Model Inn

Let’s get this out the way nice and early: there is absolutely no need for anybody other than friends of the bar staff to frequent downstairs at The Model Inn. It’s not terrible per se. There’s nothing particularly wrong with it, in fact, aside from the excruciating karaōke that blasts out on occasion with all the talent of a bunch of preliminary round X Factor rejects. But with such an abundance of nearby drinking establishments — Dempseys, The City Arms, Wetherspoon’s and even, on club nights, Clwb Ifor Bach — that do it better, cheaper or both, that’s the simple break down. The upstairs room is an entirely removed matter, though, acting as a sadly underused gig venue with a general vibe that, weirdly, oozes social/​working men’s club. Negotiated the slightly steep steps and you’ll be rewarded with a fine compact space perfect for bands, a separate bar conveniently situated at the side. All it needs now is more shows.

The Model Inn is not a great pub. There’s no atmosphere, it’s grubby as heck and as far as I can see, Karaōke is the main form of entertainment here.
I have been in here 3 times and every time I have been unspeakably drunk. I think you have to be to be honest. Prices are on the cheaper side of average and as it’s a fairly traditional place, don’t expect any cocktails.
Onto the only reason you’d seriously consider the Model Inn on a night out — the Karaōke. It’s truly some of the best I’ve ever seen. It’s got the standard groups screaming Journey or «My Heart Will Go On» which is all well and good. The jewel in the crown though is an old fella who just can’t resist getting up and knocking out some Sugababes or Nickelback. I’ve seen him there twice now and he’s a musical genius. He also ups this reviews to 3 stars.

Some people call this pub «traditional». I call it a hole.
It might be slightly hypocritical of me to say that, as two of my favourite Cardiff nightspots are Metros and The Philharmonic, two of the dingiest, grubbiest places in the city, right up there in the Grotty Premier League with the local dump and Ely. But whilst I like a bit of a murky atmosphere in my clubs, I believe pubs should be made of mahogany and smell like ale and history. For me, that’s traditional.
The Model Inn, however, looks like it was built out of styrofoam and spit, and it smells like the worst person in the world did something unspeakable in one of the corners a couple of years ago and no one has found it yet. Sometimes traditional is an excuse for awful, and that’s certainly the case here.
The main reason people seem to venture there is for the karaōke. Oh. God. The karaōke. I like karaōke. It’s fun. Between a group of friends, it’s one of the funniest and most humanising ways to bond, if it’s done in a relatively private atmosphere. Here though, the only people who do it are those gagging for any kind of limelight, or those too blasted off their face to realise where their friends have dragged them.
It all seems a little Butlins to me.

Downstairs is a family-​friendly food-​centric spacious area. Upstairs is a 150-​capacity function room that often sees local bands playing gigs. Close to the Millennium stadium this is a no frills Brains pub with good value bar meals. It was built in 1891. The restaurant side of things is still going strong, although it closes on Sundays and Mondays. Tues to Sat they serve food from 11am to 6pm daily.
As a drinking destination this place has lately been lacking in my kind of atmosphere, and is more of a quick pint pit stop than somewhere to settle in for the evening. If you like karaōke, Friday is the night to visit and show off your vocal chords. On match days the place is also packed and rowdy, and a good option for all you sporty types.

This is one of the city centre’s truly traditional pubs, popular on match days. Built in 1891 (when it was known as the Ship on launch arms), sadly nowadays it has a slightly grubby feel to it, and on non-​match days it often lacks atmosphere.
Some Fridays and Saturdays are taken over by karaōke nights, which is pretty hideous — while thanks to its proximity to the Millennium Stadium it gets totally packed out with sport fans when there’s a match on, and at those times there’s more of a buzz in the air.
They also serve hot meals, tea and coffee from 12−6pm Monday-​Saturday and 12−3pm on Sundays.

Another traditional pub, but also welcomes children if you are eating. A little fact for you is that the Model Inn was one of the first pubs in the 60’s to serve food. Oooo.
What I love about this pub is it’s spaciousness, no matter how packed it is, you can swing your children around your head without ever hitting anyone else. Lucky then…
Drinks are about the £3 mark and the barstaff are very friendly here.
It’s pretty good for match days as they have a projector and a few tv’s dotted around. Atmosphere is pretty good also. As always, support your local bars, this is a good’un.

This is not one of the most modern bars but the atmosphere is really fun a Saturday Night. It is karaōke night again but it is really good fun. Everyone is dancing and singing to the music a few tables if you are likely enough to yet one. If does get quite full but ther never seems too much of a queue at the bar.
The only downside was my feet seemed to be sticking to the carpet.

Great place to go after a match or if you’re after Karaoki on a Friday night. I’ve had a right laugh in this pub. Not that big, but it does have a stage area (that’s where you do Karaoki) and the bar staff are really friendly. Much bigger toilets that The City Arms nexy door (though I like it there too!).