our story
The Journey That Shaped La Luna
One chef. One tired building in Talbot Green. One vision — to build something that had never been done before in South Wales.
Craig Brookes · The early yearsthe man behind it
Craig Brookes. Award-winning chef, founder and the vision behind La Luna.
Craig's journey has taken him across the world. From growing up in Australia to working in renowned kitchens across Bermuda, Monaco and beyond, he built a career that earned recognition in the Michelin Guide and AA Rosettes, alongside appearances on television, including a guest spot as a MasterChef judge. Along the way, he cooked for sporting icons, Hollywood stars and Monaco's own royal family, bringing together classical training with flavours and techniques inspired by a lifetime of travel.
Eventually, that journey brought him to South Wales, where family became the inspiration for his next chapter. Together, they transformed a tired restaurant into what La Luna is today—a truly unique destination created with passion, ambition and an unwavering commitment to hospitality. Across two beautifully designed floors, La Luna has evolved into far more than a restaurant, now home to an award-winning dining experience, elegant private dining spaces, a cocktail bar and lounge, individually designed private party rooms and the Secret Garden. Every detail has been carefully shaped, refined and continuously reimagined by Craig and his family, creating a place unlike anywhere else in South Wales.
It's not a chain. It's not a franchise. It's one family's life's work.
from then to now
You wouldn't recognise it.
When Craig first opened the doors in 1999 — trading as Brookes Restaurant — the building was bare and the concept was simple. What followed was 27 years of continuous investment, reinvention, and a decision to build something nobody else in South Wales had thought to do.
Brookes Restaurant — Talbot RoadBrookes Restaurant
Craig and his brother open their own restaurant on Talbot Road, Talbot Green. Trading as Brookes Restaurant, the foundations of what would become La Luna are laid.
Culinary Excellence RecognisedThe First Rosette
Past awards include an AA Rosette and a Michelin Bib Gourmand for culinary excellence - one of only a handful of restaurants in Wales to have held the accolade.
La Luna exterior refurbishmentLa Luna is Born
With a growing reputation and an even bigger vision, Craig rebranded and relaunched as La Luna—a new dining concept built around one simple idea: one venue, many experiences. Moving away from traditional fine dining, the focus shifted to exceptional food in a relaxed, welcoming setting, inspired by flavours from around the world and made for everyone to enjoy.
La Luna · Talbot GreenThe Full Picture
Today, La Luna brings together an award-winning restaurant, cocktail lounge, private dining spaces and the Secret Garden, creating a destination where every visit can be a different experience.
why la luna
There's nowhere else quite like it in South Wales.
Most venues do one thing. A restaurant. A bar. A function room. La Luna has it all — and then some. Every space has its own unique vibe to suit any occasion.
By Day
We believe exceptional food should be enjoyed by everyone. That's why we've created a restaurant that's relaxed, welcoming and perfect for every generation.
By Night
By night, La Luna comes alive. Enjoy award-winning food, signature cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere designed for date nights, celebrations and unforgettable evenings.
Private Dining
Private, elegant and exclusively yours - A space to relax, celebrate and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
The Secret Garden
Al fresco dining beneath the stars. Exceptional food, handcrafted cocktails and Talbot Green's favourite outdoor destination
family run. always will be.
This isn't a business to us. It's personal.
At La Luna, every guest matters.
Whether you're joining us for a quiet lunch, a family celebration, cocktails with friends or one of life's biggest milestones, we want every visit to feel memorable. From the warm welcome you receive to the final course, every detail is thoughtfully considered to create an experience you won't forget.
As a proudly family-run restaurant, we believe great hospitality is personal. It's about making people feel comfortable, cared for and able to simply enjoy the moment with the people around them.
The food may bring you through our doors, but it's the memories you create around the table that we hope stay with you long after you've left.
The La Luna familycareers
We're always on the lookout for great people.
If you're passionate about hospitality and want to be part of something genuinely special, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch and tell us a bit about yourself.
on the record
What our guests say.
"First time eating at La Luna, have to say we'll be going back. The food was great, the goat cheese bhajis were brilliant and my T-bone fab. Really nice to have a place of quality in the valleys. Top scores all round."
"Absolutely amazing Sunday lunch, would highly recommend. Have eaten in Cardiff city centre and Caerphilly but this tops both."
"Went for my mum's 80th and the staff really went out of their way to make it special. They were amazing and she had a fantastic evening. 100% recommend!"
"Been here several times recently and cannot fault the food, staff or venue. My 'go to' date night venue. Highly recommend."
reservations
Reserve your experience. Your table awaits.
Whether you're joining us for lunch, dinner, cocktails or a special celebration, we'd love to welcome you. Your table is waiting; all that's missing is you.
connect
@lalunatalbot
Inspired by you, always · #lalunatalbot
