The Gatekeeper (JD Wetherspoon), Cardiff

This is a medium sized Spoons, well certainly compared to the two down near the Central station. Inside it's a single large room with a raised area on the right, the bar on the left and another level above the raised area. There is a lift between the three levels which is a big plus as inevitably the toilets are right at the top. The bar has three sets of five hand pumps, one of which was devoted to the usual offerings, one to some interesting ciders and the last one had just Locale beers. These were Boss Brave, Mad Dog Barking Like a Dog, Borough Pithead Porter, Tomos Watkin's OSB and Celt Experience Dark Age. I went for the Boss Brave (£2.50) which was an excellent pint. I thought this was easily the best of the three Spoons that form a line between the station and the castle and could easily have stayed for a few.

Large multi levelled Wetherspoons very close to Arms Park, its quite cavernous with many standard Spoons fittings. But the light space and stepped levels somehow make up for what could be failings. Proudly showcasing local beers and coders and there are Welsh classics on the menu. All ok and with friendly service, though do soeem short on staff. The beer is kept very well.