Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Cardiff, United Kingdom

Minsky's - What a fantastic night out by kaardifflad

kaardifflad — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:05:37 +0000

Review by kaardifflad

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 029 2023 3128

I have eaten there during the daytimes on a number of occasions and find the food very reasonable priced. However it was a few years before I ventured into the bar in the night. What have I missed out on for all these years?? Possibly one of the best atmospheres I have encountered, it kind of hits you as you walk in. Despite being put off as being a gay venue, the couple of times I've visited it's been full of hen nights and couples. The drag queens were quite outrageous with song and dance routines to get the crowd singing and joining in. highly recommended a really good night out.I have eaten there during the daytimes on a number of occasions and find the food very reasonable priced. However it was a few years before I ventured into the bar in the night. What have I missed out on for all these years?? Possibly one of the best atmospheres I have encountered, it kind of hits you as you walk in. Despite being put off as being a gay venue, the couple of times I've visited it's been full of hen nights and couples. The drag queens were quite outrageous with song and dance routines to get the crowd singing and joining in. highly recommended a really good night out.

The Pen & Wig - Cheap and cheerful by markturner

markturner — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:48:08 +0000

Review by markturner

Rating: 3.00

Tags: students, beer garden, standard pub food

Good place to go for a cheap drink and standard pub meal (pie and chips, sausage and mash, that kind of thing). Nothing special but for the money it's decent. Spacious beer garden is nice in the summer.

The clientele is an unusual mix of students and law professionals, which works surprisingly well, it's not too studenty and it's not too dull!

You can rent games like jenga too for a deposit.Good place to go for a cheap drink and standard pub meal (pie and chips, sausage and mash, that kind of thing). Nothing special but for the money it's decent. Spacious beer garden is nice in the summer.

The clientele is an unusual mix of students and law professionals, which works surprisingly well, it's not too studenty and it's not too dull!

You can rent games like jenga too for a deposit.

Buffalo Bar - Cool bar by markturner

markturner — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:40:52 +0000

Review by markturner

Rating: 4.00

Tags: live music, cool, trendy

Buffalo is one of the coolest bars in Cardiff, good music, good selection of draught beers including Franziskaner weissbier (at least last time I was there) and bottled beers (imported lager and some ales). Great in the summer as you can chill out in the beer garden, but it can get a bit smoky since the ban.

Does get busy and sometimes the trip downstairs to the toilet can be treacherous (as can the toilets themselves), but if you get there early and grab a comfy seat it's a nice atmospheric place to have a drink with friends.Buffalo is one of the coolest bars in Cardiff, good music, good selection of draught beers including Franziskaner weissbier (at least last time I was there) and bottled beers (imported lager and some ales). Great in the summer as you can chill out in the beer garden, but it can get a bit smoky since the ban.

Does get busy and sometimes the trip downstairs to the toilet can be treacherous (as can the toilets themselves), but if you get there early and grab a comfy seat it's a nice atmospheric place to have a drink with friends.

The Funky Buddha Lounge - Good small bar by markturner

markturner — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 10:45:38 +0000

Review by markturner

Rating: 4.00

Tags: relaxed, cool, trendy

Good choice of imported lagers and good food too, although a little on the pricey side.

It's a good setting for a few relaxing drinks, the music is good and not overly loud and there are comfy sofas to sit on. Considering the small size it's well laid-out.

Went there on a Wednesday night and found ourselves to be the only ones left in the place when it got late, but the one staff member made us feel welcome to stay as long as we wanted, and we didn't feel rushed to finish our drinks like.

Went there for food and when it turned out they didn't have what I'd ordered in stock they offered to chuck in some free chips to apologise, which shows they have the right sort of attitude!Good choice of imported lagers and good food too, although a little on the pricey side.

It's a good setting for a few relaxing drinks, the music is good and not overly loud and there are comfy sofas to sit on. Considering the small size it's well laid-out.

Went there on a Wednesday night and found ourselves to be the only ones left in the place when it got late, but the one staff member made us feel welcome to stay as long as we wanted, and we didn't feel rushed to finish our drinks like.

Went there for food and when it turned out they didn't have what I'd ordered in stock they offered to chuck in some free chips to apologise, which shows they have the right sort of attitude!

Milgi - Cool bar by markturner

markturner — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 10:37:55 +0000

Review by markturner

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 02920 473150

Website: http://www.milgilounge.com/

Tags: cool, trendy, young and fun

After the sad demise of Bar en Route this is the front runner to take over as my preferred local hang-out.

