The Borough Arms

A Victorian pub on St Mary Street

The building went up in 1867 as the tallest on St Mary Street, and was rebuilt higher in the late 1880s to keep pace with the new market hall next door. It is listed by the council as an Asset of Community Value, and remains independently run rather than part of a pub chain.

Inside

The long room runs back from the street. The bar end has high stools, the raised upper section has more comfortable seating behind glass partitions, and at the rear a fireplace sits between glass cabinets of books and ornaments next to the pool table. Look out for the old wooden entry kiosk by the door and the framed 'Cardiff & Newport Pub Crawl' on the wall. Drinks are keenly priced and lunchtime meals are served.

When to go

It is a central, unpretentious stop for a pint during a day's shopping, or before heading on to the bars further down St Mary Street. Weekends get busy and it stays open late on Fridays and Saturdays. Cardiff Market is right next door for lunch, and Cardiff Central station is about 400m away.

Highlights

• Built in 1867; raised in the late 1880s
• Independent, with bright red frontage
• Split-level interior with pool table
• Next to Cardiff Market

Good to know

• Lunchtime meals are served.
• Cardiff Central station is about 400m away.
• Listed as an Asset of Community Value.

Frequently asked questions