Located in beautiful surroundings, the attractive Pelican offers hearty meals and real ales in a warm and rustic environment.

The Venue
Situated in the picturesque village of Ogmore by Sea on the stunning Glamorgan Heritage Coast, the Pelican (In Her Piety) is located some 20 miles west of Cardiff and 3 miles south of Bridgend. Overlooking the ruins of the 12th Century Ogmore Castle on the banks of the Ewenny River, the Pelican is centuries old.

An attractive, stone building with yellow framed windows, the Pelican sits at the foot of a verdant hill. Seating is available outdoors at the front of the pub, and this area is buzzing with atmosphere on warm, summer days.

Entering through a traditional wooden door, you are greeted by a rustic and cosy interior. The yellow and red stone walls give the place a bright, almost Mediterranean feel, while original flagstone floors and timber details remind you that this is a very British pub.

Old books draped with dust and cobwebs sit on shelves up high, and old fashioned mirrors and pictures line the walls. Other memorabilia, such as framed fishing equipment, is contrasted with more modern touches, such as an impressive wine bottle holder fashioned out of a section of tree trunk.

Lighting is subtle, without feeling too dim, and further gives the place a pleasant ambience. Additional lighting is provided by tall candles placed in the neck of empty bottles of Laurent Perrier Champagne.

The pub is separated into three sections- a casual dining area, a drinking area, and a more formal dining area. The casual area comprises five or six large, farmhouse style tables with matching chairs and red leather stools, while in the formal dining area seating comprises of modern, high-back black leather chairs.

There is a laid back feel to the pub, allowing visitors to relax while taking in the sights and sounds of the countryside.

The People
The Pelican has a loyal contingent of regulars, many of these being well-off residents of the Vale. The clip clop of horses is a frequent soundtrack to the pub, and riders often stop off for a quick drink. Another common sight is the expensive cars that are often parked outside - their owners parking up to enjoy the good food and drink that the Pelican has to offer. Country walkers regularly pop into the pub, and inside their dogs can often be seen hiding under tables. The pub also hosts live bands, and these evenings are especially busy. The atmosphere is warm and chatty, and the staff are welcoming.

The Food
The Pelican is something of a gastro pub, and its menus offer a good range of traditional meals. In the casual dining area impressive specials are also listed on individual chalk boards hung on the wall. The specials board, sitting at the higher end of the price scale, continually changes throughout the year to reflect the best, in-season ingredients.

As a nod to the current economic climate, the Pelican offers the somewhat crudely named Credit Lunch - 2 courses for £9.99. The offer is available lunchtime to evening, Monday to Thursday, and lunchtime only on Fridays.

Meals can otherwise seem a little expensive but portion sizes and the use of quality, locally-sourced ingredients justifies the extra spending. The atmosphere alone is worth paying an extra few pounds for.

Starters include Camembert wedges deep fried in batter served with redcurrant jelly (£5.95), and Thai fish cakes (£5.95).

For mains there’s curry of the day, fresh mussels (£11.95), and 10oz cod fillet with steakhouse chips and peas (£10.95). The cod, encased in a light, crisp and delicious batter, is succulent and perfectly cooked, and sits atop a bed of chunky homemade chips and fresh peas. A decent lemon wedge is placed on the plate, and generous dollop of homemade tartar sauce is served in a ramekin.

As an alternative to a main meal, a variety of baguettes, served with fresh salad, coleslaw and sauteed potatoes, is also offered. The Pelican’s take on the humble baguette is a delight and again the size of the portion is surprisingly generous. The brie and bacon offering is a fresh baguette crammed with thick slices of semi-melted Brie, redcurrant jelly, and juicy rindless rashers of smoked back bacon (£7.95), this is served with delicious sautéed potatoes.

Sunday lunch is also served and, as well as the usual roasts, it includes tempting alternatives such as poached fillet of wild Scottish salmon, asparagus, white wine and cream sauce (£11.95). Children’s meals start at £6.95. Desserts, all at £5.50, are detailed on a roving blackboard and include strawberry cheesecake, banoffee pie, and bread and butter pudding.

The Drink
The old, wooden bar stretches along the back of the pub and provides an attractive display. As well as a broad selection of spirits and liquors, there is an emphasis on real ale, the selection which includes London Pride, Old Speckled Hen, Hereford Pale Ale and Abbots Ale (£3-£3.30).

The wine list is respectable with a bottle of Chilean red or white at £14.65, although there is a credit crunch wine currently on offer at £11.45 for a Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc or pink Cava. This extends all the way to £35.45 for a Spanish Rioja Reserva, or £39.95 for a Cloudy Bay New Zealand white. Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne, which is the Pelican’s favoured candle holder, is available for £64.95. Soft drinks and coffees are of course also available, with a liquor coffee at £4.45.

The Last Word
Offering a warm and rustic atmosphere, and excellent meals, the Pelican is likely to re-inspire your faith in good, British cooking.

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