Discover the Most Exciting Craft Beer Pubs in Cardiff
If you're a beer lover visiting Cardiff, you're in luck! This vibrant city offers a thriving craft beer scene that will surely impress. Let's explore the top ten craft beer bars and pubs that you should definitely check out during your visit to the Welsh capital.
When you're on a quest to explore the top craft beer pubs in Cardiff, it's crucial to consider your accommodation options as well. Luckily, there are fantastic hotels in Wales near St David's Hall Cardiff, offering you a convenient and comfortable stay. After a day of sampling exquisite craft beers at the finest pubs the city has to offer, you can retreat to these nearby hotels to rest and rejuvenate. Whether you're seeking modern luxury or cozy charm, these accommodations provide the perfect base for your craft beer adventure. To fully immerse yourself in Cardiff's craft beer culture and enjoy a seamless experience, these hotels near St David's Hall offer both proximity and comfort.
If you are out of budget, fortunately, the city is home to a variety of budget-friendly hotels situated right in the heart of the action. These cheap hotels in Cardiff center offer both convenience and affordability, ensuring that you're never far from the bustling craft beer scene.
Discover the Urban Tap House in Cardiff's Craft Beer Hub
Located on Westgate Street, Cardiff's craft beer hub, you will find a variety of renowned establishments, including Brewdog bar, Zero Degrees, and the popular City Arms. However, if you're looking for a distinctive local experience when it comes to contemporary craft beer, head straight to the Urban Tap House.
As the brainchild of Newport's acclaimed brewing stars, Tiny Rebel, the Urban Tap House offers a boho, late-night beer lover's retreat. Set within a grand old building with historic details peeking through the gig and club posters, this sprawling venue spans two floors and is known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Take your pick from the sixteen lines, evenly split between cask and keg beers, and explore an extensive selection of cutting-edge brewing from renowned breweries worldwide, including Wild Beer, Evil Twin, Buxton, Partizan, Odell's, Alesmith, Burning Sky, and Beavertown. Of course, the spotlight shines on Tiny Rebel's own unique brews, including their Belgian yeast Urban IPA. For an unforgettable taste experience, don't miss their Hadouken!, a 7.4% double IPA bursting with soured and tropical fruit flavors, delivering a refreshing and bitter finish that will leave an impression.
Whether you're attending one of their regular mini-beer fests, tap-takeovers, or joining the local homebrew club, the Urban Tap House always ensures a fantastic selection of beers to satisfy any craft beer enthusiast. With friendly and knowledgeable staff, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for any beer connoisseur in Cardiff.
Located at 25 Westgate Street, you can reach Urban Tap House at 029 2039 9557 or visit their website at urbantaphouse.co.uk for more information.
The bar at this backpackers’ hostel boasts a unique and eclectic decor, combining elements of a trendy Brooklyn apartment with the charm of a Victorian villa. However, what truly sets this bar apart is its commitment to offering a wide selection of quality beers. One standout offering is the bar's very own ale called Nighty Noops, a Bavarian helles brewed exclusively for the Bunkhouse by Kaltenberg.
For beer enthusiasts, the bottle fridges at the bar are a treasure trove of delights. These fridges house an impressive assortment of craft beers, featuring leading Welsh breweries like Celt and Mantle, as well as renowned international breweries such as Rogue, Founders, Sierra Nevada, Kaapse from the Netherlands, and Weird Beard from London.
In addition to the bottled selection, the bar also offers two craft keg lines. While the serving size may be limited to two-thirds of a pint, the quality and variety of the beers remain exceptional. During our visit, we had the pleasure of sampling Otley’s Motley Brew, a powerful double-IPA with a whopping 7.2% ABV, and Pipes smoked lager, which despite being milder than other smoked beers, still had distinct notes reminiscent of frankfurter sausages. Speaking of Pipes brewery, it is conveniently located in the Canton district, just a short walk away from Cardiff city-centre.
If you are intrigued by the bottled beers from Pipes brewery, be sure to keep an eye out for their chocolate wheat beer and Baltic espresso porter. Alternatively, you have the option to experience their creations firsthand by visiting the brewery during their Bar Open events, which take place on the first Saturday of every month (from March to December). For only £3.70 per pint, you can indulge in the unique flavors and innovative brews that Pipes has to offer.
So, whether you're a craft beer connoisseur or simply looking for a memorable bar experience in Cardiff, the Bunkhouse bar is undoubtedly worth a visit. With its charming decor, extensive selection of beers, and the opportunity to explore local and global favorites, it is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Experience the magic of the Bunkhouse bar, located at 93-94 St Mary Street, or visit their website at bunkhousecardiff.co.uk for more information.
