Christmas and pubs go hand in hand. That’s why we’ve made this list our 7 of our favourite traditional South Wales pubs to visit this festive season.
1. The Coach, Bridgend
Voted as the best pub in Wales in 2013, The Coach offers a staggeringly wide variety of specialist ales. Located in our home turf of Bridgend, The Coach serves high quality, local beer and ale in a friendly, welcoming environment. They are also committed to championing local Welsh breweries and companies such as Otley, Celtic Experience and Tiny Rebel.
2. Blue Anchor, Aberthaw
Established in 1380, the Blue Anchor is one of the oldest pubs in Wales. Once a focal point for the thriving medieval port of Aberthaw, the pub has a long association with smuggling and there are even local rumours of a secret tunnel linking the pub with Aberthaw Bay. Offering a wide variety of locally sourced, homemade food and real ale, wine and cider, the Blue Anchor is the perfect place to end up after a Christmas walk.
3. Plough and Harrow, Monknash
With a reputation for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and quality food and drink, the Plough and Harrow in Monknash is a charming, traditional pub. Voted as CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year in 2014, and as one of the top 10 pubs in Britain by the Guardian, the Plough and Harrow is one of the most popular pubs in the region. Dating from the fourteenth century, it even has a fascinating array of period features, including centuries-old ceiling beams salvaged from wrecked ships!
4. Y Mochyn Du, Cardiff
Named after a traditional Welsh folk song, Y Mochyn Du translates as ‘The Black Pig’. In the past, most farms in rural Wales would own a pig. During the winter months, it would be this pig that would help to provide food until the spring. The pub takes inspiration from this song, and is committed to providing high quality, locally sourced food and drink.
5. The Goat Major, Cardiff
A cask ale house in the city centre of Cardiff, The Goat Major takes its name from its affiliation to the Royal Regiment of Wales: the regiment’s mascot was a goat, and the soldier in charge of it was known as “The Goat Major”. The pub prides itself on its range of local cask ales from nearby Brains Brewery. It also offers a food menu consisting entirely of pies; including everything from classic steak and ale to curried mutton or pork, bacon and black pudding!
6. The Albany, Roath, Cardiff
Serving a broad range of customers, from locals to students, The Albany on Donald Street, Roath combines live music, events, and food and drink to create a popular community pub. Serving a variety of traditional beers sourced from the local area and across Wales, The Albany also offers a range of delicious food to choose from.
7. Butchers Arms, Llandaff, Cardiff
Situated in Llandaff village, close to the Cathedral, the Butchers Arms is a cosy pub with a great rear garden. Family run, the pub offers a range of traditional food and drink and has occasional live music making it the perfect place to while away a cold Christmas evening.
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