Fresh Blog

From walks through Bute Park to exploring Cardiff’s wellness facilities, the city has plenty of ways to keep your body and mind in good shape this season.
 

Get outdoors

Cardiff is full of green spaces that make staying active easy and enjoyable, even when it’s cold. Bute Park is just a 17-minute walk from our Verse development, so wrap up warm for a riverside stroll or a quick morning jog. Other options include Gorsedd Gardens and Alexandra Gardens, which are perfect for short, peaceful walks followed by a warming hot chocolate. If you’re feeling adventurous at the weekend, the Taff Trail offers miles of cycling and running paths stretching all the way to Brecon.
 

Fresh air and daylight do wonders for your mood and energy, so make it part of your routine. Even 20 minutes outside on your lunch break can help shake off that winter sluggishness.
 

Explore Cardiff’s wellness facilities

If exercising outdoors isn’t your thing, then Cardiff has a range of indoor fitness and wellbeing options. Cardiff International Pool and Gym is home to an impressive Olympic-sized pool, plus a gym and sauna, while Hot Pod Yoga on Ocean Way offers space to unwind, stretch and recharge.  
 

At Verse, you can benefit from an on-site gym, making it easier than ever to stay active throughout winter, and at Fitz & Knox, enjoy luxurious on-site wellbeing facilities, including a yoga studio and sauna.
 

Eat a balanced diet

Cold weather calls for comfort food, but that doesn’t mean you need to give up on nutrition entirely. Batch cooking can also make healthy eating easier; make big pots of chilli, soups or pasta sauces that you can portion out and freeze for later.
 

Cardiff’s food scene has plenty of spots serving healthy, hearty dishes. Nourish serves up delicious breakfasts, salads and smoothies made to order, while Crumbs Kitchen is a favourite for a veggie-friendly, nourishing lunch.
 

Look after your mental health

Shorter days can affect your mood, so it’s important to stay social and connected to keep your spirits high. At the Chapter Arts Centre, there are plenty of creative events and social groups to help keep your spirits up, from film evenings to craft nights.
 

At Fresh, your home is part of a community. Every resident gets a complimentary membership to our Belong Residents Club, which offers social events, wellbeing workshops, mindfulness sessions and support networks built into your living space. Whether you’re grabbing coffee with a neighbour, attending a group class or simply relaxing in a communal lounge, Belong is designed to reduce isolation, build connections and help you feel cared for wherever you are.
 

Stay well, stay connected

Cardiff’s mix of green spaces, wellbeing facilities and communities available at makes it the perfect place to prioritise wellness this winter. With a little planning and a few healthy habits, you’ll be ready to make the most of the season.
 

If you’re looking for a home that helps you live well year-round, explore Fresh’s Cardiff apartments, which are designed to make wellness, balance and community part of everyday life.

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For foodies in Cardiff, Christmas is always one of the year’s highlights. The Welsh capital transforms into a winter wonderland full of festive treats come December. Stay tuned for the best of Cardiff’s winter warmers, from our favourite hot chocolate and mulled wine spots to the best Sunday roast in the city.

Picture it: you’ve just polished off your Nutella-covered crêpes and wiped away your squirty cream moustache after a killer Baileys hot chocolate. Now? It’s time to find a warm pub where you can buckle down the hatches and enjoy a delicious cut of beef, with roasties and a Yorkshire pudding.

Drum roll, please…announcing the awards for:

The best hot chocolate – Mrs Potts Chocolate House

Located on St Mary Street, Mrs Potts Chocolate House is just a seven-minute walk from the Verse apartments, serving up indulgence in every cup. Using only real flaked chocolate, its menu of hot chocolate specials includes the French Toast hot chocolate with spiced vanilla maple syrup, the Bonfire hot chocolate topped with pretzel sticks and a toasted marshmallow, and the Hot Honey number finished with a sugar rim. Pure chocolate heaven.
 

Honourable mentions go to:

• Choco Melt station
• Knoops
• Hotel Chocolat
• The Urban Chocolatier Cardiff Bay

Cardiff’s best roast dinner – The Pasture Restaurant

Enjoy crispy roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding alongside your choice of chateaubriand, tomahawk, sirloin, or fillet steak. Not a beef fan? Opt for the slow-cooked lamb shoulder or a classic fire-roasted chicken. While The Pasture is a meat lover’s dream, vegetarian alternatives are also available and the full à la carte menu is well worth exploring.

When the weather turns grey and drizzly, nothing brings warmth back into your life like a glistening Yorkshire pudding covered in beef dripping and gravy. Cardiff has so many incredible Sunday roast spots that choosing just one feels unfair, but if we had to, The Pasture takes the crown. The Pasture is just nine minutes from the Verse apartments on foot and serves Sunday lunch every week from 12–5 pm.