Zero Degrees: Brewing Quality Craft Beer for Over a Decade
Zero Degrees, a small chain of brewpubs, has been dedicated to the art of unfiltered, unpasteurised beer for more than ten years. Though some craft beer enthusiasts may dismiss their approach as outdated, a visit to the Cardiff branch proves that this criticism is unwarranted.
Nestled opposite the Millennium Stadium, the Cardiff location immerses visitors in an industrial warehouse setting with a touch of Austin Powers-esque style. The brewpub offers a range of beers on its seven taps, including interesting choices like a black lager, a mango beer, and a wheat beer.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of trying their house pils, bursting with lively spicy and herbal Saaz hop flavors. Additionally, their American pale ale, while lacking the tropical fruit character of Sierra Nevada's Torpedo, evolved smoothly from a syrupy, toffee-ish base into a captivating display of bitterness.
Despite some concerns about Zero Degrees' creative innovation, it cannot be denied that they consistently produce high-quality, hop-forward ales. However, it is worth mentioning that serving tasters in plastic pint pots and halves in kolsch-like glasses left something to be desired.
Experience the delightful range of craft beers Zero Degrees has to offer, with pints starting from £3.95. Be sure to visit their Cardiff location at 27 Westgate Street or learn more on their official website.
Tucked away behind the St David’s shopping centre, the Gravity Station is a hidden gem for craft beer enthusiasts. Owned by Waen Brewery, this bar and bottle shop offers a unique experience with its selection of cask and keg beers. The space itself is aesthetically pleasing, with beer barrels cleverly hidden behind a stylish faux-vintage back bar. To add to the ambiance, a swirling copper-topped communal table invites patrons to gather and share their love for great beer.
Visitors to the Gravity Station can expect to find a variety of Waen Brewery's beers, including the fruity and richly flavored Janner's Pride best bitter. However, this place also celebrates the innovation of other Welsh craft breweries like Seren, Pipes, and Celt. The extensive selection of bottled beers reflects a blend of local flavors from Wales and the West Country, along with famous international brews from renowned new wave brewing aces such as Moor and Odell's. If you're in the mood for a pint, prices start at £3.50, making it an affordable and worthwhile destination for any beer enthusiast.
Pint from £3.50.
6 Barrack Lane,
029 2034 0252,
Located on Quay Street in Cardiff, the City Arms is a pub with a unique approach to its beer selection. While owned by Brains, a traditional Welsh brewery, the City Arms is free to stock a variety of beverages, showcasing both their newer craft brewing arm and a range of traditional real ales.
The pub features five cask pumps and two gravity-dispense barrels, offering a diverse selection of drinks from breweries such as Thornbridge and Dark Star. One standout option is the True Grit from Millstone, a bold and hoppy beer that serves as a reminder of the rich brewing history in the UK.
For craft beer enthusiasts, the City Arms' fridges are well-stocked with a wide range of options. On a recent visit, they had impressive selections including beers from Emmelise, Sierra Nevada, Flying Dog, Mikkeller's Gold, as well as sharing bottles of Hitachino Nest's Nipponia.
Indulging in your beer preferences won't break the bank, as pints at the City Arms start from £3.25. If you're looking to visit, you can find the pub at 10-12 Quay Street or contact them at 029 2064 1913. More information can be found on their website.
If you happen to find yourself near the National Museum in Cardiff, the Pen & Wig is a conveniently located pub worth checking out. While its exterior may appear fairly generic, step inside to discover a charming atmosphere with tastefully designed tartan furniture and Coldplay tunes playing softly in the background. The Pen & Wig offers a selection of eight cask ales, showcasing the diverse brewing talent of Wales, including popular breweries like Celt, Tiny Rebel, Gower, and Brecon. However, for those looking to indulge in a classic and mighty single-hopped Citra beer, be sure to try Oakham's offering, hailing all the way from Peterborough.
In addition to their cask ales, the Pen & Wig also provides a smaller selection of bottled craft beers, including popular choices like Punk IPA, Brooklyn Lager, and Erdinger. While it may not be a pub that lingers long in your memory, craft beer enthusiasts passing through are likely to leave the Pen & Wig feeling content. So, if you're up for a nice Sunday roast or simply in search of a good pint, you can easily find the Pen & Wig at 1 Park Grove. For more information, you can visit their website at penandwigcardiff.co.uk or give them a call at 029 2037 1217.
If you're looking for a place to enjoy comedy and jazz while sipping on a wide selection of world beers, Porter's in Cardiff is the spot to be. Open until the early hours of the morning on weekends, this stylish venue offers an array of craft beer classics alongside run of the mill imports.
