The Old Arcade - Cardiff - Pub Review

Nestled on Church Street in the heart of Cardiff city centre, The Old Arcade is a celebrated Welsh pub famed for its rugby-mad atmosphere and its vintage character. Its weathered brick façade and traditional interior evoke an old-world charm – think polished dark wood, stained-glass panels, and a cosy fireplace – all decked out with rugby memorabilia and historic photos. In fact, The Old Arcade prides itself on being “one of the best pubs in Cardiff for live sport”. Dating back to the 19th century, it once bore names like the Birdcage and the Arcade Vaults before taking on its current moniker around 1900. Today it remains a pilgrimage site for rugby fans: on major match days the pub “is at its most lively – especially if Wales are playing at home – and everything from rugby to racing, football to cricket is shown on their seven big screens”. Throughout the rest of the year it still draws crowds with a warm welcome and plenty of atmosphere, serving up traditional pub fare and a rotating squad of Brains real ales. With its combination of genuine heritage and friendly buzz, The Old Arcade is widely regarded as an iconic Cardiff watering hole.

Facilities & Entertainment

From outside, Church Street’s mix of arcades and shopfronts hints at the Old Arcade’s historic pedigree – indeed, the pub originally stood alongside the first indoor shopping arcade in Cardiff (built in 1835). Inside, the atmosphere revolves around sport and socialising. The pub has multiple big screens and TVs on the walls (Sky Sports TV is available), but in keeping with tradition, they generally remain silent except during big matches. On those occasions – Six Nations games or Rugby World Cup matches – the volume rises, and the place erupts in cheers. For most of the time, though, the TV screens are simply there for the faithful to gather around, and they also occasionally air football, horse racing, or cricket. An old analogue scoreboard and framed jerseys add to the sports vibe.

Outside, there is a beer garden/smoking area and a few pavement tables (often busy in summer) where patrons can enjoy a pint al fresco. The site notes a “Beer Garden” and “Street Side Tables” – an unusual feature in this cramped central location. The garden is dog-friendly and a handy spot to escape the smoke, since the patio itself is nonsmoking. (Smoking is only allowed out on the street.) The pub layout is mostly on one level, with a couple of separate snugs and an open bar area, so accessibility is decent – there’s only a small step up from street level. However, as a Victorian building, it does have some narrow aisles and tight corners, and its only restroom is modest in size, so true wheelchair access can be tricky. The staff do try to help, but patrons with mobility issues sometimes note the space is cramped when busy.

Entertainment at The Old Arcade centres on live sport and music. It regularly markets itself as Cardiff’s top sport pub, and it pulls out all the stops on match days. In addition to the screens, there’s a piped-in PA system to rouse the crowd, and chants often break out. Outside of big games, the pub still keeps a lively calendar: on weekends you might find a DJ or live band playing (a reviewer noted “Live music/DJ every Saturday night”). Even midweek there are often promotions like “Cask Ale Monday” deals on Brains pints, and on Thursday evenings they’ve offered “3 pints for £10” specials to draw in the after-work crowd. Its in-house app and social media page highlight upcoming quizzes, karaoke or special sports viewings, though unlike some city pubs there’s no full-time quiz night or karaoke schedule. Instead, the appeal is the communal sporting energy – for example, the pub transforms into a Six Nations gathering spot every spring, with fans packing the bar to watch Wales play. In short, if you’re after a quiet evening of darts or shuffleboard, you might be disappointed, but if you want a booming stereo of rugby chants and social banter, The Old Arcade delivers.

Food on Offer

The Old Arcade’s menu is classic British pub fare with a Welsh twist. You’ll find all the usual suspects: beer-battered fish and chips, hearty pies, ploughman’s lunches, burgers and grills. Menu highlights include steak and ale pie, chicken curry, and a range of sizzling burgers (from beef to chicken), plus steaks and grills. In winter the pub often serves warming dishes like sausage & mash or cottage pie (one reviewer mentioned “Gammon Steak” specifically). Lighter options are available too – crisp salads, a fish platter, and daily specials – so it’s not just a meat-and-potatoes joint. There are also veggie-friendly choices: for instance, the menu usually offers a meat-free burger and sometimes a nut roast or veggie lasagne. The ingredients tend to be solid pub-quality, with emphasis on local Welsh produce where possible (the staff like to say they use “the best Welsh produce”).

