Merrie Harrier, Cogan, Penarth

David Walton left this review about Merrie Harrier

Visited 20/08/25

No cask. Five hand pumps, only one was clipped for Brains Bitter but clip reversed. Keg offering of SB original & dark fruits, Guinness, Carling, Peroni, Cruz, Brains Smooth Bitter and Stella.

This is a large venue on an exceptionally busy road junction on the hill up to Llandough hospital. Focal point is the bar counter on a boarded skirt with customers here sitting on tall stools around the bar counter chatting to the landlord and landlady on my visit. Otherwise, the area around the bar counter is carpeted with the area to the right of the bar counter a series of regular tables and chairs laid for diners. Beyond the edge of the long part of the bar counter from the entrance is what felt like the bar drinking area with a mixture of regular tables being served by regular chairs and some church style benches. At the far side is a small flight of steps leading to a small area with old flagstones and some sofas and chairs in front of a log burner in a large fire grate. The ceiling was adorned by numerous strands of white fairy lights. Very friendly people, staff, and punters, but would be nice if they utilised the hand pumps. There is a car park at the side, and some picnic benches out the front and round the back. Passed this place many times when my mother-in-law was in Llandough hospital so was keen to visit but a bit out of the way and doesn't have enough on the beer front to draw me back.

On 8^th March 2026 - rating: 4
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