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Brewhouse & Kitchen, Pontcanna, Cardiff
Cardiff
CF11 9HW
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Will Larter left this review about Brewhouse & Kitchen
I remember coming here almost two decades ago, and both Leigh's and John's reviews below seem to show the pub largely as I remember it. All change now, with the Mochyn Du having transformed into the Bragdy a Chegin, or Brewhouse and Kitchen Cardiff. The interior seems to have been largely eviscerated, with a large central bar and the brewing equipment dominating in the background (visually) but very much in the foreground in the olfactory sense of the word. Four beers produced on the premises were available, and we all went for the ordinary bitter which bears the former name of the pub, Black Pig. Although this was a welcome drink after our four hour train journey, it struck me as a rather crude, malty beer with a predominant caramel flavour and a hazy look about it suggesting that there is a fault in the brewing process - and don't try to tell me it's meant to look like that! This chain appears to be a popular destination (I was in the Islington version a couple of years ago), but I wasn't impressed with the beer (one of my companions also tried the stout, but it was served too cold to fully appreciate its quality) and I would much prefer the two pubs round the corner on Cathedral Road if returning to this part of town.
On 14th August 2019
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3746 recommendations about 3483 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Pub SignMan left this review about The Mochyn Du
This pub may well be located next to the SWALEC cricket stadium at the northern end of Sophia Gardens, but it is a (paraphrased) football cliché that perhaps best sums the place up, as this really is a ‘pub of two halves’. Entering through the main front porch you find yourself at the bar with a large, open plan seating area spreading out to the left. This area has wooden flooring and large windows which give it a sort of conservatory feel. There are loads of seating options here spread across various levels in what at first appears to be quite a chaotic layout. The windows look out over a sizeable patio area with loads more seating which is partly shaded by the surrounding trees. Turning right from the entrance, you find yourself in a completely different pub, as you emerge into a much smaller area, broken up by numerous pillars which help to create various nooks and crannies, far removed from the vast open space on the other side. This area has a much more traditional pub feel to it, with a small stove on one wall underneath an archway which looks through what appears to have once been the chimney breast. There are loads of photos on the walls of various sports teams and I noticed, amongst other things, a signed Glamorgan shirt and bat in a display case. Unsurprisingly, cricket was being shown on several TV screens throughout the pub. There is a second patio on this side of the building, which should ensure there is plenty of space for cricket fans to spill out onto on match days.
The pub’s Welsh name (‘The Black Pig in English), hints at a bi-lingual approach and a keen attempt to provide interesting Welsh brews at the bar. On my visit, two house beers from the Vale of Glamorgan Brewery were available – Cwrw (Beer) and Cwrw Haf (Summer Beer) – alongside Gower Brewery Gower Gold and Cottage Waterloo. The Gower Gold was well kept and went down well after walking here in the uncharacteristic humid heat of the afternoon.
I thought this was a nice pub, well set up for large crowds on match days, yet with a more intimate, traditional area for quieter times, which ensured the place retained the feel of a proper pub. The decent local ales make this place stand out from the competition and I’d recommend a pleasant walk through the park from the castle to give this place a try.
On 22nd June 2013
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3114 recommendations about 3114 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
John Bonser left this review about The Mochyn Du
Y Mochyn Du ( or The Black Pig to give it its English equivalent ) is a former gatekeeper’s lodge situated close to the redeveloped SWALEC cricket stadium between Cathedral Road and the River Taff, a shortish walk over the bridge and through the park from the City Centre.
It describes itself as a Pub and Restaurant ( interestingly, the Welsh translation – Tafarn a Bwyty – is given equal prominence ) and is a large rambling pub with a number of distinct different areas.
One corner of the pub is a cricketing corner and contains interesting memorabilia relating to Glamorgan County Cricket Club ( eg Gary Sobers hitting six sixes in an over at St Helens, Richards and Dale putting on 425 against Middlesex ) . There’s also an autographed cricket bat signed by the Australian Cricket Team of 1966. Interestingly, despite an Ashes Test having been played there last year, pictures relating to the England cricket team were noticeable by their absence. Another area of this part of the pub features the inevitable rugby photographs. This particular part of the pub has much exposed brickwork and a comfortable, cosy feel to it.
At the other end of the pub is a large open plan conservatory which is food orientated with outdoor seating for better weather.
On the real ale front, 4 beers were available, Red Dragon ( 4.7% at £ 2.80p ) from Breconshire Brewery, which was an excellent pint, together with 3 beers from The Vale of Glamorgan Brewery.
There’s quite a noticeably more Welsh emphasis here than I detected in other Cardiff pubs that I had earlier called in on, but, if you want to sample non – Brains beers, this pub is well worth seeking out. Probably best avoided when there’s a major cricket game on though
On 22nd November 2010
- rating: 7
[User has posted 560 recommendations about 560 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ed davies left this review about The Mochyn Du
Popped in for a pint last night after the rugby. The place was heaving, and easy to see why. From what I could see, the bar greets you as you walk in and flows round either side as a horseshoe. Large open plan area to the left, leading onto covered and lit decked area with BBQ on. To the right was more cosy/alcove style, with booths and pillars. 3 ales on, Brains Bitter and 2 more, rebadged for the pub if I remember correctly. Excellent condition, full Welsh speaking but friendly to those of us still learning the language. Recommended
On 8th November 2009
- rating: 8
[User has posted 13 recommendations about 13 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about The Mochyn Du
A modern pub despite the unusual cottage-like façade next to the park. Aimed at a younger audience, it’s big on the cricket and rugby. Quite Welsh, everything is bilingual. Interior highlight is a large open plan conservatory with outdoor decking that has trees growing through it. Welsh micros available – Vale of Glamorgan (they brew two for pub, not sure if they are originals or re-badges) and Breconshire on my visit, though I was rather unimpressed by the quality. Does a big trade in food. Despite the disappointment regarding the ale, I’d give this another go as I’m sure it can do better.
On 18th June 2009
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5099 recommendations about 5082 pubs]