthropist who oversaw the catering here during its Victorian heyday, and it’s open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving the best local produce is served in iconic surroundings. You can also come for Afternoon Tea which is served in the Grand Hall, one of two fabulous event venues that are available for parties, meetings and weddings. All rooms and suites come with aircon and flat-screen TV as standard and many have city views.