Perhaps most famed among foodies is the Sunday roast. The Old Arcade boasts a full Sunday roast menu with generous portions and all the trimmings – roast meats (beef or turkey, plus a vegetarian nut roast alternative), seasonal veg, thick gravy and Yorkshire puddings. The pub’s own promo calls it the “Best Roast in Town”. It’s a hearty, old-fashioned plate of comfort, and customers consistently rave about it. In a TripAdvisor review a visitor noted the turkey roast was “good value for money and tasted lovely!" Plenty of gravy!! ”. On a busy Sunday the roast dinner can sell out, so locals often arrive early. Even on weekdays, however, the kitchen keeps the classics coming: fish and chips (fresh cod), succulent burgers, loaded fries, and indulgent desserts like sticky toffee pudding. The combination of generous portions and unfussy prep means you can always count on filling pub grub. For those not eating a full meal, the pub also offers bar snacks and a children’s menu (the TripAdvisor description even mentions kid-friendly options like chicken dippers and gammon steaks).

The Old Arcade delivers solid pub cuisine without any gastronomic pretensions. It’s not a gourmet restaurant, but it hits the mark on comfort food. Families, sports fans, and locals alike appreciate that the food “suits everyone”, whether you’re nursing a pint of ale or settling in for a post-match supper. And on weekends the kitchen effort really shows – having a Sunday roast here feels like a time-honoured tradition.

Beers on Tap

Beer is a core part of The Old Arcade’s identity – fittingly, since it was once owned by S.A. Brain’s Brewery, the venerable Cardiff brewer. To this day the pub is one of the rare London freeholds (now Marston’s-run) still pouring the full range of Brains cask ales. If you follow real ale, you’ll be in heaven: the chalkboard often lists Brains classics such as Brains SA Best Bitter (4.2% ABV), Brains Dark (3.4%) and Brains SA Gold (4.2%). The CAMRA listing confirms that these Brains beers are “served regularly” at the pub. For example, Brains Dark on cask is reportedly back on tap after a hiatus, which delighted loyal patrons. You may also find Brains’ premium Rev James (4.5%) or even the old-school 1882 Bitter (3.4%), depending on availability. In addition, a frequent guest is Barry Island IPA – Brains’ American-hopped pale ale – which shows up on the taps and in several Untappd check-ins from visitors.

DesignMyNight aptly notes The Old Arcade has a “strong squad of Brains beers on the menu alongside a rotating list of guest cask ales”. Indeed, while the focus is on the Brains range, the pub often brings in rotating craft ales and occasional keg taps to mix things up. One week you might get a Wales-themed ale or a local craft beer alongside the staples. The bartenders know their stuff, and they’re happy to guide you through the selection. In one review a barmaid named Abbey was praised for recommending a pint of Brains Dark to a customer unfamiliar with local brews – suggesting the staff really do take pride in the beer list.

Pours here are taken seriously: casks are well maintained and glasses are cleaned regularly, so you’ll almost always get a properly cellared pint. On tap you’ll also find a handful of lagers, perhaps a cider (Brains-owned, of course), plus a decent wine list and spirits. But it’s the real ale that shines. If you appreciate classic British bitters and milds, you could spend an afternoon tasting your way through. Some days there are even ale-themed deals – for instance, “Cask Ale Monday” promotions offering Brains pints for a couple of quid each – making it an even better time to sample everything on offer.

