Royal Oak, Roath, Cardiff

Totally agree with Quinno’s description below, it describes the venue perfectly. There is indeed of boxing depictive and relevant photographs adorning the walls. The front bar was packed, quite well oiled inhabitants waiting for the next fix on the TV’s in that bar. I sat in the back bar that has a serving hatch into the bar that was a world away - my typing up this review and another slightly older gentleman tucking into a book with his two freshly acquired beers on his table. The other bar I traversed to get here had a similar low octane vibe. There is an area out the back of the pub that o didn’t check out but it had a steady stream of punters coming to acquire their quaffs of choice in the civilised bar back serving hatch that walking round into the hectic front bar. There were two hand pumps both dispensing Brains Best. Can’t say it would be my quaff of choice but compared to the standard keg stick here it was truly the elixir of the Gods. Joking aside it was a very decently kept and served pint. This was by some way the most lovely pub of this short Roath session before dining. I think I have a couple more to visit another time in this sparsely populated drinking area. If only there was another cask choice at least it would be a cracking venue especially outside of an early Saturday evening. Definitely a winner on a points decision, not quite a KO, as the best pub in Roath.

** 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.