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Rachel Mainwaring & Ed Gilbert

15 Cardiff pubs where you can enjoy a cosy night out in front of a real fire

The clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in and it’s actually starting to feel like winter is around the corner.

So what better place to banish the winter blues than by a roaring fire in a cosy pub?

Here are some of our favourite fireplaces in Cardiff and beyond to curl up with a pint while the wood crackles on the fire.

Read more: Cosy places to stay with hot tubs in Wales perfect for a winter break

1. Kings Arms, Pentyrch

The snug bar at the Kings Arms (Kingsarmspentyrch / Instagram)

This Grade II listed pub on the outskirts of Cardiff dates back to the seventeenth century and still boasts many of its original features. Exposed stone walls, an original flagstone floor, wooden beams and authentic open fireplaces give the pub bags of charm and a cosy ambience.

Where? Church Rd, Pentyrch, Cardiff CF15 9QF

Contact: 029 2089 0202

2. Ty Mawr, Lisvane

(Facebook / Tymawrcardiff)

The Ty Mawr’s hillside location near Lisvane gives it stunning views across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. With four open log fireplaces, a huge beer garden and a barn function room, it’s a great option for gatherings of all sizes.

Where? Graig Road, Lisvane, Cardiff CF14 0UF

Contact: 029 2075 4456

3. Bush Inn, St Hilary

This historic 16th Century thatched roof pub is set in the pretty village of St Hilary, just outside Cowbridge, so a little bit more of a drive, but it's worth it.

As well as a huge fireplace, it has flagstone floors and exposed beams and is full of charm and atmosphere. The Bush Inn is also particularly well-known for its selection of home-cooked pies.

Where? St Hilary, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, CF71 7DP

Contact: 01446 776888

4. Church Inn, Old St Mellons

(Facebook / Church Inn St Mellons)

Located in the village of Old St Mellons, this historic coaching inn has lots happening including regular live music nights, afternoon teas and a gin bar. Head chef Gareth Daw serves Tuesday tasting menus with themes including Spanish, Indian and pan-Asian.

Where? Newport Road, St. Mellons, Cardiff CF3 5UN

Contact: 029 2036 0033

5. The Cricketers, Pontcanna

(Facebook / CricketersWales)

Set in a classic Victorian townhouse and within a well hit ‘six’ from Sophia Gardens, The Cricketers offers a full range of cask-conditioned beers from sister company, Evan Evans Brewery in Llandeilo.

Where? 66 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna, CF11 9LL

Contact: 029 2034 5102

6. Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn

Internet picture .... Gwaelod y Garth ... Instagram / @gwaelodygarth (Instagram / @gwaelodygarth)

Tucked away in the north of Cardiff at the foot of the Garth Mountain, the Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn is a lovely spot If you want to enjoy a drink with a view and a cosy fire. There is a restaurant upstairs, but sit amongst the regulars downstairs and you’ll enjoy a ‘real pub’ experience.

Where? Main Road, Gwaelod-y-garth, Cardiff CF15 9HH

Contact: 029 2081 0408

7. Fagins Ale & Chop House, Taff’s Well

If your idea of a perfect winter night is sitting with a pint in front of an open fire and being entertained by live music, you need to head to this little beauty of a pub on the outskirts of Cardiff.

Where? 8 Cardiff Road, Taff’s Well, Cardiff CF15 7QD

Contact: 029 2081 1800

8. Ty’r Winch, Old St Mellons

(Facebook / Tyrwinch)

This beautiful pub with three open fires and flagstone floors was recently taken over by new owners who are aiming to return it to its glorious former days as a centre of the Old St Mellons community.

Where? Ty’r Winch Rd, Llanrumney, Cardiff CF3 5UW

Contact: 029 2036 9900

9. The Plymouth Arms, St Fagans

The Plymouth Arms, St Fagans (Google)

Nestled in the heart of St Fagans, this pub oozes rural charm and rustic character. The picturesque surroundings of this Grade II listed pub provide the ideal backdrop for enjoying some hearty pub food and real cask ales. It's almost on the doorstep of the St Fagans National Museum of History and St Fagans Castle so you can make a day of it too.

Where? St Fagans, Cardiff CF5 6DU

Contact: 029 2056 9173

10. The Deri Inn, Rhiwbina

The Deri Inn is situated in the heart of the Rhiwbina community. This large, spacious pub has a big beer garden and is dog friendly too. Recommended by CAMRA, you can chill out in front of a roaring fire and enjoy one of the guest ales from the bar.

Where? Heol-y-Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6UH.

Contact: 029 2062 6237

11. Sportsmans Rest, Peterston-Super-Ely

(Facebook / Sportsmans Rest)

Travel four miles out of Cardiff through meandering lanes and you will reach this charming country inn. The menu features dishes such as locally sourced faggots with mash and peas as well as homemade Glamorgan sausages.

Where? Main Road, Peterston-Super-Ely, Cardiff CF5 6LH.

Contact: 01446 760675

12. Horse and Jockey, Wenvoe

This little pub in the village of Twyn Yr Odyn is located a five minute drive from Culverhouse Cross. It’s traditional in every way from the real fire and cask ales to a menu of pub classics including homemade pies, curries and chilli.

Where? Twyn Yr Odyn Cardiff CF5 6BG

Contact: 029 2067 0410.

13. The Plough, Whitchurch

Internet picture ... The Plough, Cardiff ... Facebook - The Plough, Whitchurch (Facebook - The Plough, Whitchurch)

With a feature fireplace in the middle of its lounge area, the Plough is a much-loved pub in the Cardiff suburb of Whitchurch.

Where? 1 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 1DA

Contact: 029 2062 3017

14. Travellers Rest, Caerphilly

Internet picture ... Travellers Rest, Thornhill ... Facebook / Travellers Rest Thornhill (Facebook / Travellers Rest Thornhill)

The Traveller's Rest is a chocolate box picture of a traditional British pub perched on Caerphilly Mountain.

Whilst Thornhill is a relatively modern suburb, The Traveller's Rest dates back as far as the 1800s.

Where? Thornhill Road, Thornhill, Cardiff, Caerphilly CF83 1LY

Contact: 029 2085 9021

15. Old Cottage, Lisvane

(Facebook / The Old Cottage Cardiff)

The characterful Old Cottage is filled with cosy corners, comfy armchairs and log fires. Located on the outskirts of Cardiff in Lisvane, it’s a lovely place to wind down after a busy day in the city.

Where? Cherry Orchard Road, Lisvane, Cardiff CF14 0U

Contact: 029 2076 5961

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