The Prince of Wales (JD Wetherspoon), Cardiff

Housed in a substantial stone building that looks like a warehouse from the side but which has a grand frontage dating from its former life as a theatre and cinema. A mezzanine was added when converted by Wetherspoon, and this is now the best place to see the many interesting relics of its former uses. Plenty of seating on both levels, and in the adjoining building in a different style. Two banks of six handpumps on the main counter, with Oakham Inferno and the more local Flo Rider from Glamorgan (£1.99) in addition to Greene King IPA, Doom Bar and Abbot on one and five ciders on the other. A mostly duplicated selection was available on the smaller upstairs bar, although Vale's Red Kite was also on one of the pulls.

A Spoons that got a CAMRA outstanding conversion award (from a theatre/cinema) due to various features being retained and integrated into the fabric of the conversion. Inside is a classic modern Spoons over two floors, connected by an attractive staircase. The upper area is certainly the place to be where, to directly lift from another reviewer: “the reminders of the theatre include the stalls, large red velvet drapes, some reproduction stonework and pillars, some private boxes on each side and even a couple of lighting rigs”. It is certainly well-done. Three guest cask on offer but none immediately inspired (the same casks seem to have been dropped off at most of the Spoons in Cardiff and come on at the same time) so I decided to go for a craft can of loopy juice with my dinner. Friendly service from the staff. I prefer the Central as a drinking venue but this one holds enough internal interest to make it worthy of a visit.