
Quick info
About The Cottage
The Cottage is a pub in Cardiff at 25 St Mary St, and one of the oldest pubs in the city. Leaded windows and wood-panelling line the interior of this dedicated drinking pub, which serves no food menu. Guinness is among the drinks poured. Live music, karaoke and open mic nights fill the entertainment lineup, giving anyone who wants to take the stage a regular slot to do it. The pub shows rugby matches, including Women's Rugby, so fans can follow a game over a drink. Dogs are welcome, which suits walkers stopping in with their pets.
Good to know
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention guinness pint, live music nights, traditional leaded-window interior and rugby match atmosphere.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention guinness pint, live music nights, traditional leaded-window interior and rugby match atmosphere.
Customer Review Summary
Guinness is the most frequent draw at this traditional city-centre pub, with several reviewers calling it a very good, well-poured pint from a well-kept cellar. One reviewer had the opposite experience, calling it the worst Guinness of their life and leaving it unfinished. Close behind are the friendly, welcoming, polite staff and the character of the building, with leaded windows, wood-panelling and a history as one of the oldest pubs in Cardiff. Reviewers also mention reasonable drink prices and decent beer and wine, though one finds the beer choice not the best and without any craft options. Another could not find any menus. The loudest complaint concerns a DJ on Friday to Sunday nights whose music is so loud that companions cannot talk. Live music and karaoke earn praise as a great touch, and one visitor who came for open mic night found the busy staff wonderful and said they will be back.
Customer Review Summary
Guinness is the most frequent draw at this traditional city-centre pub, with several reviewers calling it a very good, well-poured pint from a well-kept cellar. One reviewer had the opposite experience, calling it the worst Guinness of their life and leaving it unfinished. Close behind are the friendly, welcoming, polite staff and the character of the building, with leaded windows, wood-panelling and a history as one of the oldest pubs in Cardiff. Reviewers also mention reasonable drink prices and decent beer and wine, though one finds the beer choice not the best and without any craft options. Another could not find any menus. The loudest complaint concerns a DJ on Friday to Sunday nights whose music is so loud that companions cannot talk. Live music and karaoke earn praise as a great touch, and one visitor who came for open mic night found the busy staff wonderful and said they will be back.
Featured reviews
- Vitor Matos
“Nice and cozy, live karaoke and quite busy but not fully packed. Drinks were priced on average. Recommended”
- Jade moore
“Came for the open mic night although busy staff were wonderful and we had a great time we will be back”
- James Ian Main Smith
“🏉 PROPER RUGBY VIBES & A MEAN GUINNESS 🍺 "As a Google Local Guide with 9.5 million views, I appreciate a pub that knows exactly what it is. The Cottage on St Mary Street is a proper, traditional drinking establishment—exactly what you want for a couple of pints in the heart of Cardiff. 🍺 THE BLACK STUFF The bar staff are exceptionally friendly and serve a truly 'mean' pint of Guinness. It’s clearly a well-kept cellar here; the quality was top-tier and much appreciated in a busy city-centre environment. 🏉 MATCH DAY ATMOSPHERE We popped in while the Women's Rugby was playing, and the pub had a fantastic following. It’s a dedicated drinking pub rather than a food-led venue, which creates a brilliant, focused atmosphere for sports fans and locals alike. ✨ TRADITIONAL CHARM The interior is full of character with its leaded windows and classic wood-panelling (see my internal shots). It’s a welcoming, unpretentious spot that feels like a bit of a sanctuary from the modern high-street bustle. VERDICT: If you’re after a well-poured pint and a genuine Cardiff atmosphere without the 'gastro-pub' fuss, this is your place. I’ll certainly be back next time I’m in the city. 🥂🏉🏴”
- Bryan Davies
“Tried getting in tonight to meet up with wife and familly about 9 pm and was asked by friendly security man on entrance if I was on my own told him yes but was refused entry on the basis on being a single male,I don't drink so I was sober and driving.didnt argue my case as the security man was only doing what he had been told only advice is that there's plenty of places in town to go spend your money where you won't be discriminated against.”
- Kimmi O'Sullivan
“I sadly had the worst Guinness of my life here a couple weeks ago—it tasted so bad I couldn’t finish it. The pub itself looks charming and traditional, but they bring in a DJ on Friday-Sunday nights who plays music so loud you can’t speak to your companions.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“A welcoming and friendly pub in the centre of Cardiff. Great real ales, premium spirits and live music.”
- Great beer selection
- Live music
- Live performances
- Sports
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Dine-in
- Food at bar
- Cozy
Show more amenities
- Onsite services
- Beer
- Food
- Live music
- Sports
- Restroom
- Offerings· 4
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Dining options· 1
- Seating
- Highlights· 2
- Great beer selection
- Live performances
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
Location
Bars near The Cottage
- Glassworks4.41,6670 mi£10–20ReservationsGood for kidsWi-Fi
pub quiz, fish and chips, cheese and bacon burger
- Queens Vaults - JW Bassett Pub4.22,2210.1 mi£10–20Wheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
guinness, cheese and bacon burger, beer selection
- Bonnie Rogues Cardiff4.72,6830.1 mi£10–50ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
sunday roast beef, yorkshire pudding, quiz night
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The CottageWheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.2614 | — | £1–30 | guinness pint, live music nights, traditional leaded-window interior |
| GlassworksReservations · Good for kids · Wi-Fi | 4.41,667 | 0 mi | £10–20 | pub quiz, fish and chips, cheese and bacon burger |
| Queens Vaults - JW Bassett PubWheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.22,221 | 0.1 mi | £10–20 | guinness, cheese and bacon burger, beer selection |
| Bonnie Rogues CardiffReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.72,683 | 0.1 mi | £10–50 | sunday roast beef, yorkshire pudding, quiz night |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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