Quick info
About Barkers Tavern
Barkers Tavern is a pub in Cardiff built around a dedicated Guinness saloon, where the pint comes with fresh oysters served alongside cocktails. The oysters are paired with champagne, and the bar also mixes margaritas. Live music on the bill includes Irish folk and a singer, and the pub runs a trivia night for anyone who wants to play along. Inside, the lighting is dim and the decor is old-fashioned and traditional. The pub sits at 10-16 Castle Arcade, in an arcade off St. Mary's Street, with a coffee shop opposite.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fresh oysters, Guinness pint, live music and pub quiz night.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fresh oysters, Guinness pint, live music and pub quiz night.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the Guinness, calling it crisp and the best they have had, with several crediting the bar staff for it. Fresh oysters come close behind, one pairing them with champagne and another urging others to try them. A margarita earns a recommendation too. Diners describe a dim, good-vibes room with comfortable seating, live music including Irish folk, and friendly, chatty bartenders who kept a bar queue moving. One reviewer calls the prices reasonable, and several enjoy the setting in the arcade. Complaints centre on the pub quiz. One reviewer says it took over two hours to get halfway through, that the host seemed to know several teams who shared answers on their phones, and that they left midway, while another praises a Wednesday trivia night mixing music and pop culture questions. One also finds the singer a bit loud. Reviewers close on moments like a bartender offering to photograph a couple without being asked.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the Guinness, calling it crisp and the best they have had, with several crediting the bar staff for it. Fresh oysters come close behind, one pairing them with champagne and another urging others to try them. A margarita earns a recommendation too. Diners describe a dim, good-vibes room with comfortable seating, live music including Irish folk, and friendly, chatty bartenders who kept a bar queue moving. One reviewer calls the prices reasonable, and several enjoy the setting in the arcade. Complaints centre on the pub quiz. One reviewer says it took over two hours to get halfway through, that the host seemed to know several teams who shared answers on their phones, and that they left midway, while another praises a Wednesday trivia night mixing music and pop culture questions. One also finds the singer a bit loud. Reviewers close on moments like a bartender offering to photograph a couple without being asked.
Featured reviews
- Topher Evans
“Very groovy spot in an arcade off St. Mary’s. Fresh sexy oysters paired with champagne! What more could a girl ask for. Danielle hosts a fun trivia night on Wed’s around 7. Get there early to secure a table and put your thinking cap on. She single-handedly curates the questions and incorporates music, pop culture and general knowledge questions. Pop over to Temple bar for an open music jam afterwards. Thanks for a groovy time”
- Toby Jones
“Stumbled across the barkers tavern today and wasn’t sure what to expect but we got served a crisp pint of Guinness by Ruby and the best fresh oysters by Amelia. Amazing service and a brilliant vibe inside. Would definitely recommend.”
- Georgia Rose
“Zoe served us the best Guinness in Cardiff of our lives, we keep coming back to barkers tavern because she is amazing. There’s always amazing music and good vibes. Try their oysters.”
- Peter “Pete the Blue one.” Gregory
“All I can say is that it is a smashing place. Didn't have food so can't comment but the Guiness was the BEST.”
- Mark Hill
“Fantastic afternoon in Barkers - a great traditional pub with great atmosphere. Ethan provided a great welcome and Beau was excellent. Can’t wait to return !!”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“A classic boozer, elevated. Craft-first bartending, premium spirits, and perfect pints, delivered with the kind of hospitality and attention to detail that have become a hallmark of the Barker brand. Guests can expect a dedicated Guinness saloon, fresh oysters served alongside cocktails, and a warm, Welsh-inspired atmosphere, complete with live music and an emphasis on old-school pub etiquette.”
- Live music
- Live performances
Amenities
- Food at bar
- Casual
- Beer
- Food
- Free water refills
- Live music
Show more amenities
- Restroom
- Groups
- Offerings· 4
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Highlights· 1
- Live performances
Location
Bars near Barkers Tavern
- Nighthawks4.81910 mi£1–40ReservationsOutdoor seatingTakeout
cheese toasties, wine selection, cheese and charcuterie boards
- Temple Bar Cardiff4.12660 mi
guinness, wednesday irish session, live music
- Blue Bell4.49950 mi£10–20ReservationsOutdoor seatingWi-Fi
across from cardiff castle, pints of beer and cider, classic pub food
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barkers Tavern | 4.780 | — | £10–20 | fresh oysters, Guinness pint, live music |
| NighthawksReservations · Outdoor seating · Takeout | 4.8191 | 0 mi | £1–40 | cheese toasties, wine selection, cheese and charcuterie boards |
| Temple Bar Cardiff | 4.1266 | 0 mi | — | guinness, wednesday irish session, live music |
| Blue BellReservations · Outdoor seating · Wi-Fi | 4.4995 | 0 mi | £10–20 | across from cardiff castle, pints of beer and cider, classic pub food |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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