The Kings Arms, Caerphilly

Visited 20/08/26 Cask here was Lilley's Mango cider plus L Pride with a single non-functioning hand pump. Keg offering of Neck Oil, Thatchers Gold, original and dark fruits SB, John Smiths, Guinness, Carlsberg, Carling, Stella, Peroni, Coors, Cruz, Moretti. Craft Union pub on the main shopping drag in Caerphilly Town Centre. The bar counter is along the rear wall opposite the entrance with a terracotta tile skirt. Leather banquette opposite the bar counter serving regular tables on a bare boarded area. To the left-hand side of the bar counter is a bare boarded area with regular tables and chairs, some wood panelling on the walls and a large projector screen showing the early evening racing. Over in the far corner that side is a slightly raised area with a much in demand pool table and a dart board. A single booth table has its own smaller scale TV screen. To the right-hand side of the bar counter is a carpeted area with regular tables and chairs before a step up into another carpeted area with a fire grate, regular tables and a banquette along the internal wall facing out into the external drinking area, which was regular tables and chairs on paving stones and well utilised on my visit. This area had another dart board to the left of the fire grate and its own TV screen also showing the evening racing absent commentary. A quality music soundtrack was audible above the chatter of the locals.

A large main street Stonegate pub, fairly traditional in a 1990s sort of way. One end is sport, with a large screen and pool table, the other is a cosier lounge. There is a patio area outside. A nice row of 6 handpumps offered Doom Bar, Banks's Amber and Brains Bitter however the latter was barely drinkable. Could be a fine town pub, but isn't.

Official site of The Kings Arms - www.greatukpubs.co.uk

Official site of The Kings Arms - www.greatukpubs.co.uk