I turned 32 a couple of days ago and to celebrate the momentous occasion, I went out into Cardiff with some friends. The plan was the same as it has been for the past couple of birthdays; pizza and wine at Franco Manca followed by cocktails and retro video games at NQ64. It’s a classic combo and one that has delivered a lot of joy in the past

After leaving Franco Manca, we fancied a little something something before heading down to NQ64. Totally fine. We had time and we were still on course to complete the original plan.

We popped in to a really cool little bar called Vermut - it’s an Andalusian vermouth bar. (I’m not sure where he gets his stats from but according to the bartender, vermouth is “making a comeback”). For real though, it’s delish.

We ordered a round of vermouths, sipped on them for half an hour or so and then got the bill, ready to head to NQ64. But as I was paying and my friends were getting their coats on ready to leave, I had a realisation. I would rather get another vermouth and sit around chatting, than head to an arcade bar. It makes me shudder to think who I’ve become.

So that’s what we did. Much to the confusion of the bartender who’d just given us our bill, I went back to the bar to order another round. And it was fun and enjoyable and worth it and I have no regrets!

NQ64 will always have a special place in my heart (I mean we did pop in for about 20 mins whilst waiting for our train), but maybe now I’ve just reached that level of maturity where I put down the video games and pick up a vermouth*

*As I write this Super Mario Wonder is playing in the background on the TV, ready for me to pick up the controller as soon as I write my final word, so I’m not too worried.