Price Range & Value

The Old Arcade falls into a mid-range price category, offering good value for its central Cardiff location. Pints tend to hover around the £4 mark (occasionally a bit less during deals), which is fair given the quality of the beer and that it’s a well-kept cask ale. Burgers and main dishes generally sit in the £10–£15 range, with bar meals and pub classics around £9–£12. For example, a fish and chips or a gourmet burger with chips might be about £12–£13, and the substantial Sunday roast comes in around £12–£14. This is roughly comparable to other city-centre pubs: you won’t find ultra-cheap food here, but you’re paying for fresh ingredients and hearty portions.

It’s worth noting that The Old Arcade often runs promotions that sweeten the deal. As mentioned, midweek meals can be snagged with “2 for £12” offers on selected mains. Happy hour specials on drink (and “3 pints for £10” on Thursdays, for instance) also make outings more wallet-friendly. Many diners feel the price tags match the quality. One patron noted after a Sunday roast that it was “good value for money”, and another raved that a festive three-course meal at the pub was “outstanding for the price”, highlighting that even special occasions here don’t bust the budget.

You get hearty pub classics and solid ales without unnecessary frills – and at fair prices. The consensus is that a meal and a couple of pints at The Old Arcade feel like money well spent, especially given the ambience and the live sport sideshow. It won’t rival a lower-end chain for absolute cheapness, but few pubs in this area will deliver better-tasting food or better-kept ale at similar cost. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick after-work pint or making an evening of it, customers generally feel their bill reflects the quality (and the tradition) they’re enjoying.

Customer Service

A great pub can live or die on its staff, and The Old Arcade’s team earns high marks. The atmosphere is very down-to-earth and welcoming: reviewers repeatedly mention the “great staff” and how friendly the team is. The general manager (named Mark) and his crew tend to be chatty and proud of their pub. Even when the place fills up, bartenders keep orders flowing, clear empty glasses quickly, and greet new patrons with a smile. They’re particularly knowledgeable about the beer list: as one guest’s experience shows, bartenders are happy to recommend a local ale if you ask (Abbey’s tip to try Brains Dark earned praise).

The service style is relaxed yet efficient. It’s a busy pub, so you usually order at the bar, but staff often remember regulars by name and never make newcomers feel out of place. In reviews, diners highlight how the team makes “everyone feel like a VIP”. Meal service is handled quickly for a pub kitchen – you’re not going to wait an hour for fish and chips, even on a Saturday night. The response to feedback is also telling: when guests leave positive comments on TripAdvisor, the owners personally respond with genuine warmth (thanking them and welcoming them back).

The pub is family-run in spirit if not in exact ownership. There is a tangible sense of pride among the staff after 25+ years of Brains' ownership and now Marston’s stewardship. Even on the busiest evenings, you won’t find brusque service or attitude. This customer-friendly approach contributes heavily to why many people say they feel “at home” in this pub. First-timers frequently mention that the positive vibe and personal attention encourage them to come back – on matchdays or any other day.

Events & Special Nights

The Old Arcade’s event calendar revolves largely around sports and community gatherings. Unsurprisingly, the pub goes all-out for rugby. On Six Nations and autumn Test weekends, the atmosphere is almost electric – fans fill every corner to watch matches on the big screens. The pub is so renowned among rugby circles that it’s considered a kind of Welsh rugby HQ outside of the stadium. It even spawned its own amateur Sunday rugby team back in 1979, though that team was really an excuse to meet up and socialise!. Today, major game days feel like a mini-festival, with away fans and home supporters mixing over pints.

Outside of rugby season, The Old Arcade still carries a sporty vibe. They’ll put on big games – from Six Nations cricket to the FA Cup – and sometimes lay in Guinness or Sky Sports coverage for big fixtures. When a screening is on, regulars know to come early to snag a seat. For added fun, the pub joins in city-wide events: for example, it may host watching parties for the Rugby World Cup or Six Nations Grand Slam pushes, often with special promo nights (discounted pints on Welsh game days, for instance).

