Blue Bell, Cardiff

Clean and cosy Brains pub on the High Street, near Cardiff Castle. I counted nine hand pumps, all of which appeared to be in use - mostly dispensing various Brains ales, but with one or two guests on including something from Brew Dog. The beers were in top condition and the Brains Dark in particular could have kept me going all night. Pump clips on the wall behind the bar suggest that Fullers and St Austell beers have been popular in the past, but a number of less obvious names were on display as well. The interior comprises of a reasonable sized L-shaped room with plenty of seating including some comfy looking banks of sofas on the rear wall. Service was prompt and friendly and a quick glance at the menu revealed an award winning pie chef in residence who had thought up some unusual combinations to fill his reasonably priced pies with. The pub's name refers to the Royal Regiment of Wales, who have a goat as their mascot. It appears that the person in charge of taking care of the goat is known as the 'Goat Major'. To illustrate the point, there are loads of pictures of the goat on display around all points of the pub.

traditional pub, worth a visit makes a change from city centre trendy bars

A proper pub not many left these days, worth a visit if you are in Cardiff.