The best pubs and bars in Cardiff

Location: heart of Cathays - 109 Crwys Rd, Cardiff CF24 4NF

Located on the site of a former post office, this tiny little cosy bar offers beer from local brewers and unusual craft ales from other parts of the country, all for a very good price. The atmosphere is absolutely unbeatable, it will make you feel like you belong to the family and are somewhere in the countryside.

Location: by the Motorpoint Arena - Cardiff CF10 2FE

Poter’s Cardiff is not just a bar, it’s much more. This lively place offers music and comedy on its cabaret nights, various multi-genre events plus a cinema and educational talks and a pub quiz as well. Don’t miss the great atmosphere!

Location: Cardiff Bay - 7-8 Bute Crescent, Cardiff CF10 5AN

A classic British pub located in the heart of Cardiff Bay in a renovated building. This lively pub offers a heated garden, guest ales and traditional British pub food.

Location: city centre - 17 Church St, Cardiff CF10 1BG

Formerly known as Beelzebubs, this totally independent pub right in the heart of the city is free of ties to any giant pub companies or big boring breweries! Great and friendly staff members, lots of space and very good cask ales. Head down to Bubs Bar for the very best beers and relaxed hopped vibes.

Location: Roath - 140 Albany Rd, Cardiff CF24 3RW

With a large Sky Sports following, this pub is a lively place to watch and enjoy big matches. You can also enjoy a pub quiz, open mics and other events.

Location: Gabalfa - 79-81 Whitchurch Rd, Cardiff CF14 3JP

A great independent bar in Gabalfa offering great selection of drinks and very tasty meals. The hipster-minimalist atmosphere will make you want to come back, just for a hearty brunch or a few drinks in the evening.

Location: Cathays - 1-5 Woodville Rd, Cardiff CF24 4DW

‘The Woody’ (as it’s often called) is a chilled-out pub in the heart of the student community of Cathays. A vibrant pub, popular with students with meal deals, drinks promotions and live sports on TV.

Location: Cathays - 1 Park Grove, Cardiff, CF10 3BJ

Very popular among our staff members as it’s just around the corner from CELT, the Pen and Wig is a haven in the middle of the city. An ever-changing selection of real ales is on offer, especially popular while sitting in the heated beer garden.  

Location: Canton - 42 Llandaff Rd, Cardiff CF11 9NJ

Cardiff's first micropub! Canna's is all about selling amazing, local beer and building up the community.  The pub hosts a number of regular events such as quiz nights, movie nights and open mic nights. Thursdays are 'Street Food' nights, don’t miss that!

Location: city centre - 25 Westgate St, Cardiff CF10 1DD

This offbeat, brick-walled bar with themed rooms serves a big variety of craft beers, ciders and creative burgers. It’s located right in the city centre, opposite the Principality Stadium and is often considered the best bar in Cardiff.

Location: city centre - 31 Westgate St, Cardiff CF10 1EH

No-nonsense chain bar specialising in the Scottish brewery's craft beers, with regular guest brews. It is also a great place for playing board games you can borrow from the bar staff. This place is famously dog friendly in Cardiff, with regular dog visitors day to day. The bar has a very relaxing vibe, perfect for you to indulge and explore the wonderful, welcoming world of craft beer.

Location: Riverside - 53-59 Despenser St, Cardiff CF11 6AG

Another favourite bar among our staff members: our Director of Studies, Mike, even plays gigs there! A lively public bar is a great place to kick off your night, and the best place to meet locals and travellers. NosDa is located on the other side of the river from the Principality Stadium.