Thomas, The Brasserie is the newly relaunched Pontcanna restaurant from award-winning Pembrokeshire chef Tom Simmons. Previously known as Thomas by Tom Simmons, the AA Welsh Restaurant of the Year 2024-2025 has undergone a complete transformation with new pink interiors, a brasserie-style menu, and a more accessible pricing structure. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner at 3-5 Pontcanna Street, Cardiff CF11 9HQ. Signature dishes include beef Wellington, Tom’s fried chicken, and mushroom croquettes. A new chef’s table experience called Lofft launches upstairs on 14th February 2026.
Quick Facts
- Restaurant Name: Thomas, The Brasserie
- Chef: Tom Simmons
- Location: 3-5 Pontcanna Street, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HQ
- Cuisine: French-inspired brasserie with Welsh produce
- Price Range: Mid-range, more accessible than previous fine dining format
- Opening Hours: Seven days a week, lunch and dinner
- Bookings: thomas-pontcanna.co.uk | 029 2116 7800 | info@thomas-pontcanna.co.uk
- Awards: AA Welsh Restaurant of the Year 2024-2025, Michelin Guide recommended, 3 AA Rosettes
Refurbished and Re-imagined
One of Cardiff’s most celebrated restaurants has reopened its doors with a fresh identity, a complete refurbishment, and a new menu that’s already turning heads.
Thomas by Tom Simmons, the Pontcanna favourite that earned the title of AA Welsh Restaurant of the Year 2024-2025, has been transformed into Thomas, The Brasserie. Pembrokeshire-born chef Tom Simmons has reimagined his much-loved restaurant with a vision centred on accessibility, generosity, and exceptional food without the formality.
A Bold New Look
The transformation goes far beyond the menu. The restaurant has undergone a complete interior refurbishment, with the former green colour scheme making way for striking pink tones that create a warm, contemporary atmosphere. It’s a bold statement that reflects the restaurant’s new direction: relaxed, vibrant, and welcoming.
We Tried It: Our First Visit
We were lucky enough to experience the new brasserie shortly after opening, and it didn’t disappoint.
The evening started with a selection of nibbles that set the tone perfectly: plump olives, freshly baked sourdough from Ground Bakery (Tom’s own venture) served with gloriously rich smoked butter, Tom’s fried chicken that was crispy, succulent and utterly moreish, and mushroom croquettes that can only be described as little balls of delight.
For mains, the beef Wellington proved to be the star of the show. Perfectly cooked, encased in golden pastry, and accompanied by a silky smooth mash and a rich red wine jus that tied everything together beautifully. It’s exactly the kind of honest, expertly executed cooking that Tom Simmons has built his reputation on.
We couldn’t resist sharing a few sides: tender, glazed carrots, creamed spinach, and a wonderfully indulgent mac and cheese that had the table fighting over the last spoonful.
To finish, we shared a classic crème brûlée with its satisfying crack of caramelised sugar, a sticky toffee pudding that was everything it should be, and a selection of cheeses from the trolley that offered the perfect savoury ending.
The Brasserie Vision
Tom Simmons has been clear about his intentions with this new chapter. The Brasserie is about making great food more accessible without compromising on quality. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, the menu blends classic brasserie favourites with seasonal creativity, all championing premium Welsh produce.
Coming Soon: Lofft
For those seeking a more intimate experience, Tom is also launching Lofft on 14th February. This upstairs chef’s table dining experience will allow guests to watch and taste dishes being crafted first-hand, led by General Manager Adam Day and Executive Chef Tom Peters, whose CV includes stints at Oslo’s Maaemo and London’s Roux at Parliament Square.
Visit Thomas, The Brasserie
Thomas, The Brasserie is located at 3-5 Pontcanna Street, Cardiff CF11 9HQ. Bookings can be made via the website at thomas-pontcanna.co.uk, by email at info@thomas-pontcanna.co.uk, or by calling 029 2116 7800.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply fancy exceptional food on a weekday evening, the new Thomas is well worth a visit. The beef Wellington alone is reason enough.
Latest Article: New Italian Restaurant opened in Cardiff!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thomas, The Brasserie? Thomas, The Brasserie is the reinvention of Thomas by Tom Simmons, a celebrated Pontcanna restaurant in Cardiff. Chef Tom Simmons has transformed the fine dining establishment into a more relaxed, accessible brasserie concept while maintaining the high-quality cooking standards the restaurant is known for.
