Pubs in Cardiff

A proper British pub is easy to find in Cardiff. The busy city has plenty of pubs that tourists and locals can visit to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Local beers and ale are on tap at many pubs to add to the local flare and pride.

The top pubs in Cardiff include:

Cambrian Tap

Cambrian Tap is found in St. Mary Street not too far from the Cardiff Central Library. The pub is a hotspot for local ale, and the pub’s pork pie is famous in town. Cambrian offers a free monthly comedy night which is a blast for guests.

Lovely ciders and craft beer make this a good destination to go to after work, and the staff is quite friendly, too.

Black Dragon sparkling cider is a drink everyone needs to try once at the pub. A brilliant selection of craft beer is offered without overwhelming guests. The pub also offers a variety of snacks.

The Horse and Jockey

The Horse and Jockey is another main attraction in town, and the adorable exterior invites guests to a warm and welcoming staff. The pub sits near the beautiful countryside and has a bar stocked with ale.

A beautiful fireplace keeps the interior warm during the cooler months.

During the holiday season, the interior of the pub is transformed to reflect the celebration. The food is the main attraction, with a delightful menu of British pub food.

But the beer and ciders are equally as good.

Bands come to the pub to put on a show for guests, so be sure to call ahead and see which nights the band is playing. Savory foods and friendly people await at the Horse and Jockey.

Ten Mill Lane

Ten Mill Lane is a concept that’s taken Cardiff by storm. The establishment is quirky and relaxed with inspiration from easy listening bars. The bar is open until 3AM Sunday through Wednesday and through 6AM the rest of the week.

The cocktails include:

  • Twisting my Melon – featuring watermelon, lemon and peach.
  • Altosita – lime, lemon, syrup and a few other secret ingredients.
  • Grandpa’s Medicine – a brilliant creation with amaretto, lemon and pineapple plus a small surprise.

There’s also the bar’s cocktail masterclass, where visitors can learn to make master cocktails from scratch to rival the bartenders.

If you’re not sure which cocktail to pick, the bar staff is known for their personal recommendations. Ten Mill Lane gets busy quickly, so you’ll want to go early if you plan on finding a seat.

The music is snappy, too.

The Packet

The Packet is on Bute Street and is a true English pub. If you want to mingle with the locals, the best time to see the town regulars is during the week when the crowds are thinner. The pub has a good mix of food, and the bar staff are fun and friendly.

Guests are always willing to discuss local events, news or tell a joke at the Packet, making it a good place to meet new people.

The bar is close to the bay, and the local brew is brought to the pub from just a block away. You’ll find that there is food served at The Packet, but guests are free to bring their own food, too. Pizza Pronto is a local hotspot that’s across the road if you want to bring some pizza back and enjoy it with a pint of ale.

Brian’s Bitter cream is a drink locals prefer.

The pub is lively, and there are comfy seats and even a sofa to sit on when you visit.

The Goat Major

The Goat Major is a hopping pub located on High Street. The pub is open noon to midnight every day of the week except Sunday. A full bar is offered, and the best nights to visit are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

An outdoor area and patio is provided for smokers.

Televisions display local sport. The staff is helpful and willing to go out of their way to help guests. Tourists make up much of the visitors at the Goat Major, but locals stop by, too.

The location is right in front of Cardiff Castle, so it’s a good spot to grab a pint before going to the castle.

Lunch is a good time to visit due to the lack of crowds. The food is standard pub food, with steak and blue cheese pie being a local favorite. There are a lot of Brian beers served at the bar, but you’ll also find a good array of Strongbow brews.

The pies are worth the visit, but the ale will keep you in your seat.

This is a Welsh pub, so it’s great for guests of Welsh descent who want to see how proper Welsh pubs serve beer. Large groups will enjoy the large booths against the wall.