Music and food in the Welsh capital
Some people love it, some people absolutely hate it, but whatever your opinion, there’s certainly no avoiding it. Christmas music is blasted into our ears and souls from as early as September these days. Maybe it is to be expected, but how do you feel when you’re eating in a restaurant from November onwards and Christmas music is playing?
Christmas music attempts to make us feel warm and fuzzy inside, so we gladly part with our hard-earned pennies on the high street. It may work on some, but others aren’t so convinced. When you want to take a break to escape the hustle and bustle of the Christmas rush with a relaxing meal and your pasta is accompanied by another rendition of Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, does it warm your cockles, or inspire rage?
I spoke to a selection of independent restaurants and cafes in Cardiff about establishing a festive atmosphere. Do they all play Christmas music to their diners, and why do they do it?
Thé Pot cafe play a modern array of Christmas music
Thé Pot Cafe in Cathays put considerable thought into their playlists. Accompanied by the Beach Boys, I went to talk to Natalie Eddins the owner, to talk about playlists and Christmas.
Elsewhere in Cardiff, Buffalo Bar, The Promised Land, 10 Feet Tall, The Meating Place, Pica Pica, Cafe Brava and Juno Lounge all play Christmas music to the punters.
However, some of the staff were begrudging of the choice of music. We as consumers listen to a great deal of Christmas music but many bar and restaurant staff are stuck with the same songs for a month or two before Christmas.
When asked if Christmas music is important to help people feel more festive, Juno Lounge simply said: “Unfortunately, yes.” The Meating Place was a little more explicit: “I think 50% of people would say Christmas music makes people want to punch other people in the head.” Cafe Brava agreed: “I think it puts people off. I think if you’re outside and hear live bands that’s really nice, but I’m not sure in retail when you’re hearing the same songs it is so good. It’s all very commercial.”
Four of the restaurants said they start their music on 1 December while others try to leave it as late as possible. Pica Pica said rowdy rugby fans often try to rip down decorations to wear as costumes, so they leave their tinsel and playlist until later.
Christmas music in restaurants makes some people feel blue
Milgi’s stay clear of the Christmas tunes, but they do have someone to work on their playlists – the boss’s dad. He creates a new one around every two months, and it goes on to serve the atmosphere of Milgi’s.
Milgi’s said: “The people, the decor, the integrated art, the sound of knives and forks on plates and of course the music all coexist to create something quite unique. Like our recipes we travel the world and create harmonious yet intriguing selections of music that not only inspire but act as the perfect backdrop to the marvels that visiting Milgi will bring.”
Fortunately Milgi’s post all their playlists on the internet for your listening pleasure, check them out here and here (some of them possibly rival mine). The focus appears to be on eclecticism with a mixture of World music, reggae, folk, funk and electro swing among other genres.
Another popular independent Cardiff eatery staying clear of Christmas music is New York Deli. Harriet Davies, the owner said: “Personally as an independent business owner I think whatever people want to play is fine.
“I don’t play Christmas music but only for the reason someone working here absolutely cannot stand it. It is fun to hear though and if I wanted to play it, I would.
“I play anything from classical to current. We are much more of a rock ‘n’ roll and a reggae shop though. I have Grateful Dead on at the moment. Other recent music has included, Dire Straits and Seasick Steve. Literally anything as long as it’s not rap crap, or verbally offensive.”
The Potted Pig (recently reviewed in the Guardian) and Chapter Arts Centre keep their Christmas tunes to a minimum. The Potted Pig said: “When we have regular diners that aren’t on a Christmas party [when the restaurant does play festive numbers], it’s not really with our ethos to be overly Christmassy.
“We update our regular playlist every three months or so and have a wide selection including Martha Wainwright, Adele, Air, and some folk music.”
Chapter Arts Centre do not have a specific music policy, but let their staff choose. This has apparently resulted in “a bit of Christmas music but really not much.”
This December, spare a thought for the staff who despise Christmas music yet have to listen to Jingle Bells on repeat for at least a month.
If you have strong feelings either way towards Christmas music with your food, you now know a few places to avoid and a few sanctuaries to discover this December.
For those of you who can’t get enough, pop on this playlist of the Top 10 Christmas songs (compiled by VH1) with your dinner tonight.
Food Glorious Foods 
I have a few friends in Bristol who work in restaurants and cafes and they dread working over Christmas. There employers have a Christmas CD which they have on repeat throughout the day. During a 9-5 shift they may hear the same songs 7 or 8 times. Although I don’t have to withstand such a constant tirade of Christmas tunes, I definitely sympathise with those that do.