Borough, Cardiff

The bright red paintwork draws you towards this busy city centre pub. The entrance has a wooden entry kiosk (no longer used) before you step into a long split level interior with bright artwork, loads of pictures, and boards promoting the pub. While the ground floor level by the bar counter has mainly high bar stools, the higher level has comfortable seating divided by partitions with glass panels. At the rear is a section with a fireplace flanked by glass cabinets with books and ornaments. This is where the pool table resides and, among other things displayed on the walls, is a framed “Cardiff & Newport Pub Crawl”, a mighty challenge indeed! A series of mock crystal chandeliers provide the lighting. The beers may not excite real ale connoisseurs but they are popular and keenly priced, with a guest ale making an occasional appearance. A pub of character. An interesting historical note is that it was built in 1867 as the tallest building in St Mary Street then rebuilt to a higher level in the late 1880's to rival the rebuilt market.