The Malcolm Uphill (JD Wetherspoon), Caerphilly

Visited 20/08/26 Cask here were the JDW regulars, GK IPA, Doom Bar, Abbot and then the Northumbrian Gold from Hadrian Border Brewery, the Flacks Romsey Gold, the Rhymney Export Light, and the Divine Premium Ale from Bishop Nick. Keg offering of Carling, Stella, Bud Light, San Miguel, original and dark fruits SB, Worthington CF, Seven Brothers Easy IPA, the Sumo APA from Mad Squirrel, BrewDog Punk IPA, Corona, K1664, Budweiser, Guinness, Coors, Murphy's Irish Stout, Angelo Poretti, Stowford Press cider. There is a rear beer garden, regular tables and chairs on decking with a decent amount of cover. The main space is carpeted with the bar counter along the left-hand wall with a colourful tile skirt. Lots of regular and tall tables and some booth tables in arches down the right-hand wall. There is another large space on the left-hand side of the venue, the other side of the wall hosting the bar counter. Again, lots of densely packed regular tables and chairs, with a leather banquette down the left-hand wall. The seating in the rear part of this side is raised with an interesting stained-glass window on the rear wall. Lots of wood panelling and a fire grate not obviously operational in the front left-hand corner. No screens and no music here, just the sound of a furiously busy venue.

Classic 20 year old comfy conversion with what looks like a recent light renovation. You have two long rooms (via a knock-through into an adjacent property) either side of a central servery. Interest in the right room via some nice arched ‘coal shaft’ booths. Service with a smile and chat from the engaging young barman. GBG listed, my Innis & Gunn beer festival ale was very good (NBSS 4) and I think there was a choice of four guests - though Beer Fest time tends to increase the range so I assume three is the standard default as it is in many small town Wethers now. Overall, a well-run Spoons with a nice atmosphere (at lunchtime, anyway).

After a curry on the outskirts of the town, we rounded off our visit to Caerphilly with a visit to the town centre branch of Wetherspoon's which is conveniently located close to the bus and train stations and the main shopping area. As usual, it was busy and we went to the bar to see what they had to offer. We were very quickly approached to ensure we had completed Covid formalities and requested to take a seat, which we duly did. I was after a pint and wanted to use a CAMRA 50p off voucher. Attempting to order via the app was therefore not an option. Instead, there was a piece of paper on the table with green on one side and red on the other to indicate whether or not you required service. Not a bad idea during times of Plague and probably copied from Brazilian restaurants. Unfortunately, despite plenty of staff and much waving of the green side of the slip by my drinking partner, service was on the slow side. Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar are the regular ales. The guest beer was Summerskills Westward Ho! and the real cider was Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. This place is certainly quite spacious. Toilets are upstairs, therefore allowing more space for drinking and dining. As the previous reviewer states, the 3 booths to one side are quite novel. All around, there are also pictures of the local motor cycling hero after which the pub is named. Not the worst Wetherspoon's I've been in, but the lack of beer choice and the slow service didn't do it many favours.

Official site of The Malcolm Uphill (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Official site of The Malcolm Uphill (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com