The drinks are on the pricey side but you're not just paying for drinks you're paying for a good time in a relaxing venue. Unlike many bars they don't pipe in the music too loud to hear yourself think, conversation is encouraged here!

To keep the relaxed vibe going they seem keen that their customers are comfortable, even to the point of turning people away when the bar is far from full.

The yurt in the back garden is a great novel addition and a unique venue to watch music or whatever else they have going on in there.

I've not tried the food yet but I've heard good things and I'm sure I will soon!After the sad demise of Bar en Route this is the front runner to take over as my preferred local hang-out.

The drinks are on the pricey side but you're not just paying for drinks you're paying for a good time in a relaxing venue. Unlike many bars they don't pipe in the music too loud to hear yourself think, conversation is encouraged here!

To keep the relaxed vibe going they seem keen that their customers are comfortable, even to the point of turning people away when the bar is far from full.

The yurt in the back garden is a great novel addition and a unique venue to watch music or whatever else they have going on in there.

I've not tried the food yet but I've heard good things and I'm sure I will soon!

The Slug And Lettuce - Awful, awful, awful by markturner

markturner — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:56:51 +0000

Review by markturner

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 029 2034 1616

Website: http://www.slugandlettuce.co.uk

Tags: food, modern british, air conditioning

Bland food and outrageously overpriced. Avoid!Bland food and outrageously overpriced. Avoid!

Mischief's - Trendy by midnightboy

midnightboy — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 17:21:21 +0000

Review by midnightboy

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 029 2045 6111

Tags: live music, cool, posh

This has got to be one of the nicest places in Cardiff to go for a drink. Perfect for a few drinks after workâ¬¦ great selection of european beers and all sort of nice drinks you can try.

Live Music when i was there you got to give it a try!!

May not be the best place for a quick drink on a busy night though..gets very crowded round the bar and you will almost definately have to stand up.

My advice - go early and get the comfy seats and have a few relaxed drinks and watch the place fill up.

Friendly staff - gotta love it.This has got to be one of the nicest places in Cardiff to go for a drink. Perfect for a few drinks after workâ¬¦ great selection of european beers and all sort of nice drinks you can try.

Live Music when i was there you got to give it a try!!

May not be the best place for a quick drink on a busy night though..gets very crowded round the bar and you will almost definately have to stand up.

My advice - go early and get the comfy seats and have a few relaxed drinks and watch the place fill up.

Friendly staff - gotta love it.

Ty Mawr Arms - Well done Ty Mawr by Jacee858

Jacee858 — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:15:09 +0000

Review by Jacee858

Rating: 4.00

Tags: relaxed, friendly, traditional pub

There were a party of approx. 60 of us and our previous venue had double booked with only a week to go. We moved the function to the Ty Mawr with the same menu. I can only say that the original venue did us a favour! The Ty Mawr did an excellant job and the food was superb. Admittedly the place is looking a little tired, but I'm sure in time this will be addressed. The staff were efficient and pleasant. We were the last 6 to go as we were waiting for a delayed taxi - they did not worry and didn't make us feel that we'd outstayed our welcome. Well done Ty Mawr for a job well done.There were a party of approx. 60 of us and our previous venue had double booked with only a week to go. We moved the function to the Ty Mawr with the same menu. I can only say that the original venue did us a favour! The Ty Mawr did an excellant job and the food was superb. Admittedly the place is looking a little tired, but I'm sure in time this will be addressed. The staff were efficient and pleasant. We were the last 6 to go as we were waiting for a delayed taxi - they did not worry and didn't make us feel that we'd outstayed our welcome. Well done Ty Mawr for a job well done.

The Village Inn - Awful food by Chola

Chola — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:16:28 +0000

Review by Chola

Rating: 1.00

Tags: standard pub food, pub chain

Was told sausages not available for mixed grill 10 minutes after paying for it, medium rare steak was crispy, chicken was very dry and my son's burger was to too dry to finish.
DO NOT EAT HERE!Was told sausages not available for mixed grill 10 minutes after paying for it, medium rare steak was crispy, chicken was very dry and my son's burger was to too dry to finish.
DO NOT EAT HERE!