Evenings not earmarked for sport often see music in the pub. The back room may feature live bands or a DJ spinning tracks late into the night. Some weeks there are unofficial quiz or game nights, especially in quieter seasons, to keep locals engaged. Holiday and seasonal events pop up too: one December, noted in a review, featured a “3-course Christmas meal” where everything was excellent, so the pub clearly spices up its dining offer for special occasions. The marquee noticeboard by the bar and social media accounts will advertise any themed nights – murder mysteries, Wales team meet-and-greets, or charity shindigs – although these are secondary to the sports focus.

On a typical night, expect a crowd of after-work friends, rugby supporters, and students nursing pints. You might stumble upon impromptu celebrations: a fan’s birthday, a spontaneous sing-along, or a post-match pep talk. If you time it right, there might even be a whisky or cider tasting event (the chain organises them periodically). In essence, The Old Arcade doesn’t try to be a nightclub – but it does offer enough “special events” to keep things interesting and draw in crowds regularly. A festival of sport and local camaraderie, with the odd themed night to boot, that’s the character of the place.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

The minute you step through the door, you’re immersed in a very traditional pub ambience. The interior is snug and dimly lit, with wood-panelled walls, high wooden bar stools, and plush leather benches. Rugby scarves and signed photographs cover much of the wall space, giving it the feeling of an old clubhouse. An original tiled fireplace crackles on colder days, adding literal warmth and a vintage touch. Despite these historic fittings, the vibe is lively, not reverent – modern speakers quietly hum with music playlists, and the chatter is friendly. It’s a space built for conversation and celebration, not sterile minimalism.

The clientele is mixed: on match days you’ll see die-hard rugby fans in team jerseys, students on pub crawls, and tourists who heard this was “the” place to watch a game. During the week it fills with locals – shop workers, off-duty nurses or council employees – popping in for a quick pint or meal. Groups of friends from Cardiff’s universities and surrounding villages often gather here. Families drop by on Sundays for lunch, taking advantage of the kid-friendly menu and spacious booths. Even tourists end up staying, charmed by the authenticity. A particularly heartwarming sight is a well-behaved dog curled under a table: The Old Arcade is 100% dog-friendly, allowing pets in most areas (proof that even the Welsh sagas happen around the pub table).

Given its popularity, the pub can become very busy and buzzy. On a cold evening or a big match night, every table will be taken, and there may be a line at the bar. This can make navigation tricky – beware of juggling a pint when people are passing between tables. If it’s packed, finding a seat can require getting there early or cosying up to strangers (the staff are good at finding you a spot though). But many regulars say this energetic, bustling feel is part of its charm. The close quarters foster a communal atmosphere: you end up overhearing friendly debates about last night’s game or swapping stories about Cardiff.

Accessibility is a mixed bag. The pub claims accessible access and has a wide doorway, but in reality some customers find it challenging. The entrance has a small lip and a sometimes slippery step, which can trip up wheelchairs or pushchairs. Inside, while the ground floor has no further steps, the floor space is uneven in spots (a holdover from its original construction). The single restroom is on ground level, but it’s fairly compact and not officially ‘accessible’. In short, mobility-impaired patrons often mention it’s not the easiest place for navigation. (That said, the staff are usually willing to assist – e.g., carrying drinks to tables or rearranging furniture for access.)

One very positive thing about accessibility is that there are no upstairs or tight cellar staircases as in some Victorian pubs: everything is on one floor. And as noted, dogs are welcome everywhere. Parking nearby is tough – Church Street is on a bus corridor – but plenty of bus routes pass nearby, and Cardiff Central train station is only about a 10-minute walk away.

