The Captains Wife, near Penarth, is located on one of the most picturesque places around Cardiff, and has managed to keep its shipping heritage alive.

The Venue
Getting there is a bit tricky. If you’re traveling from Cardiff, follow the B4267 out of Penarth and, after about two miles towards Sully, turn left into a narrow lane signposted for Swanbridge. The pub’s car park is at the end of it. You can then enjoy the unique scenery, right on the coast of South Wales. The white country cottage is as welcoming as the old-style decor inside, with its marine paintings and rural furniture.

The People
There is a large garden with tables outside, but a seat by the stone fireplace will better suit the long, dark and chilly nights. The warm and intimate atmosphere attracts many couples in search of a tete-a-tete, but you’re more likely to find families on Sundays. The barstaff are unobtrusive and obliging, and the ambient music low enough to enjoy a relaxed conversation.

The Food
The Captains Wife offers an interesting combination of good-quality pub food and fish specials. The classics are all around £7.95, such as the cracking beef, mushroom and Guinness pie, which is served with a portion of seasonal vegetables. You can’t expect more from a pub’s kitchen: it is well-presented, quite enjoyable and quickly served. The Sunday roast offers regular turkey or beef, with less frequent pork and lamb specials (£6.96-£7.95) and the seabass fillets (£10.50) are also worth the drive to Swanbridge. When the tide is low, you might fancy a digestive walk to the nearby tiny Island of Sully.

The Drink
The diverse wine list perfectly complements the food menu. From crisp whites, like the Chilean Sauvignon Blanc (£12.95 a bottle), to spicy reds (Shiraz and Rioja), the selection is rich and elegantly topped by the dense and dark Châteauneuf du Pape (£18.95). All are available by the glass or the bottle, but you might prefer the four draught wines from the pub’s own cellar (between £3.25 and £4.50 the large glass).

The spirits range is reasonably wide, as well. And so is the cask ales offer. The Brains bitter, Tribute Cornish ale and Timothy Taylor cost between £2.40 and £2.80 a pint.

The Last Word
A warm and welcoming atmosphere, some decent food and a large choice of drinks: the Captains Wife has all a country pub needs. It’s just a shame you need a car to get there.