Flares - by alextheman

alextheman — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:45:07 +0000

Review by alextheman

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 029 2023 5825

If you like most Flares clubs, you will like this branch, that is all that needs to be said. Good for a drunken night out, but stepping into a time-warp of cheesy classics isn't always my sort of thing. The prices are ok, but the clientele is made up of mostly single 30-50 somethings out for a good old knees-up! So if you are under 30, make sure you take a big group of mates with you to lower the average age! Having said this, it is a fun place, with the decor to suit the music, and generally just a good laugh.If you like most Flares clubs, you will like this branch, that is all that needs to be said. Good for a drunken night out, but stepping into a time-warp of cheesy classics isn't always my sort of thing. The prices are ok, but the clientele is made up of mostly single 30-50 somethings out for a good old knees-up! So if you are under 30, make sure you take a big group of mates with you to lower the average age! Having said this, it is a fun place, with the decor to suit the music, and generally just a good laugh.

Y Mochyn Du - Frustrating by ro616

ro616 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:06:36 +0000

Review by ro616

Rating: 1.00

Tags: traditional pub, beer garden, relaxed

I could get into some trouble here but the â¬ÜY Mochyn Duâ¬" or The Black Pig sums up all that is bad about Welsh nationalism. Clinging on to a veneer of Welsh everything, principally the impenetrable language, the Black Pig alienates us anglophiles for no good purpose. But perhaps the roots of my prejudice lie elsewhere. Here is a pub on the edges of a beautiful park that should be a pleasure to visit but somehow it messes it all up. Overpriced drinks are my main gripe, a breathtaking Â£3ish a pint for bog standard, boring Brains, but then thereâ¬"s the generic interior that singly fails to be cosy, and then thereâ¬"s the beer garden thatâ¬"s in permanent shade with rubbish furniture.I could get into some trouble here but the â¬ÜY Mochyn Duâ¬" or The Black Pig sums up all that is bad about Welsh nationalism. Clinging on to a veneer of Welsh everything, principally the impenetrable language, the Black Pig alienates us anglophiles for no good purpose. But perhaps the roots of my prejudice lie elsewhere. Here is a pub on the edges of a beautiful park that should be a pleasure to visit but somehow it messes it all up. Overpriced drinks are my main gripe, a breathtaking Â£3ish a pint for bog standard, boring Brains, but then thereâ¬"s the generic interior that singly fails to be cosy, and then thereâ¬"s the beer garden thatâ¬"s in permanent shade with rubbish furniture.

Barfly - Dingy delight by ro616

ro616 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:59:15 +0000

Review by ro616

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 02920 396589

Website: http://www.barflyclub.com/cardiff/whatson/WhatsOn.

Tags: underground, young and fun, relaxed

Ah, the Barfly. Underground-literally and stinking of well, maybe the smoking ban had its downsides. The Barfly should be such a great venue, and in some ways it is. Iâ¬"ve seen some cracking bands here over the past couple of years, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, stands out as one sensational night, squeezed up against the tiny stage, the lead singer a mere flick of sweat away (all in my direction), superb. On a bad night however, youâ¬"ll be stood behind one of the huge pillars, totally disconnected from the music and waiting for it all to be over. Plus this year the current line-up is abysmal-a bunch of Welsh emo-miserabalists and other unheard-ofs. Letâ¬"s hope it improves soon.Ah, the Barfly. Underground-literally and stinking of well, maybe the smoking ban had its downsides. The Barfly should be such a great venue, and in some ways it is. Iâ¬"ve seen some cracking bands here over the past couple of years, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, stands out as one sensational night, squeezed up against the tiny stage, the lead singer a mere flick of sweat away (all in my direction), superb. On a bad night however, youâ¬"ll be stood behind one of the huge pillars, totally disconnected from the music and waiting for it all to be over. Plus this year the current line-up is abysmal-a bunch of Welsh emo-miserabalists and other unheard-ofs. Letâ¬"s hope it improves soon.

The Aubrey Arms - The Aubrey Arms by mumof3

mumof3 — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:19:55 +0000

Review by mumof3

Rating: 3.00

Tags: posh, friendly, independent pub

Lovely atmosphere in this restaurant and the staff are very friendly. The place is quite child friendly, they have highchairs and a decent kids menu. It is usually nice and quiet during the week but can be very busy on Sundays so better to book for sunday lunch.Lovely atmosphere in this restaurant and the staff are very friendly. The place is quite child friendly, they have highchairs and a decent kids menu. It is usually nice and quiet during the week but can be very busy on Sundays so better to book for sunday lunch.

