The Waterguard
Quick info
About The Waterguard
On Harbour Dr in Cardiff, The Waterguard is a Samuel Smith pub with a view of the bay and two real fires, including a small front snug near the entrance. The main room carries maritime-themed decor and memorabilia, alongside a pool table and board games for anyone settling in. The bar pours the brewery's own range of beers and ciders. Food runs to sharing dishes and a Sunday lunch, with chicken and Yorkshire puddings among the options. It opens daily on a walk-in basis, with no reservations taken.
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish bites, two real fires, maritime memorabilia decor and sharing dishes.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish bites, two real fires, maritime memorabilia decor and sharing dishes.
Customer Review Summary
The maritime themed fires and snug rooms draw the most praise, with several reviewers singling out the fireside room at the front as a favorite spot to watch the bay. Close behind is the Sam Smith's beer and cider range, alongside mentions of fish bites, a red wine, and sharing dishes for £18 that one visitor called very nice. The board games, pool table, and a resident dog also get called out as nice touches, and staff are repeatedly described as friendly and welcoming. One visitor found the drinks only average despite liking the vibe. A clear exception comes from a diner who ordered Sunday roasts and reported burnt Yorkshire puddings, lukewarm food, a broken coffee machine, and missing mint and apple sauce. Outdoor seating was also flagged by one reviewer as needing renovation.
Customer Review Summary
The maritime themed fires and snug rooms draw the most praise, with several reviewers singling out the fireside room at the front as a favorite spot to watch the bay. Close behind is the Sam Smith's beer and cider range, alongside mentions of fish bites, a red wine, and sharing dishes for £18 that one visitor called very nice. The board games, pool table, and a resident dog also get called out as nice touches, and staff are repeatedly described as friendly and welcoming. One visitor found the drinks only average despite liking the vibe. A clear exception comes from a diner who ordered Sunday roasts and reported burnt Yorkshire puddings, lukewarm food, a broken coffee machine, and missing mint and apple sauce. Outdoor seating was also flagged by one reviewer as needing renovation.
Featured reviews
- Phillip Wright
“It was nice to see the snug room has been retained. Memorabilia in the main room gives a maritime feel. Outdoor seating requirement needs renovation.”
- Alun Jenkins
“Very disappointed. Ordered 2 chicken Sunday lunches, large plate but not much dinner. Yorkies were burnt, food Luke warm. Coffee machine broken, no mint sauce, asked for apple sauce, but that never arrived. Lovely looking venue, but standards were very low.”
- Jodie Price
“This place is a gem in the evening. Quiet place to have a drink and talk with no loud music or sports. Great view of the bay. Good spot to visit after a meal or while waiting for a performance.”
- Jo Hooper
“We love a Sam Smith’s pub and when we moved to Cardiff recently we’re so happy we have one in the Bay! The fish bites we had were delish, I love the red wine and the team running it are so fab! Extra points if you meet the resident dog! Our favourite bit is the fire in the wee room at the front - gorgeous spot for a winters day and to watch the sunset”
- Mert
“I know my phone’s night mode is pretty bad, but trust me, the pub is much cosier and more peaceful than it looks in this photo. I had a lovely chat with the staff, and they were very friendly. I can’t comment on the food, but my experience was definitely five stars.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Traditional Samuel Smith Pub”
- ReservationsWalk-in only
Location
Bars near The Waterguard
- The Plymouth Arms4.32,0254.9 mi
caesar salad, sunday lunch, beer garden
- Moat House Inn4.16778.2 mi away£10–20ReservationsGood for kids
steak cooked to perfection, beer garden seating, gluten free options
- The Highwayman Inn4.61,7929.5 mi away£20–30ReservationsGood for kids
huge portion sizes, mixed grill burger, condemned meal
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Waterguard | 3.9752 | — | — | fish bites, two real fires, maritime memorabilia decor |
| The Plymouth Arms | 4.32,025 | 4.9 mi | — | caesar salad, sunday lunch, beer garden |
| Moat House InnReservations · Good for kids | 4.1677 | 8.2 mi away | £10–20 | steak cooked to perfection, beer garden seating, gluten free options |
| The Highwayman InnReservations · Good for kids | 4.61,792 | 9.5 mi away | £20–30 | huge portion sizes, mixed grill burger, condemned meal |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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