The Prince of Wales (JD Wetherspoon), Cardiff

A large Wetherspoon’s pub, handily situated for the shopping, Millennium stadium and the train station. The building was a theatre in a former life, and many of the previous architectural features have been kept in place, which makes for a somewhat more interesting building than many other JDW pubs. The decor has the is the usual corporate, bland feel that you get in any other mass produced pub, but 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. There’s a great view down from the upper balconies to the lower level of the pub and there are some large arched windows at the front which is a good spot and look down on the hustle and bustle outside. Beers on this occasion were Brain’s SA, Ruddles County, Abbot Ale, Deuchars IPA and Jennings Sneck Lifter. Good choice of ciders on this occasion, no doubt due to the cider festival that they have on – Strongbow, Thatcher’s Gold, Addlestones, Mr Whithead’s Festival cider, Green Valley Strong cider, Sandford Orchard’s Devon Scrumpy and Weston’s Cider Twist Raspberry.

This impressive Wetherspoons pub is located in the heart of Cardiff's St Mary Street, just a short stroll from the Central train station. Cardiff's infamous nightlife meant that it was packed when I turned up on a Saturday evening and perhaps unsurprisingly, all ales were off apart from the Ruddles. I can't say that this experience is likely to be replicated at other times of the week though. The building is a converted theatre and you get a great sense of the place if you go to the top floor and stand with your back to the bar, from where all the old balconies and features are visible - great to see such a building being put to good use.