Owain Glyndwr - 'Owain's' by noelsmop

noelsmop — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:14:21 +0000

Review by noelsmop

Rating: 4.00

Tags: relaxed, friendly, beer garden

Owain Glyndwr is a bar located behind the main shopping street of St Mary's Street. It has recently undergone major re-furbishment and is all the better for it. Owain's (as its know for short) is a 2 story bar serving traditioanl pub lunch, though of good quality and has a long bar that serves some drinks not found in all bars in cardiff - white beer anyone? Not for me thanks :)

Its fairly quite there for the most part but later in the night does become more lively. Its more a warm up place with friends than the focal point of a night out but dont let that detract you from stopping by as you can get quite a few people round the larger tables. Drinking games anyone? Yes please :)

It has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere yet is really rather nice looking inside with the beer garden being out front.Owain Glyndwr is a bar located behind the main shopping street of St Mary's Street. It has recently undergone major re-furbishment and is all the better for it. Owain's (as its know for short) is a 2 story bar serving traditioanl pub lunch, though of good quality and has a long bar that serves some drinks not found in all bars in cardiff - white beer anyone? Not for me thanks :)

Its fairly quite there for the most part but later in the night does become more lively. Its more a warm up place with friends than the focal point of a night out but dont let that detract you from stopping by as you can get quite a few people round the larger tables. Drinking games anyone? Yes please :)

It has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere yet is really rather nice looking inside with the beer garden being out front.

The Goat Major - Goat Major, Cardiff by noelsmop

noelsmop — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 13:43:37 +0000

Review by noelsmop

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 029 2038 3380

Website: http://www.sabrain.com

Tags: traditional pub, live music, relaxed

The Goat Major is a small traditional pub situated within close walking distance of the main shopping street in Cardiff, St Mary's.

I ofter frequent this pub on a night out as the food there is well proportioned and general very nice. It is standard pub menu but on a night out this can be needed to absorb some alcohol :)

As for the alcohol itself, expected to find the usual suspects on sale but also several ales of choice. The price for the drink is reasonable given its proximity to the heart of the shopping centre.

As stated the size odf the establishment is small but this does and you wont often find large crowds of drunken lads or lasses there. Good or bad? Buyer's choice :)

Music is usually in the form of relaxed pop music and normally played out through one of the satellite tv channels

The decor is very much old school traditional pub with high leather back chairs around the room. The gents could do with a bit of a make over but no worries over the hygene of the place.
The Goat Major is a small traditional pub situated within close walking distance of the main shopping street in Cardiff, St Mary's.

I ofter frequent this pub on a night out as the food there is well proportioned and general very nice. It is standard pub menu but on a night out this can be needed to absorb some alcohol :)

As for the alcohol itself, expected to find the usual suspects on sale but also several ales of choice. The price for the drink is reasonable given its proximity to the heart of the shopping centre.

As stated the size odf the establishment is small but this does and you wont often find large crowds of drunken lads or lasses there. Good or bad? Buyer's choice :)

Music is usually in the form of relaxed pop music and normally played out through one of the satellite tv channels

The decor is very much old school traditional pub with high leather back chairs around the room. The gents could do with a bit of a make over but no worries over the hygene of the place.

The City Arms - City Arms, Cardiff by noelsmop

noelsmop — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 13:33:14 +0000

Review by noelsmop

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 029 2022 5258

Website: http://www.sabrain.com

Tags: relaxed, friendly, indie

The City Arms is located almost directly oposite the Millenium Stadium enterance meaning it is often very busy on big match days, however on non match days it is fairly quite during the day and can become more lively at night. Drinking at night is enhanced by being able to drink out side the establishment, it has no actual beer garden but tables are placed outside the door for patrons, smokers etc. As regards music its traditionally indie/guitar based music and spans the decades though obviously a higher emphasis is placed on modern bands or Britpop rather than the likes of Blondie the Ramones etc. The price is fairly competitive for both achohol and the traditional bar food menu.The City Arms is located almost directly oposite the Millenium Stadium enterance meaning it is often very busy on big match days, however on non match days it is fairly quite during the day and can become more lively at night. Drinking at night is enhanced by being able to drink out side the establishment, it has no actual beer garden but tables are placed outside the door for patrons, smokers etc. As regards music its traditionally indie/guitar based music and spans the decades though obviously a higher emphasis is placed on modern bands or Britpop rather than the likes of Blondie the Ramones etc. The price is fairly competitive for both achohol and the traditional bar food menu.

The Queens Vaults - Sporting royalty by graceycakes

graceycakes — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:32:03 +0000

Review by graceycakes

Rating: 3.00

Tags: relaxed, friendly, pool

This is a proper pub. Rugby memorabilia everywhere, loads of pool tables and happy hour Brains beer. It is just opposite the stadium and is a real shrine to Welsh rugby. When matches aren't on, it's still a decent, spacious place to grab a pint or two, and a good alternative to the Gatekeeper just down the road. Smokers tables outside are nice on a warm evening. Close to St Mary's Street for later on in the evening, and also not far at all from the train and bus station. It's somewhere that always seems welcoming and friendly, and whenever I've been there the bar staff have always been good fun.

