Seeking Sustenance in Cardiff City Centre
Great Western
Built in 1879 to serve the nearby Great Western Station, now Cardiff Central. I’ve always assumed that the number 6474 above the entrance of the Great Western was a locomotive number. Apparantly not. It may have been the telephone number of the hotel. I popped down Sunday morning for a small geocaching event and supped on a nice pint of Gower Gold.
Head of Steam
The Head of Steam has been in Church Street since 2018 moving into the building previously occupied by Harvester. It is part of a chain, based mainly in the North East of England and an offshoot of Cammerons Brewery of Hartlepool. It sells both real ale and craft beers, some from Belgium, as well as food. I had a pint of the milk stout Fairytale of Brew York, a topical name given the recent passing of Shane MacGowan.
Borough Arms
The Borough Arms dates back to the mid 1800s when the architecturally interesting building was built by James Howell, the draper. It maintains some of the features and atmosphere of being a traditional city centre pub. I had a pint of seasonal Santa’s Little Belter from the Glamorgan Brewing Company in Llantrisant.
Coffee Barker
Coffee Barker in Castle Arcade was started as an offshoot of the Barker clothing shop and achieved such popularity that the clothing shop was closed and the coffee shop expanded to fill the space. It has a very relaxing atmosphere and comfortable soft furnishings. I had a coffee and Oreo cookie brownie but the doorstep sandwiches looked great. Next time may be.
Pen & Wig
Although it may have the feel of a long established pub it’s not, only having been here since 1994. It is however a fine establishment and worth seeking out. A fine selection of cask ales. A good selection of old Cardiff photographs on the way up the stairs – ones you don’t normally see. I had a fine pint of Tropic of Jones from the Tomos & Lilford Brewery in Nash, Vale of Glamorgan.
Big Moose
What better place to start my exploration of city centre eateries than Big Moose on Frederick Street. You know it going to be good when you meet a tourist coming out who recommends the place. To be fair I’ve been here a few times previously and not only admire them for their charity work but also for their food and service. What better place to go to relax and have a read. I had a lovely piece of white chocolate and strawberry cake with a flat white.
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Time for a bit of jazz from the students at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. We happened upon Polish jass night. The Tomos Watkins beer was rather good, as was the guy on tenor sax.
Cardiff Capers 