Among the noteworthy options are Nøgne's Ø's exceptional IPA and Amacord's espresso porter, AMA Mora, brewed with real ground coffee and Demerara sugar. The fridges also hold some intriguing choices, like the honey beer Hiver and the famous seaweed ale Kelpie, which complement Porter's range of Belgian beers and US craft bottles from breweries like Goose Island, Brooklyn, and Anchor Steam. Porter's also has plans to serve a cask ale from local brewer Tomos A Lilford on international rugby weekends at the Millennium Stadium.
For a nominal price starting from £3.50, you can indulge in an evening of great beers and entertainment at Harlech Court. Give them a call at 029 2125 0666 or learn more by visiting their website porterscardiff.com.
Discover Chapter Café Bar: A Creative Hub with a Bavarian Twist
Embark on a leisurely stroll, roughly 15-20 minutes from central Cardiff, and you'll stumble upon Chapter Café Bar. This bustling arts center may not resemble a traditional Munich beer hall at first glance, but its vibrant atmosphere and ever-evolving selection of German beers make it a hidden gem. From dunkels and hefeweizens to pilsners and helles, Chapter's fridges are stocked with an enticing variety of brews from lesser-known breweries.
For those seeking something beyond Bavarian delights, Chapter also offers a wide range of craft beers, including popular options like Anchor, Camden Town, and Einstock. Additionally, the bar boasts five cask ales to satisfy your thirst. During my recent visit, the draught selection wasn't the boldest, but I discovered the extraordinary West Coast Red from Kite, a Welsh craft brewery. This rye-style beer is rich and malty, with a hint of smokiness that complements its bold, bitter finish.
Step into Chapter Café Bar and join the bustling community of creative minds, find your favorite brew, and embrace the spirited ambiance that celebrates art in all its forms.
Pint from £2.75. Market Road, Canton, 029 2031 1050, chapter.org
The Lansdowne - An Authentic Pub Experience
Discover The Lansdowne, a unique and charming pub located in Canton, near Cardiff City's stadium. This pub offers a refreshing blend of old-world charm and contemporary craft beers, making it a must-visit for beer enthusiasts.
Step inside and you'll find a stripped-back interior, focusing on the essentials: a dart board, a piano, and of course, a wide selection of great beer. With two keg taps, The Lansdowne offers a variety of options including the interesting and complex Cali Ale from Pipes beer. In addition, their ever-changing guest tap showcases various contemporary craft beers, such as Celt's black saison and Black Book.
For those who prefer cask ales, The Lansdowne offers a selection of five featuring a mix of proven classics and innovative options from breweries like Tiny Rebel, Mantle, Raw, and Mallinson's. The pub also takes pride in its support for Welsh craft breweries by offering a small selection of bottles from leading local brewers. However, they also cater to different tastes by including discerning mainline choices like Brooklyn Lager, Duvel, and Budvar in their range.
One of the standout features of The Lansdowne is its knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, who are always ready to guide you through their extensive beer offerings. If you're looking to experience the best of what this pub has to offer, make sure to visit during their annual beer festival in June.
Ready to experience The Lansdowne? Head over to thelansdownecardiff.co.uk for more information and plan your visit. Pints start from just £3.35, making it an affordable and worthwhile destination for beer lovers. Don't miss out on this authentic pub experience!
For those who have strong opinions about "dude food," there's no denying that it has opened up a world of opportunities to enjoy exceptional craft beer. Two neighboring venues in Cardiff, The Grazing Shed and The Smoke Haus, welcome beer enthusiasts to sample their brews without the need to order food.
At The Grazing Shed on Barrack Lane, not only can you indulge in their delicious burgers, but you can also savor their Super Tidy Brew (£4) – a Pacific coast IPA crafted exclusively for the restaurant by the innovative Cardiff brewers, Crafty Devil. Bursting with refreshing and tangy flavors reminiscent of sherbet, this beer owes its irresistible taste to the generous use of mosaic hops.
The Smoke Haus, situated on Mary Ann Street, offers a great selection of craft beers. On draught, you'll find the popular Brooklyn Lager and Anchor Steam, while their bottle selection includes Goose Island, Sierra Nevada (featuring an uncommon porter), and Flying Dog.
Additionally, beer aficionados exploring the vibrant Cardiff Bay area cannot miss out on The Pilot in Penarth. Located on Queens Road, just a 20-minute train ride from Cardiff Central, this pub impresses with its rotating selection of five guest cask ales from various craft breweries, such as Grey Trees from Aberdare and First Chop from Salford. The pub's parent company, Knife & Fork, has recently embarked on an exciting partnership with the esteemed Welsh microbrewers, Otley, resulting in a range of exclusive ales available exclusively at their establishments. Keep an eye out for their distinct offerings like Phil's Beardy Brew and the new Murphy's Law. Moreover, The Pilot also holds its own annual mini beer festivals every May and August.
