Cardiff - Caerdydd

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

Old Arcade

14 Church Street
Cardiff
CF10 1BG
Emailku.oc.notsrsm@74139W Telephone(029) 2021 7999
Real AleLunchtime MealsEvening MealsSeparate BarDisabled AccessSmokingNewspapersSports TVWiFiLive MusicMember Discount Scheme
Opening times: Mon–Thu 11:00-23:00; Fri and Sat 11:00-24:00; Sun 12:00-22:00
Regular beers: Brains Bitter, Brains Dark, Brains Rev James Original, Brains SA, Brains SA Gold

See more about this pub on WhatPub, CAMRA's national pub guide.

The Old Arcade is one of the most famous rugby pubs in the world - it is well worth a visit to see a contrast of fittings with early 20th century ones in the front bar and some genuine late-Victorian fittings in the back bar. It is very busy when there is an event at the nearby Principality Stadium, particularly rugby matches. It was built in 1844 as the Birdcage Inn; and later called the Arcade Vaults. Later refurbishments give the pub a modern feel but it is good to see a city centre pub retaining many old fittings. The back bar retains this splendid late Victorian bar back fitting still with five of the six original mirrored panels; also, a mahogany counter and an early 20th century fireplace. While this pub is leased to Marston's, it retains the entire Brains range of cask ales.