The Four Elms, Roath, Cardiff

A little east of the city centre in a terraced residential area, the Four Elms belongs to the JW Bassett chain of pubs. It is one of 2 of the chain in the city, the Queen's Vaults being the other. We arrived to find a couple of real ales - Boss Brewing Brave & Skinner's Betty Stogs, promoted using a handwritten pumpclip. We both ordered the Brave, only for it to run out before a second could be poured. In fact, the only one the barmaid managed to pour was undrinkable. I quickly switched to a cider and had a choice of 3 boxed ciders from Gwynt y Ddraig - Happy Daze, Ancient Warrior & Welsh Warrior. The front area of the pub has a number of pillars creating separate drinking areas. In fact, we didn't see many people in when we initially arrived, but soon realised that there were several others hiding behind pillars! To the rear is an open kitchen and then an appealing garden area. Also off to the right is a long, narrow room now used for dining, that I correctly identified as a former skittle alley. Menus on tables listed an interesting selection of food, with nobody appearing to partake. Despite the problems with the beer, service was cheerful and the dodgy halves we had ordered were replaced without any issues. I quite liked the atmosphere and would gladly come back for another visit.

Official site of The Four Elms - www.jwbpubs.com

Official site of The Four Elms - www.jwbpubs.com

Visited this pub several times, I found it comfortable and friendly. The food was basic but well cooked, Sunday lunch was plentiful, even I couldn't clear my plate. Good value for money.