Old Arcade
14 Church StreetCardiff
CF10 1BG
See more about this pub on WhatPub, CAMRA's national pub guide.
The Old Arcade is one of the most famous rugby pubs in the world - it is well worth a visit to see a contrast of fittings with early 20th century ones in the front bar and some genuine late-Victorian fittings in the back bar. It is very busy when there is an event at the nearby Principality Stadium, particularly rugby matches. It was built in 1844 as the Birdcage Inn; and later called the Arcade Vaults. Later refurbishments give the pub a modern feel but it is good to see a city centre pub retaining many old fittings. The back bar retains this splendid late Victorian bar back fitting still with five of the six original mirrored panels; also, a mahogany counter and an early 20th century fireplace. While this pub is leased to Marston's, it retains the entire Brains range of cask ales.