Honourable mentions go to:

• The Welsh House
• Silures
• Gaucho
• Pen and Wig

The best mulled wine – Tricycle Bar

Once December hits, the hunt for the best mulled wine begins anew. Most of Cardiff’s pubs, markets and bars offer their own take on this heart-warming Christmas staple.  However, for us, Tricycle Bar claims the top spot. You’ll find this charming pop-up all over Cardiff during the festive season (especially at the Christmas markets), serving up rich, aromatic mulled wine that keeps visitors coming back.

You can even book it for private events and gatherings. We can’t give you a permanent address, but follow Tricycle Bar on Instagram to find out where it'll pop up around town this December.

Honourable mentions go to:
• Celtic Country Wines (Cardiff Christmas Market)
• Sur La Piste Alpine Bar (Cardiff Winter Wonderland)

Cardiff Christmas markets and events

Cardiff Christmas Market

From the luxury handmade marshmallow flowers at Fleur de Bloom to Welsh honey and Celtic whisky stalls, the Cardiff Christmas Market is a foodie’s delight. Start with mulled drinks from Severn Cider or Celtic Country Wines before diving into a bubbling hot cheese pot at Snowdonia Cheese. Luckily, this market runs through most of December, so you can make several trips to sample all the fantastic flavours.

Festive Welsh Cake making – The Cardiff Townhouse

Join Rogue Welsh Cakes at The Cardiff Townhouse for a Festive Welsh Cake Making workshop. All you need to bring is an apron, your favourite chocolate bar and around 100g of your chosen dry ingredients. You’ll leave with 12–15 of your own festive-flavoured Welsh cakes and a newfound appreciation for the art of Welsh baking.

Cardiff Christmas Festival – Sophia Gardens

The Christmas holidays aren’t complete without a hot dog and a generous side of nachos. Outside the Spiegel Theatre in Sophia Gardens, the Cardiff Christmas Festival offers a cosy festive village with all the guilty pleasures you crave. Why not head down before a theatre show to grab a spiced cider or a Baileys hot chocolate? There are plenty of outdoor picnic tables and chairs, so whether it’s date night or you’re meeting friends, you’ll find a spot you can settle into.

Explore Cardiff’s food scene from our Verse apartments

Where you live should make everyday adventures easy. Located in the heart of Cardiff city centre, our Verse apartments are just a short walk from the city’s best eateries and festive hotspots. Discover the Verse amenities or book a viewing of one of our fully furnished apartments today.

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When you’re balancing long shifts, unpredictable hours and caring for others, it doesn’t leave much room for anything else. Finding a home that fits around your lifestyle can make all the difference, which is why co-living in Cardiff could be just right for you.
 

This modern way of living combines move-in-ready private spaces with dedicated communal areas designed for connection, convenience and wellbeing. For NHS staff, medical students or anyone working in healthcare, co-living offers flexible, stress-free living that supports both work and downtime.

What is co-living?

Co-living is a contemporary model that blends independence with community. You’ll have your own private studio with everything you need for comfort and peace, alongside a range of luxurious shared amenities, including a cinema room, games room and a wellbeing and fitness studio. It’s a way of living that offers the perfect balance.
 

At Fitz and Knox, flexibility is built in too. Choose from 6, 12 or 18-month tenancies to suit your lifestyle. Whether you’re on a short-term placement, completing further training, or settling in for the long term, co-living adapts to you.

Convenient living

In a demanding job, every minute matters. Fitz and Knox is ideally placed for quick access to major hospitals and central transport links, keeping your commute simple and stress-free. Cardiff Royal Infirmary is just a nine-minute walk away, while the University Hospital of Wales can be reached in under 20 minutes by bike. For everyday essentials after a busy shift, you can find both a Sainsbury’s and a Tesco Express less than five minutes from your door.
 

When you’re off duty, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy everything Cardiff has to offer, from riverside walks and independent cafés to the city’s bustling cultural scene just a short stroll away.

Community and connection

Working in healthcare can be rewarding, but also lonely, which is why community is so important for building support systems and reducing professional isolation. Community is at the heart of co-living, working to bring together like-minded people in a supportive, sociable environment. Shared lounges, communal kitchens and a yoga studio provide natural opportunities to meet others, unwind and form friendships beyond the workplace. You can choose when to join in and when to retreat  – the balance is yours.

