Cardiff pubs make the Top 100

The Golden Cross' tiled exterior (Flickr pic by the justified sinner)

Three Cardiff pubs have been named on a list of the top 100 famous UK drinking spots. The guide, compiled by whiskey brand the Famous Grouse and The Sunday Telegraph, was made to recognise pubs celebrated for their history and character.

The pubs that made the cut in Cardiff were The Packet Hotel, Cardiff Bay; The Golden Cross, Hayes Bridge Rd, and The Royal Oak, Adamsdown, all of which are Brain’s owned establishments.

The Golden Cross, in the centre of Cardiff near Central Station, is described in the guide as having “the most spectacular pub interior in the whole of Wales”. The grade 2 listed building houses a fabulous curved tiled bar that has to compete with the, I presume, just as fabulous Sunday night drag acts that perform here.

This traditional pub was voted best gay pub in the UK in 2004, but non-gays are regulars as well, with good food and beer on offer. Expect a Golden Cross review to come soon.

The Royal Oak in Adamsdown dates back to the 1800s and with its stain glass windows and high-backed pews, keeps things traditional. What isn’t traditional about this place is the fact it has a boxing ring in one of the upper rooms.

This pub was home to the gym where ‘Peerless’ Jim Driscoll – the Cardiff born featherweight who won the Lonsdale belt in 1910 – used to train and is still a focal point for the local boxing community.

The third of the celebrated trio is The Packet Hotel on Bute Street. The hotel was built in 1864 mainly for sailors. Apparently there is an unwritten law that a sailor caught with the tide out must be given boarding. You could try it if you don’t fancy the walk home after a few too many but I don’t think you’ll get very far.

The pub gets its name from the packet steamers that used to dock nearby. Inside it’s spacious, with a magnificent mahogany construction behind the bar that’s worth a look at.

Congratulations to all the Cardiff pubs that made the list. Now get down to them and see what all the fuss is about. Mine’s a pint.