The Packet, Cardiff

David Walton left this review about The Packet

Visited 27/11/25. Visited previously 14/02/24.

Only Brains SA on with the other handpumps ordinarily dispensing other Brains quaffs having the clips turned round. Keg offering was Peroni, Carling, Stella, San Miguel, Guinness, Barry Island IPA, Thatchers Gold, Brains Dark Smooth, Coors, original and dark fruits SB.

Attractive old school pub before you get to the razzamatazz of the Cardiff Bay chain bars. Notable leaded glass windows announcing you are in the Brains Packet Hotel! Venue is really a square room with the bar counter a two-sided sided affair off the left wall mid venue and the toilets taking out the right-hand rear corner. Ceramic tiles along the two service sides of the bar counter with tall stools to sit at on the wider longer part and which were all taken on my mid evening visit. To the left of the entrance were a few tables in the windows and a bit of standing room at that side of the bar counter, the corner taken up by a large Xmas tree. The rest of the venue is bare boarded, seating in the strip to the right-hand side opposite the long bar counter via regular tables served by either regular chairs or banquettes. The area in the rear left hand corner down a couple of steps was choc a block with early evening drinkers in an office party sort of festive mood. The dart board in the rear corner illuminated but not of interest to the partygoers. Nice, mirrored back to the bar area on both walls with illuminated shelves housing the glassware and spirts and cocktails stock. Several TV's showing early evening European footy action with the sound off, another pub so far today with no music either, this one more uniformly chatty absent the well-oiled lads in the previous venue over in Rhiwbina. Given the name and the location, the pub had a nautical theme with its decorations etc.

On 30^th November 2025 - rating: 5
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