A space that cares back

Where you live should help you relax and unwind from the minute you set foot inside. Fitz and Knox has been thoughtfully designed with wellbeing at its core, from cosy private spaces to unwind, to on-site fitness facilities where you can clear your head after a long day.

A range of amenities makes it easy to connect with others, and peaceful breakout areas offer space to rest and recharge when you need quiet. Whether it’s grabbing a discounted morning coffee with a neighbour before an early shift or ending the day with a chat in the communal lounge, co-living provides much-needed balance to busy lives.

A smarter way to live and work in Cardiff

Co-living offers a lifestyle designed with safety, health and community  at its heart. For healthcare professionals in Cardiff, it’s the perfect balance of independence, convenience and connection.
 

With everything you need under one roof and Cardiff’s key hospitals just minutes away, it’s a space designed to help you thrive, both on and off shift. Contact us to discover more about co-living at Fitz and Knox and make your next move one that truly fits.

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New partnership with Urban Centric builds on Fresh’s existing co-living offer
 

We are pleased to announce we have been appointed by Urban Centric to mobilise and market Fitz & Knox, a new co-living development in Cardiff city centre that will deliver homes for the next generation of people looking for rental properties in the city.
 

The property, which is the first co-living scheme in Wales, is a conversion of a previous office block known as Knox Court, and represents a bold reimagining of urban living in the Welsh capital. The property reflects the growing nationwide demand for flexible, community-focused city living, and is part of a wider trend towards lifestyle-led rental options in key UK cities.
 

Located within close proximity to Queen Street Station in Cardiff city centre, Fitz & Knox will offer 208 studio apartments. The property will also include an exciting suite of amenities for residents, as an extension of their private living spaces designed to encourage community living. Specifically, amenities will include a cinema, games room, quiet working spaces, kitchen and dining areas, as well as a well-being and fitness studio spaces.
 

This latest appointment for Fresh follows its successful launch of the first co-living scheme outside of London.
 

Commenting on the appointment, Sam Scott, Managing Director at Fresh, said:
 

“We are delighted to have been appointed by Urban Centric to mobilise and manage Fitz & Knox, the first co-living development in Wales. Fresh has been at the forefront of the growing trend in community-focused city living and it’s with great excitement that we bring our learnings from the successful launch of the first co-living scheme outside London.
 

“Fitz & Knox is a great example of the type of vibrant schemes we’ operate. It will provide fun and entertaining spaces for residents with safe, healthy, community-based living placed at the heart of property”
 

Jennie Samuels, Property Director at Urban Centric, said:
 

“Fitz & Knox represents a new chapter in urban living for Cardiff, and we’re proud to be delivering Wales’s first co-living development. Partnering with Fresh was a natural choice — their experience and passion for community-led living align perfectly with our vision for the scheme. We believe Fitz & Knox will set a new benchmark for renting in the city, offering residents flexibility, connection, and a lifestyle-first approach to living."
 

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Searching for the ideal start

After visiting a few other options locally, including second-hand properties managed by private landlords, James and Tanayia came across The Gorge – a newly-built community of rented studio apartments operated by Fresh, during an online search. The couple quickly realised that the modern development, just a 12-minute walk from Exeter’s city centre, offered them the perfect balance of location, stability and value for money.
 

The couple pay £1,100 for their fourth-floor studio apartment and paid a deposit equal to four weeks’ rent. The apartment came fully furnished; the kitchen features a combi-oven, fridge freezer and hob as well as a Smart TV and storage space. The monthly rent includes electric and water bills as well as Wi-Fi.

James comments: “The inclusion of bills and our central location are both important to us and the price we pay is more than fair for the added-value extras we receive. We both work locally, I work at Ikea whilst Tanayia works as an administrator, this was the perfect middle ground for our first home together, we’re so impressed with what’s on offer. It was great that our studio was completely ready to move into, making the process so much easier and stress-free. We brought some additional pieces to add our own personality and make the apartment really feel like home.”

A hub for community

Alongside the studio apartment, The Gorge also offers outstanding amenities including a well-equipped gym with classes available, a large communal lounge including a games area, a cinema room, TV snug and social kitchen. James and Tanayia also receive complimentary membership of the Belong Residents’ Club which includes a regular programme of events. The club promotes a welcoming atmosphere giving residents opportunities to get to know their neighbours and make friends. Residents also get exclusive discounts and special offers for local shops, bars and restaurants.
 

James comments: “With all these amenities we have all the space we need, and the community feel here is really nice, we’re looking forward to meeting more of our neighbours. Also, our experience with the Residents’ Team at The Gorge has been great. The team is so helpful and have been from our first enquiry. They’re all super friendly and it’s nice to have a chat with them, they also can store parcels and just generally add an extra level of security and reassurance. We’re really happy here, we have no immediate plans to go anywhere. The dream is to own our own place one day but for our first home together, The Gorge is perfect.”

