Clwb Ifor Bach, colloquially known as "The Welsh Club", is a legendary nightclub and live music venue located in the heart of
Cardiff, Wales. Established in 1983, the venue was founded by the Welsh Language Society to provide a cultural hub for the city's Welsh-speaking community and has since evolved into one of the most influential fixtures in
Cardiff’s vibrant nightlife and music scene. Situated on Womanby Street, a historic and eclectic thoroughfare, Clwb Ifor Bach occupies a distinctive multi-level building that has become synonymous with alternative music, inclusivity, and grassroots creativity.
Over the decades, the venue has gained a reputation for nurturing local talent, championing independent and underground music genres, and providing a launchpad for emerging artists. Its focus on diversity and community has made it a home for alternative club nights, gigs, and cultural events catering to a wide array of tastes. Throughout its history, Clwb Ifor Bach has remained anchored to its original location, though it has seen significant internal renovations to improve facilities and accommodate growing audiences.
The venue has also weathered threats of closure, most notably during
Cardiff city planning changes and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, with widespread public support ensuring its continued operation. Clwb Ifor Bach's legacy endures not just as a music venue, but as a cultural institution that reflects the spirit of Welsh language, identity, and musical innovation. Its impact is further evidenced by the success of numerous acts that have graced its intimate stage, many of whom have gone on to attain national and international acclaim.
Notable artists who have performed at Clwb Ifor Bach include internationally renowned acts such as Oasis, Coldplay, The Killers, Super Furry Animals, Catfish and the Bottlemen,
Bloc Party, Slaves, and The Libertines. The venue has also been instrumental in the careers of local Welsh artists like Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, Cate Le Bon, Gwenno, Los Campesinos!, Future of the Left, Sŵnami, and
Boy Azooga, reflecting its continued importance as a breeding ground for musical talent across genres.