Venue to Visit : The City Arms

For a long time, the City Arms was my number one go-to destination in Cardiff. These days it's certainly still up there, but the pandemic has clipped its wings somewhat. A change in management post-pandemic is cause for optimism.

Before the world turned upside down, one could find up to ten different cask lines around its three sided centrally placed bar. While the sides were the domain of house brewer Brains, the front facing seven handpulls would be filled with guest beers from all over the country and beyond. A continually refreshed keg offering complemented a well-stocked, varied bottle fridge, with tap upon tap of real cider taking centre stage of this almost altar-like construction. These days the offering is slightly more restrained, but when things get back to normal, this sleeping giant could awaken once more.

Either side you will find seating stretching into two wings. To the right is a snug which while cosy is not claustrophobic. If the chat doesn't take your interest, then cast your eyes around the walls - the cages of beer bottles and other Brains brewery ephemera will certainly pique your interest.

Meanwhile round the other side, a larger, more expansive area houses pillars to lean against and more walls to gaze at. Where once a plentiful plethora of pump clips punctuated the plasterwork, meticulous montages now proudly celebrate the city and country's sporting heritage. For a pub so physically and etymogically close to the national stadium The City Arms is always heaving on rugby days, and you are sure to find someone who has travelled from a far away land who has been recommended to call in to this storied staple of the matchday experience for half a Dark before heading to the Arms Park.

The City Arms

10-12 Quay St., Cardiff CF10 1EA

029 2064 1913

https://www.sabrainpubs.com/pubs-and-hotels/south-wales/cardiff/city-arms

BONUS : A video I made visiting the City Arms in January 2019