Royal Oak, Roath, Cardiff

** CAMRA Inventory pub. Three roomed layout; a long main bar on the left and two rooms to the right via a porch. The stained glass is still very much in evidence although a lot of the windows are obscured by high backed pew seating, however the set used as the serving hatch to the small rear room can be seen from there in all its glory. The bar back is handsome though has been handicapped by being painted grey. For those of a pugilistic disposition there's a large number of framed items from the boxing world. The lounge areas are quite tidy, carpeted with plush green banquettes and some moulded plaster reliefs on the wall. There's a big sign saying NO CHILDREN IN THE BAR except that there were two of them behind it, screaming and bawling. Imbibing-wise, there were a couple of pumps with Brains Bitter as the single ale, in good nick too (NBSS 3.5). Squawking kids aside, this is a tidy place that's well-worth the bus out for a look.