The Old Arcade is located just by Cardiff’s central market and runs the length of the arcade which leads to its doors.

The Venue
A large, long, smart traditional pub which is divided into a front bar and a back bar. There’s also an attractive patio at the back complete with a white canopy, flagstones, big plants and wooden chairs and tables. Inside it’s all big mirrors, dark polished wood and brass, cream walls and warm orange lighting.

This is a good place to watch the rugby and they clear the bar of most of the furniture to fit in the fans who fill the place to the brim. There's even a mobile bar which is called into service and serves punters directly on to the street through a hatch in the window.

The People
Due to its central location The Old Arcade attracts local workers, shoppers, tourists as well as having its own bunch of loyal regulars plus, of course, the die-hard rugby fans. The landlord is jovial and welcoming which is a large part of the reason that everyone happily pitches up time and again throughout any given week. It’s always had a very strong rugby connection (it’s rumoured the legendary Barry John drank here) and it’s one of the best places to come to watch a big game.

The Food and Drink
A lot of the food is homemade and the fish comes directly from Ashton’s in the market. There are sandwiches and salads but the recommended dish is definitely the delicious slab of steak and ale pie which is made with Brains beer on site.

Being a Brains owned pub there’s their own SA Gold, Reverend James, Dark and Smooth on the pumps alongside Guinness, Strongbow and Heineken. There are also real ales on rotation and in bottles you’ve got Corona, Budweiser and Bulmers. Some of the best wines include Piesporter, One Tree Hill and Fraser’s Bay.

The Last Word
A very well maintained pub which, as well as being possibly the best place in town to watch rugby, is welcoming and friendly at any time of the day and night.