Park Side Bakery & Deli Opens Lakeside Cardiff 2026

Key Points

• Park Side Bakery & Deli has opened in Lakeside, Cardiff, at the Amber Vista development, next to Park Side Kitchen.
• The venue is part of the Fire & Wine Group portfolio, which includes Park Side Kitchen, Ballers Pizza, Bodega in Cardiff, and The Priory Hotel & Restaurant in Caerleon.
• It follows the closure of Ballers Pizza in the adjoining unit, with the brand shifting to pop-ups and event-led appearances.
• The bakery produces fresh breads, pastries, and cakes on-site for both Lakeside and the original Park Side in Heath.
• Offerings include deli counter items like sandwiches, hot paninis, grab-and-go bites, and pantry-style deli products.
• Chef Grady Atkins has been promoted to Group Executive Chef, overseeing menu development across the group after joining The Priory in September 2025 with over 30 years of experience.
• Sophie Martinez, co-founder of Park Side and co-owner of Fire & Wine Group, commented on the positive response and future plans.

Lakeside (Cardiff Daily) April 9, 2026 –Independent neighbourhood favourite Park Side has officially opened its new Bakery & Deli in Lakeside, marking expansion for the Fire & Wine Group.

What is Park Side Bakery & Deli Offering?

Located next to Park Side Kitchen at the Amber Vista development, the new site expands beyond brunch, coffee, and all-day dining to include in-house baking, fresh takeaway food, and grab-and-go options.

As reported by Hospitality & Catering News, the venue between Park Side Kitchen and Bodega restaurant produces fresh breads, pastries, and cakes on site for Lakeside and Park Side’s original Heath location.

The deli broadens takeaway offerings with savoury options such as sandwiches, hot paninis, wholesome grab-and-go bites, and curated pantry-style items.

Why Did Ballers Pizza Close in the Area?

The launch follows Fire & Wine Group’s decision to close Ballers Pizza in the adjoining unit after a short closure earlier in 2026.

According to WalesOnline, Ballers Pizza at Lakeside will not reopen, but the brand continues through pop-ups and events suited to its playful, high-energy spirit.

Nation.Cymru reported that the move responds to growing demand from locals for grab-and-go options, with Ballers shifting away from a fixed restaurant.

Sophie Martinez, co-founder of Park Side, stated to Nation.Cymru:

“Though the brand will certainly live on, we are still sad to say goodbye to Ballers in Lakeside and want to say a big thank you to our loyal customers who’ve visited over the last couple of years. We hope they’ll be just as excited to tuck into a slice of freshly baked focaccia as they were a slice of our sourdough pizza.”

Who is the New Group Executive Chef?

The opening coincides with chef Grady Atkins’ promotion to Group Executive Chef, overseeing menu development across Fire & Wine Group.

Atkins joined The Priory in Caerleon as head chef in September 2025, bringing more than 30 years of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, luxury hotels, and independent restaurants.

Nation.Cymru noted in October 2025 that Atkins officially started on 1 September 2025 at the historic Grade II-listed Priory, part of Fire & Wine Group run by Benito Martinez and Sophie Martinez.

What Do Group Leaders Say About the Expansion?

Sophie Martinez, co-founder of Park Side and co-owner of Fire & Wine Group, said to Hospitality & Catering News:

“Park Side has had such a lovely response in Lakeside and opening the Bakery & Deli has been a brilliant next step. We’re excited to lean into developing new products in the bakery with the seasons.”

She continued:

“With Grady now overseeing menu development across Fire & Wine Group, it gives us an opportunity to keep raising the bar across every site, while making sure each brand still has its own distinct feel. We’ll be adding to our dine-in menu soon, with Chef Grady overseeing those changes, and there are some pop-ups and supper clubs in the works, too.”

Earlier, Sophie Martinez told Business News Wales:

“Since launching at Lakeside almost two years ago, Park Side has quickly become a local favourite for all-day dining, coffee and brunch. We’re so excited to be building on that by opening our own bakery next-door; it means we’ll be able to expand our product range whilst delivering both a relaxed, high-quality dine-in experience, and a seamless grab-and-go option at the same time.”

When Was the Announcement Made and What Preparations Followed?

Plans for the expansion were announced in early February 2026, as covered by Nation.Cymru on 4 February 2026, in response to demand for more grab-and-go options.

Business News Wales reported on 3 February 2026 that after refurbishment and development, including a full interior refresh, the bakery would sit seamlessly alongside Park Side Kitchen.

The official opening occurred recently, as confirmed by Hospitality & Catering News on 7 April 2026.

Park Side Kitchen launched at Lakeside almost two years ago, building on its original Heath site.

Where Does Park Side Bakery & Deli Fit in the Fire & Wine Group?

Fire & Wine Group, family-run and operating in South Wales, includes Park Side Kitchen, Ballers Pizza, Bodega in Cardiff, and The Priory Hotel & Restaurant in Caerleon.

The Priory underwent refurbishment in late 2024 and early 2025, blending heritage with modern design focused on fire cooking and fine wine.

Both Park Side and Ballers are owned by the group, enabling the strategic shift to bakery in Lakeside.

Instagram updates from It’s On Cardiff and Grady Atkins confirm the developments, with Atkins listing himself as Executive Chef of Fire & Wine Group.

Background of the Development

Park Side Kitchen first established itself as a neighbourhood favourite in Heath before expanding to Lakeside at Amber Vista almost two years ago.

The Fire & Wine Group, led by Benito Martinez and Sophie Martinez, grew its portfolio with Bodega, Ballers Pizza, and The Priory acquisition.

Ballers Pizza operated briefly in Lakeside before closing early 2026, paving the way for the bakery after assessing brand fit.

Grady Atkins’ appointment at The Priory in September 2025 followed its refurbishment, setting the stage for group-wide culinary oversight.

The bakery opening builds on customer feedback for more convenient, fresh options in the Cardiff suburb.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Local Residents and Food Enthusiasts

This development provides Lakeside residents with expanded access to in-house baked goods and deli items, increasing daily convenience for grab-and-go meals.

Local food enthusiasts gain from seasonal bakery products and potential dine-in menu additions, alongside pop-ups and supper clubs.

The promotion of Grady Atkins standardises menu quality across Fire & Wine Group sites, benefiting frequent visitors to Park Side, Bodega, and The Priory.

Shift from Ballers Pizza reduces fixed pizza dining options in Lakeside but introduces bakery alternatives and maintains Ballers via events.

Customers at the original Heath Park Side location receive consistent fresh supplies from the new baking facility.

Overall, it enhances choice for brunch and takeaway seekers in Cardiff suburbs without altering core group operations elsewhere.