LANSDOWNE BEER FESTIVAL | LIVE REVIEW
The Lansdowne Pub, Canton, Cardiff, Sat 21 June
This Saturday my friend Abbi and I wanted to go for a quiet pint between World Cup games. Having been to The Landsdowne a few times recently I suggested a walk over to Beda Road in Canton. The usual easy-going atmosphere and excellent beer selection met us at the bar – and then we walked outside to a completely different world…
There was another bar full of ales served straight from the barrel and then a marquee with a live band and a tasty-smelling BBQ. After taking in the atmosphere I traded cash for beer tokens and offered them to the men with real ale beards (I think they were CAMRA Cardiff volunteers). Whilst queuing up I was personally recommended the Otley 08 by landlady Binki Rees. At 8% alcohol by volume, a half pint of this Pontypridd brew could not be consumed in great quantities. Fortunately there were more than ten beers on tap – most of them from Wales – and so I’m sure everybody found something they liked.
As the evening developed it become obvious that we would not be going home to watch any more of the football. As a first-time-visitor to the pub Abbi said that:
“All were made to feel welcome: from pets in the form of four-legged friends to children sporting fairy wings and costumes. All the music, especially the 9-piece Colibri Soul, was exceptional and towards the end there was no room left on the dance floor – even to swing a small cat.”
Quite a few other friends came along over the evening and we were all sad to leave. This weekend festival is now in its third year and comes highly recommended as a showcase for this wonderful pub.
words ALED SINGLETON
Info: www.thelansdownecardiff.co.uk