To find out more, visit our website: https://www.thisisfresh.com/exeter/the-gorge/. Or book a viewing with us at: https://www.thisisfresh.com/exeter/the-gorge/scheduletour

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At Verse, we're proud to introduce our exclusive Skyview Apartments – the best of Cardiff city living. Positioned on the highest floors of our prestigious property, our Skyview Apartments offer a breathtaking backdrop for your everyday adventures.

Breathtaking Views

One of the most remarkable features of Skyview Apartments is undoubtedly the breathtaking views they offer. Wake up to panoramic vistas of the Cardiff skyline, with iconic landmarks and bustling streets stretching out before you. Whether you're savouring your morning coffee or unwinding after a long day, you’ll enjoy the mesmerising views from your Skyview apartment.

Unrivalled Luxury and Comfort

At Verse our Skyview Apartments have been meticulously designed, offering modern amenities and elegant finishes that cater to your every need. With only five apartments per floor, Skyview Apartments at Verse offers an intimate and peaceful living environment where you can enjoy tranquillity amidst the city hustle.

From spacious living areas to sleek kitchens and luxurious bathrooms, every detail is curated to provide you with the ultimate comfort and convenience.

Whether you’re looking for a studio, One- or Two-Bedroom apartment, our Skyview Apartments are for you.

Book your Skyview apartment now!

Start your next adventure and book a Skyview Apartment now. We're thrilled to introduce our exclusive offer for a limited time only. Move into a two-bedroom Skyview apartment on or before May 31st, 2024, and enjoy six months of free off-site parking or receive a complimentary apartment dressing pack.

It's our way of welcoming you to the premium lifestyle that Skyview Apartments have to offer.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your living experience in Cardiff.

Contact us today to schedule a viewing and secure your place in the sky.

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One of the defining features of life in Croydon is its accessibility. With excellent transportation links, including the bustling East Croydon Station, residents enjoy seamless connections to London and beyond. The town's strategic location ensures that the energy of the city is within reach, while providing a retreat from the urban hustle.

Croydon's cultural scene is just waiting to be explored. The town boasts an array of art galleries, theatres, and live music venues, creating an environment where creativity thrives. The Fairfield Halls, an iconic entertainment complex, stands as a testament to Croydon's commitment to the arts, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and performances that enrich the cultural fabric of the town.
 

Beyond the arts, Croydon is a haven for food enthusiasts. From the diverse flavours at BOXPARK Croydon to the fantastic range of offerings in the town centre, Croydon's culinary scene mirrors its cultural diversity. Take a five-minute stroll to St George's Walk or visit to Surrey Street Market and enjoy culinary adventures and local delights.
 

Croydon’s unique location means you can enjoy plenty of green spaces Parks like Wandle Park and Lloyd Park offer serene escapes, providing residents with a tranquil haven for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Living in Croydon is a celebration of diversity, culture, and accessibility. It's a town that seamlessly weaves the excitement of city life with the charm of a close-knit community, making every day an exploration and every experience a delight.

Living at No. 27 College Road, you’ll see the benefits of living in East Croydon unfold, creating a lifestyle that's both dynamic and comforting. It's not just a residence; it's an invitation to embrace the vibrant tapestry of life in South London!

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DMR has emerged from the need for individuals and families aspiring to reside in well-designed, fully furnished apartments without compromising on quality. No. 27 College Road stands as a testament to this approach, offering a collection of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments that redefine the notion of affordable luxury.

What sets DMR apart is its commitment to providing premium living experiences at discounted rents. This initiative enables residents to enjoy the same high-quality finishes, fully furnished spaces, and a dedicated Residents’ Team, as found in more expensive properties, all while maintaining a budget-friendly approach. It's a gateway to a lifestyle where residents don't have to sacrifice comfort for affordability.

Strategically located near East Croydon Station, residents at No. 27 College Road have swift access to key destinations. London Bridge, London Victoria, and Gatwick Airport are all within a short train journey, ensuring seamless connectivity for work or leisure. The vibrant Croydon Town Centre and the eclectic BOXPARK Croydon are just a walk away, presenting a dynamic mix of entertainment and cultural experiences.

In a city where housing costs can be a significant concern, DMR in Croydon provides a solution that bridges the gap between quality living and financial feasibility.

