Quick info
About Porter's Cardiff
Porter's Cardiff is a bar and multi-arts performance venue in Cardiff at 9 Porter's, with a world beer list and entry that is free. The building is home to The Other Room, Wales' only professional pub theatre, so plays are staged in the same place where drinks are served. The programme runs through the week, with original music from local and touring acts, open mic nights, comedy shows, party bands and pop-up galleries. A music area sits at the back, and a bandaoke night is part of the line-up. Gins come with testers from the bar staff. Away from the stage, a small corner has classic video games, and there is an outside area for smokers.
Good to know
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, restroom
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live music, bandaoke night, open mic night and gin tasting.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live music, bandaoke night, open mic night and gin tasting.
Customer Review Summary
Live music is what reviewers return to most, with several describing free gigs that are groovy and top quality, bands that get the whole room dancing, and an uplifting atmosphere. Close behind is the range of nights on offer, including open mic, comedy, and a Bandaoke evening one reviewer calls absolutely electric, even better if you can get a song. A small area of classic video games also gets a mention. Reviewers describe the bar staff as friendly and lovely, and the place as cosy with a retro modern feel, interesting corners for quieter conversation, and outside space for smokers. One reviewer notes it can be fairly quiet on an early weekend evening. A performing band praised the venue and staff, and another reviewer recalls the bar staff opening a packed shelf of gin and encouraging testers so guests could try new drinks.
Customer Review Summary
Live music is what reviewers return to most, with several describing free gigs that are groovy and top quality, bands that get the whole room dancing, and an uplifting atmosphere. Close behind is the range of nights on offer, including open mic, comedy, and a Bandaoke evening one reviewer calls absolutely electric, even better if you can get a song. A small area of classic video games also gets a mention. Reviewers describe the bar staff as friendly and lovely, and the place as cosy with a retro modern feel, interesting corners for quieter conversation, and outside space for smokers. One reviewer notes it can be fairly quiet on an early weekend evening. A performing band praised the venue and staff, and another reviewer recalls the bar staff opening a packed shelf of gin and encouraging testers so guests could try new drinks.
Featured reviews
- john cooper
“Great bar, just off the high street but anything but regular! The entertainment is great and service good.”
- Dirty “DirtySound” Sound
“Nice pub. Lovely music venue out the back. Nice atmosphere!”
- Adrian Burton
“This is more of a review of the Bandaoke night there. Absolutely electric evening, even better if you can get a song!”
- Jared Sartin
“Another semi hidden pub in the heart of city centre which is well worth a visit. There’s always something on during the week, open mic night, live music, and I believe comedy shows. If you go early on a weekend (after 4pm) it can be fairly quiet. They even have a small area with some classic video games to play.”
- Elliana Marvin
“Porter's is by far my favourite place to go on a night out! The free live music is always top quality and groovy (videos and pictures from last year or so attached). The atmosphere is always so uplifting and I always leave dancing. The staff are lovely, drinks are really affordable and they even do student deals. If you are a student, visiting or living in Cardiff and haven't been, make this bar a top priority to visit!”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Porter's is an eclectic, events-led multi-arts performance venue and popular world beer bar. They have a free entry policy & host weekly nights of original music with local & touring acts, open mic nights, party bands, popup galleries & whatever else comes through their doors! They are also home to "The Other Room", Wales' only professional pub theatre.”
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Karaoke
- Live music
- Live performances
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Bar games
- Cozy
- Arcade games
Show more amenities
- Beer
- Dancing
- Food
- Free water refills
- Sports
- Trivia night
- Dining options· 1
- Seating
- Highlights· 5
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Karaoke
- Live music
- Live performances
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Offerings· 4
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Facilities· 2
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Atmosphere· 2
- Casual
- Trendy
- Crowd· 4
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Location
Bars near Porter's Cardiff
- The Traders Tavern4.55680.1 mi£1–20Wheelchair accessibleOutdoor seatingTakeout
pre-rugby pints, Utilita Arena pre-drinks, filled rolls
- The Cardiff Arms4.11460.1 mi£10–20Wheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
burger meal deal, beer garden, pool table
- Duke Of Wellington4.31,4060.2 mi£10–20Wheelchair accessibleWi-Fi
brains beer on tap, outdoor terrace seating, fish and chips
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porter's CardiffWheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.6652 | — | £10–20 | live music, bandaoke night, open mic night |
| The Traders TavernWheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating · Takeout | 4.5568 | 0.1 mi | £1–20 | pre-rugby pints, Utilita Arena pre-drinks, filled rolls |
| The Cardiff ArmsWheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.1146 | 0.1 mi | £10–20 | burger meal deal, beer garden, pool table |
| Duke Of WellingtonWheelchair accessible · Wi-Fi | 4.31,406 | 0.2 mi | £10–20 | brains beer on tap, outdoor terrace seating, fish and chips |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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