
The Waterguard
“Traditional Samuel Smith Pub”
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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.
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Menu & Prices
119 dishes- Authentic Mexican Tequila
- Raspberry Gin
- Special Dark Rum
- Spiced Rum
- Finest Old Blended Scotch Whisky
- Finest French Brandy X.o
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention open fires, maritime decor, Sam Smith's beers and ciders and snug room.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention open fires, maritime decor, Sam Smith's beers and ciders and snug room.
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
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the fires in the snug room at the front, two real fires in winter that one reviewer calls a gorgeous spot for watching the sunset. Close behind is the quiet, peaceful, clean atmosphere, with no loud music or sports, plus the maritime memorabilia in the main room and the board games and pool table. Staff are repeatedly described as friendly and welcoming. Several mention a range of natural beers and ciders from the same brewery, and the red wine, fish bites, earl grey and a set of three sharing dishes also get praise, though one reviewer calls the drinks very average and another says outdoor seating needs renovation. The sharpest complaint comes from a Sunday lunch visit: two chicken roasts on a large plate with little food, burnt Yorkshire puddings, lukewarm plates, no mint sauce, and apple sauce that was requested but never arrived. A broken coffee machine was noted in the same review. Others who skipped the food say the pub is a place to return to for its resident dog and its vibes.
Location
Bars near The Waterguard
- The Eli Jenkins4.42,0120.2 mi£10–20ReservationsOutdoor seatingTakeout
fish and chips, dog friendly, garden seating
- The Mount Stuart4.25,3650.2 mi
balcony view over Cardiff Bay, ordering through the app, wide beer selection
- The Packet4.66370.2 mi£10–20Outdoor seatingGood for kids
guinness, lamb and mint pie, quiz and karaoke nights
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Waterguard | 3.9752 | — | £15–30 | open fires, maritime decor, Sam Smith's beers and ciders |
| The Eli JenkinsReservations · Outdoor seating · Takeout | 4.42,012 | 0.2 mi | £10–20 | fish and chips, dog friendly, garden seating |
| The Mount Stuart | 4.25,365 | 0.2 mi | — | balcony view over Cardiff Bay, ordering through the app, wide beer selection |
| The PacketOutdoor seating · Good for kids | 4.6637 | 0.2 mi | £10–20 | guinness, lamb and mint pie, quiz and karaoke nights |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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