* It's actually on Westgate street in the centre, not down in the docks as the map here seems to show.This is a proper pub. Rugby memorabilia everywhere, loads of pool tables and happy hour Brains beer. It is just opposite the stadium and is a real shrine to Welsh rugby. When matches aren't on, it's still a decent, spacious place to grab a pint or two, and a good alternative to the Gatekeeper just down the road. Smokers tables outside are nice on a warm evening. Close to St Mary's Street for later on in the evening, and also not far at all from the train and bus station. It's somewhere that always seems welcoming and friendly, and whenever I've been there the bar staff have always been good fun.

* It's actually on Westgate street in the centre, not down in the docks as the map here seems to show.

The Borough - St Mary Street classic? by graceycakes

graceycakes — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:20:26 +0000

Review by graceycakes

Rating: 1.00

Tags: mature

To be fair I think I've only been here once, so maybe I am being a bit hasty with this review. But this wasn't the sort of place that I found particularly welcoming or would ever want to go back to. It seems like a "scary regulars only" type of place. I do remember it seeming quite aggressive and not welcoming, and having really loud awful music. Still, as it is on St Mary's Street I suppose that they don't have to make any effort as it is such a good location. Unless you are actually one of the regulars that put me and my friends off, I wouldn't recommend it.To be fair I think I've only been here once, so maybe I am being a bit hasty with this review. But this wasn't the sort of place that I found particularly welcoming or would ever want to go back to. It seems like a "scary regulars only" type of place. I do remember it seeming quite aggressive and not welcoming, and having really loud awful music. Still, as it is on St Mary's Street I suppose that they don't have to make any effort as it is such a good location. Unless you are actually one of the regulars that put me and my friends off, I wouldn't recommend it.

The Prince Of Wales - A Wetherspoons, but aiming for class. by graceycakes

graceycakes — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:57:04 +0000

Review by graceycakes

Rating: 3.00

Tags: students, standard pub food, pub chain

The Prince of Wales is in what used to be a theatre, and it is grand looking. Especially if you are on the top floor, it is pretty spectacular looking from the inside, with lots of gold and red velvet and you can see where the stage and the curtains used to be. But before I get carried away and talk it up too much, it is a Wetherspoons. As a recent graduate I think it's fair to say that their low prices and deals on food and drink have been kind to me and my wallet throughout my student days. The Prince of Wales is well situated for starting a night out as it is just round the corner from Cardiff Central train station which makes it a good first port of call. Can get rowdy at weekends, but this is normal at most of the big city centre pubs and clubs.The Prince of Wales is in what used to be a theatre, and it is grand looking. Especially if you are on the top floor, it is pretty spectacular looking from the inside, with lots of gold and red velvet and you can see where the stage and the curtains used to be. But before I get carried away and talk it up too much, it is a Wetherspoons. As a recent graduate I think it's fair to say that their low prices and deals on food and drink have been kind to me and my wallet throughout my student days. The Prince of Wales is well situated for starting a night out as it is just round the corner from Cardiff Central train station which makes it a good first port of call. Can get rowdy at weekends, but this is normal at most of the big city centre pubs and clubs.

The Gatekeeper - Great-keeper by graceycakes

graceycakes — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:03:44 +0000

Review by graceycakes

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 029 2064 6020

Website: http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

Wetherspoons owned pub, so you know that drinks and food will be cheap. Loads of space, and they have a few seats outside for smokers. They show sport, and on days when there are sporting events on in town this pub gets rammed as it is so close to the Millenium Stadium. I would recommend this pub as somewhere to start your night, as it is close to St. Mary's Street which seems to be where the nightlife is concentrated in Cardiff. All in all, it's your average Wetherspoons, but sometimes that is all you need for a good night out.Wetherspoons owned pub, so you know that drinks and food will be cheap. Loads of space, and they have a few seats outside for smokers. They show sport, and on days when there are sporting events on in town this pub gets rammed as it is so close to the Millenium Stadium. I would recommend this pub as somewhere to start your night, as it is close to St. Mary's Street which seems to be where the nightlife is concentrated in Cardiff. All in all, it's your average Wetherspoons, but sometimes that is all you need for a good night out.