McFly’s Dougie Poynter and Busted’s Matt Willis recently explored Cardiff, sampling non-alcoholic cocktails at one of the city’s renowned bars. This outing occurred during their visit for the Busted vs McFly concerts scheduled for September 2025.
Bar Experience in Cardiff
The duo visited Lab 22, a well-known cocktail bar located on Caroline Street, often referred to as Chippy Lane. This award-winning establishment is famous for its innovative drinks and also stands out due to its proximity to a Greggs bakery. Dougie and Matt humorously likened the bar’s entrance to that of a strip club.
- Bar Name: Lab 22
- Location: Caroline Street (Chippy Lane)
- Type: Cocktail Bar
- Specialty: Non-alcoholic cocktails
Personal Stories and Reflections
Matt Willis has been sober for over seven years after struggling with addiction. Dougie Poynter also has a history of addiction but has since embraced sobriety. Their visit to Lab 22 was both a personal and enjoyable experience.
As they sampled various drinks, Dougie rated the bar “22 out of 22,” while Matt described the cocktail experience as “lovely” and “unbelievable.” Their banter included light-hearted comments about the bar’s atmosphere, emphasizing its interesting setting next to a Greggs.
Upcoming Tours and Changes
Amid their Cardiff visit, Busted’s James Bourne announced he would be unable to participate in the upcoming joint tour with McFly. This news came just a week before their performance at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena, scheduled for September 23, 2025, due to health concerns.
This statement from Bourne adds an unexpected twist to the band’s tour plans, altering the original lineup for the concerts ahead.
