Introducing the new freakshakes at Grill’n’Shake plus monster fun at The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay

paid association with The Red Dragon Centre

I’m going to start this article by saying that my children generally eat a healthy diet – plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and the likes. Yes, there are less virtuous moments but it’s all in moderation.

Every so often, however, I see nothing wrong with a no-holds-barred treat. And what better excuse than it being the half term holidays and Halloween?

Earlier this week, Grill’n’Shake at The Red Dragon Centre invited us for lunch as part of our ambassador role with the Cardiff Bay entertainment centre. The diner-restaurant were celebrating their all-new freakshakes which have just been added to the menu.

There are six different flavours in all – Mississippi Mud Pie; Creamy Banana Matcha Green Tea; Salted Caramel Popcorn; Cookie Dough with Fudge Brownie; Mentally Minty; and Nutty Choc.

For Halloween there was also a special bloody raspberry and strawberry freakshake on offer so we opted for one of those plus the Mississippi Mud Pie (an indulgent blend of chocolate cake, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, meringues, chocolate chips, wafer and flake) and the Salted Caramel Popcorn (salted caramel sauce, popcorn, whipped cream, pretzel, and salted caramel).

The freakshakes were huge and looked incredible! Every millimetre of the large mason jar style glasses was overflowing with sheer indulgence. My children couldn’t believe their eyes. I had to physically restrain Littlest from his in order to take photos of the shakes before they were demolished.

The shakes are not actually listed on the menu yet as they have just launched. New menus will be arriving in the restaurant any day now but if you are tempted you can ask for them before then.

The freak shakes are on the pricier side at £7.95 each. The regular shakes are £4.95 for regular and £5.95 for large. But for a special treat or reward it’s justifiable – especially as you won’t need a dessert.

As for our main meals; I had the vegetarian spicy Mexican bean burger and fries (£9.50) which was served with a good helping of salad, tomato salsa and soured cream. Both my boys adore macaroni cheese so there was no questions that they were going to order the twisted mac and cheese bake. Miss E chose the chicken tenders and chips. It looked so well presented for a child’s meal with the chicken strips arranged on top of the fries. Four empty plates at the end of the meal signified exactly how much we enjoyed our food. Children’s meals cost £4.95, and during school holidays there’s one free child’s meal per adult meal purchased.

As we were at The Red Dragon Centre on Halloween there was plenty of free entertainment going on for families. We met Sulley and Mike mascots from Monsters Inc, who were happy posing for photos with visitors. The duo also got to meet Oscar, The Red Dragon Centre’s Snowdog, who was clad in his own Halloween outfit. My children were going to a Halloween party later in the day and were already in their costumes – all three of them had their faces painted for free thanks to the two talented face painters in the foyer.

If you join Grill’n’Shake’s mailing list you can currently get a voucher for 20% off your food. Or come after school Monday to Friday between 4pm and 6pm and you can get one children’s meal free with every adult main course purchased from the full menu. There are also special film and food or theatre and food offers if you’re coinciding with a trip to the Odeon cinema in The Red Dragon Centre or seeing a film at next door neighbour Wales Millennium Centre. Do see the website for more info.

Each offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. All offers subject to change.

Free parking for customers of The Red Dragon Centre is subject to minimum spend and ticket validation.

Visit the Grill’n’Shake website for more information and see all the latest goings-on at The Red Dragon Centre here.