Who is Tom Simmons? Tom Simmons is an award-winning chef originally from Pembrokeshire, Wales. He previously ran the acclaimed Tom Simmons restaurant at Tower Bridge in London before returning to Wales to open Thomas in Pontcanna. His cooking style is influenced by British and French cuisine, with a strong emphasis on Welsh produce and seasonal ingredients.
Where is Thomas, The Brasserie located? Thomas, The Brasserie is located at 3-5 Pontcanna Street in the Pontcanna neighbourhood of Cardiff, CF11 9HQ. Pontcanna is a leafy suburb just west of Cardiff city centre, known for its independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.
When did Thomas, The Brasserie open? Thomas, The Brasserie officially opened on 12th January 2026 following an extensive refurbishment of the former Thomas by Tom Simmons restaurant.
What type of food does Thomas, The Brasserie serve? The restaurant serves French-inspired brasserie cuisine using premium Welsh produce. The menu features classic dishes such as beef Wellington, moules marinière, mushroom parfait, and short rib suet pudding, alongside daily specials including fish and chips on Fridays and traditional Sunday roasts.
How much does it cost to eat at Thomas, The Brasserie? Thomas, The Brasserie offers more accessible pricing than the previous fine dining format. While specific prices vary, the brasserie concept is designed to allow diners to enjoy exceptional food without the high prices typically associated with award-winning restaurants.
Do I need to book a table at Thomas, The Brasserie? Booking is recommended, especially for weekend dining. Reservations can be made through the website at thomas-pontcanna.co.uk, by calling 029 2116 7800, or by emailing info@thomas-pontcanna.co.uk.
What is Lofft at Thomas, The Brasserie? Lofft is an intimate chef’s table dining experience located upstairs at Thomas, The Brasserie. Launching on 14th February 2026, Lofft allows guests to watch dishes being prepared and taste them first-hand. It is led by General Manager Adam Day and Executive Chef Tom Peters, who previously worked at Maaemo in Oslo and Roux at Parliament Square in London.
Is Thomas, The Brasserie suitable for special occasions? Yes, Thomas, The Brasserie caters for celebrations, business lunches, and intimate dinners. The combination of high-quality food, attentive service, and stylish surroundings makes it ideal for special occasions, though the relaxed brasserie atmosphere also welcomes casual midweek diners.
Does Thomas, The Brasserie have parking? The restaurant is located in a residential area of Pontcanna. Street parking is available nearby, and the restaurant is easily accessible by taxi or public transport from Cardiff city centre.
Is Thomas, The Brasserie listed in the Michelin Guide? Yes, Thomas is recommended in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland. The restaurant also holds 3 AA Rosettes and was named AA Welsh Restaurant of the Year for 2024-2025.
About Pontcanna: Cardiff’s Foodie Neighbourhood
Pontcanna has established itself as one of Cardiff’s most desirable dining destinations. This leafy suburb, located just a short walk from the city centre, is home to a thriving independent food and drink scene. Cathedral Road and Pontcanna Street form the heart of the neighbourhood, with a mix of casual cafes, destination restaurants, and neighbourhood bistros.
Thomas, The Brasserie sits at the centre of this culinary quarter, alongside other notable establishments. The area’s tree-lined streets, Victorian architecture, and village atmosphere make it a popular choice for Cardiff residents seeking quality dining experiences away from the busier city centre.
For visitors to Cardiff, Pontcanna offers an authentic taste of local life and is well worth exploring beyond the restaurant itself. Nearby Sophia Gardens and Bute Park provide pleasant walking routes, while Llandaff Cathedral is a short distance away for those interested in Cardiff’s history.
Planning Your Visit to Thomas, The Brasserie
Address: 3-5 Pontcanna Street, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HQ
Opening Hours: Seven days a week for lunch and dinner
Reservations: Booking recommended
- Website: thomas-pontcanna.co.uk
- Phone: 029 2116 7800
- Email: info@thomas-pontcanna.co.uk
Getting There:
- By car: Street parking available in Pontcanna, approximately 10 minutes from Cardiff city centre
- By taxi: Short journey from Cardiff Central station or city centre
- By foot: Pleasant 20-minute walk from Cardiff city centre via Cathedral Road
What to Expect:
- Smart casual dress code
- Relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
- Seasonal menu with daily specials
- Extensive wine list
- Cheese trolley service