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Contemporary new studios

The furnished studios at The Gorge have been designed around a range of different layouts to suit the lifestyle of residents. Every home is integrated with a contemporary kitchen featuring a combi-oven, fridge freezer and hob as well as a Smart TV, storage space and a modern en-suite shower room. For those looking to experience far reaching views across Exeter, there is the option to upgrade to our Plus studios. Monthly rents include utilities as well as Wi-Fi.
 

More than just a home

Residents receive complimentary membership of the Belong Residents’ Club and benefit from outstanding amenities and a regular programme of social events such as summer socials with drinks and live music, sushi making classes and book clubs. Residents also have exclusive discounts and special offers for local shops, bars and restaurants. The state-of-the-art gym provides personal trainers, for an additional cost, and classes, while a large lounge includes a games area with a pool table.. Residents also benefit from access to a cinema room, TV snug and social kitchen, perfect for catching-up with friends and colleagues after work.

For those who work from home or study, bright and modern co-working spaces feature superfast broadband, comfortable seating and a barista style coffee machine. To make life easy, there is a dedicated Residents’ Team for support and a maintenance service, easily booked via the Residents’ App.
 

A well-connected location

The Gorge benefits from a thriving location in the heart of Exeter. The city centre is just a 12-minute walk away filled with the latest eateries, bars and social scene to enjoy. Heavitree Hospital is a two minutes’ walk from The Gorge whilst Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital is just a 17-minute walk from the development. In addition, St Luke’s Campus is just a two-minute stroll away. For those looking to travel further, Exeter Central is under 20 minutes’ walk and Exeter Airport is a 42-minute bus journey away.
 

Ideal for keyworkers
There is a limited number of exclusive studios to rent available for keyworkers, available with Fresh Essentials. The discounted monthly rent has been designed specifically for keyworkers interested in living at The Gorge, subject to terms and conditions.

Eddie Kane, Head of Divisional Operations (South) at Fresh comments: “We are thrilled to have launched The Gorge in Exeter. The location is perfect for medical students and working professionals alike, boasting fantastic links to the nearby hospitals and city centre. These modern studio apartments are providing a reliable and contemporary rental model in the Exeter housing market, and we very much look forward to watching the community grow at The Gorge.”

To find out more and to book a viewing, call 01392 345001 or email [email protected]

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Eddie Kane, Head of Divisional Operations (South), comments: “Attitudes towards renting are changing as more people – especially young professionals and downsizers – choose to rent rather than buy as a lifestyle decision. Residents have everything they need under one roof to work, play and relax, with fantastic amenities such as the gym and a busy calendar of social events. People are looking for high-quality, well managed homes with convenient amenities and in great locations.”
 

The studio, one and two-bedroom apartments at Verse are housed in a striking new 15-storey building in the heart of the city, close to Cardiff’s two stations and busy shopping streets, and surrounded by an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants and leisure amenities. Popular shopping centre, St David’s Dewi Sant is a few minutes’ walk away.

Beautifully designed, the homes combine contemporary style and comfort with an excellent range of all-inclusive, hotel-style residents’ social spaces, offering exceptional quality and value compared with standard rental homes.

Verse is designed to give residents the flexibility to make the home their own, become part of a community and enjoy a great lifestyle with every convenience. Subject to prior approval, residents can choose to paint and decorate their home. In addition, an array of resident services are available at a small additional cost. A Handyman service is on offer to support with DIY such as assembling flat pack furniture and painting. An apartment cleaning service is also available. Residents can hire out social spaces for private events.
 

Residents receive complimentary membership of the Belong Residents’ Club and benefit from outstanding amenities and a regular programme of social events including summer socials with drinks and live music, sushi making classes and book clubs. Residents also have exclusive discounts and special offers for local shops, bars and restaurants. An outdoor deck, complete with BBQ grill, is the perfect spot to relax with friends and neighbours. The state-of-the-art gym provides personal trainers, for an additional cost, and classes, while a large lounge includes a games area with a pool table and shuffleboard.

For those who work from home, bright and modern co-working spaces feature superfast broadband, comfortable seating and booths for private working.
 

Unlike in many rental properties, pets are welcomed to Verse as part of the family. To make life easy, there is a dedicated Residents’ Team for support and a maintenance service, easily booked via the Residents’ App.
 

A dynamic modern city with a proud heritage, Cardiff is a very popular place to rent a home, thanks to its diverse culture, thriving arts and music scene, picturesque waterfront and scenic landscapes. Verse is within walking distance of many of Cardiff’s famous landmarks, including the iconic Cardiff Bay waterfront, Cardiff Arms Park and the Principality Stadium. Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street stations, both a short walk away, offer direct services to Swansea, Bristol and London Paddington; trains reach Cardiff Airport in less than an hour.

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