Despite any quirks, most visitors remark that the warmth of the crowd and the decor outweigh any inconveniences. The pub’s historic charm – wood, brick, and vintage signs – gives it an authenticity that newer bars lack. In a city full of chain pubs and modern lounges, The Old Arcade feels like stepping into a living piece of Cardiff’s past.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Old Arcade’s spot on Church Street is very central. It sits tucked just off the main thoroughfare of St Mary Street and directly adjacent to Cardiff Market Hall, making it a convenient meeting point. In fact, its name recalls the very first shopping arcade here that was built to connect Church Street to the indoor market. Today you can wander straight from the market stalls (fruit, cheese, and international street food) into the pub for a pint. It’s also just a few steps from the pedestrianised Queen Street shopping area and not far (about a 7–10 minute walk) from the Principality Stadium and Cardiff City Hall.

Transport is easy: several bus routes run down Churchill Way and St Mary Street (Cardiff Central bus stops are nearby), and, as mentioned, Cardiff Central railway station is roughly a 10-minute stroll north-west. That makes The Old Arcade accessible for both locals and tourists. If you’re exploring the city, you’ll also note that the historic Museum Quarter (National Museum/Cardiff Castle) is only a 15-minute walk up Queen Street, so it’s feasible to include a museum stop on the way. After your pub visit, you might head to St David’s Dewi Sant (major shopping centre) or one of the nearby theatres – although Angel or the Wales Millennium Centre is a bit farther on foot (or a quick taxi away).

With pubs, restaurants and arcades all around, there’s always something to do pre- or post-drinks. Chapel Street (famous for its market and bowling alley) is at the end of Church Street, and the lively Mill Lane (clubs and bars) is just a block away. The location also makes The Old Arcade handy for match days at the stadium or concerts – many fans stop in for a pre-game pint. (One could say it’s Cardiff’s own version of an off-stadium supporters’ pub). For drivers: street parking is virtually nonexistent, but there are public car parks in the vicinity (though given central Cardiff’s traffic, it’s usually easier to go by bus or train).

The Old Arcade’s Church Street address means you’re in the thick of Cardiff’s action. It’s far enough from the absolute centre of pedestrian chaos to have its own quiet corner, but close enough to everything that you can turn a pub visit into a full day out in the city.

Overall Impression

All told, The Old Arcade stands out as a genuinely unique Cardiff pub. It ticks the boxes of local colour, heritage, and hearty offerings better than most. The blend of a rugby bar and an old-time pub creates a warm and boisterous atmosphere that appeals to a wide crowd. You’ll leave after one visit feeling as if you’ve experienced a slice of Cardiff life – whether that’s hearing about club rugby from a regular, sharing a toast over a Welsh sports victory, or simply enjoying top-notch real ale and a solid plate of food. It’s not a pretentious spot: there’s no velvet rope or fancy cocktails, just a commitment to good times, good ale and good memories.

Of course, perfection is a tall order. The biggest “con” people might cite is that it can get quite crowded – on a sold-out match day or a weekend night, the place can feel very full. By Cardiff’s standards it’s modest in size, so be prepared to jostle or wait for service when it’s busy. Also, if you were specifically looking for a sports pub with wide-screen TV on every wall and a football scoreboard in neon, this place might surprise you with its charm: The Old Arcade’s emphasis is on camaraderie and conversation, not high-decibel TVs every few feet. But for most who come here, those are welcome quirks, not flaws.

Price-wise, it’s modestly affordable, and as mentioned above, the portions and quality mean you get a decent return on your money. The menu isn’t exhaustive, but it covers pub essentials well. One thing you won’t find here is fusion cuisine or vegan sushi – but you will find respectful nods to those seeking vegetarian or vegan pub options (the staff can usually point you to a veggie burger or salad without issue).

The Old Arcade is exactly the kind of place a visitor or local pub-goer would recommend: comfortable, characterful, and fun. It may claim to be “probably the most famous pub in Cardiff”, and it delivers on that bill as a sports fan’s haunt and a historic community local. Many patrons (especially rugby fans) swear it’s a must-visit. If you’re in Cardiff and keen for a genuine pub experience – maybe to raise a pint to Welsh rugby or simply savour a well-kept ale amidst old photographs – The Old Arcade rarely disappoints. Just don’t be surprised if you stay longer than planned.