From Cardiff to Llanelli, and Swansea to the Gower, Ruth Seavers gets into the spirit of the spring and finds the best places in South Wales for a tipple. Remember to drink responsibly. Not that you will. We have to say that. Just don’t be an idiot.
NO SIGN WINE BAR
Swansea’s oldest pub, where the 15th century wine cellar inspired Dylan Thomas in his short story The Followers. This is a sweet little spot to park yourself for that temperamental transition of weather Wales typically brings during spring. There’s a log fire on the cold days with big armchairs to settle yourself in and a terrace for the sunnier (rarer) days.
56 Wind Street, Swansea. Info: 017 9246 5300 / www.nosignwinebar.com
KILKENNY CAT
To fight like a Kilkenny cat is to fight tenaciously. The phrase comes from old Irish mythology and folklore and is where the name for this Irish pub hidden in Llanelli came from. Run by an Irish woman herself, the place has a vast selection of drinks, live music and is known for the craic in the area (not that kind of crack).
19 West End, Llanelli. Info: 015 5475 8177 / www.facebook.com/thekilkennycat
KING ARTHUR HOTEL
Known for their food and their beautiful spot in the Gower, the King Arthur is a popular choice for a lazy Sunday lunch and a pint in the sun. If you don’t live near it, it’s a bit of a bummer if you’re driving and you want to drink but you can always just book a room for the night and get the breakfast included in the morning to kick start your drive home.
Reynoldston, Swansea. Info: 017 9239 0775 / www.kingarthurhotel.co.uk
MUMBLES ALE HOUSE
This teensy little spot is a town secret, hidden up the road just past Davies of Mumbles. They have an ever-changing selection of beers and the staff know everything there is to know about beer (in case you don’t). It’s very small, which means you can’t fail to meet new people and its compact size makes it feel like a pub has just opened in your mate Dave’s living room. Very cosy.
2 Dunns Lane, The Mumbles. Info: 074 3742 1963 / www.facebook.com/mumblesalehouse
URBAN TAP HOUSE
Owned by the Tiny Rebel, Wales’ coolest (and cutest) brewing company, Urban Tap House is Cardiff’s first fully devoted craft beer bar serving the company’s award winning brews including Cwtch and Dirty Stop Out. The place has great food and board games and it’s good to know you’re supporting Welsh brewers.
25 Westgate Street, Cardiff. Info: 029 2039 9557 / www.tinyrebel.co.uk
