The Borough

This is an experience for the adventurous.
It is a raw and honest slice of Cardiff life. Not to say it defines the culture, but it gives you another perspective for the history and working class. Met some very nice people, who were proud of the kindness of the Welsh. Their biggest pride was how the Welsh people are so kind and generous.
Fair warning: it’s not a «touristy» spot. They don’t sell shirts or give tours. It’s been there for years and sitting outside is the best spot to watch people walk by and see the main street of the city unfold and open.

This is has the feeling of a local pub whilst being in the centre of town, come rain or shine there are usually some old geezers perched under the cover outside on St. Mary’s Street chewing the fat and watching the world go by. As new pubs, restaurants, and wine bars all grow around about it it’s managed to keep its place on St. Mary’s Street, and perhaps it can expect extra custom once the street becomes pedestrianised (this process is currently under construction).
I think some people may not feel entirely at home here, however, it can be a bit off-​putting venturing into somewhere where you’re the only person that people don’t recognise, but I’ve always found it to be a pleasant enough visit. It’s great to get a break from the usual franchised pub that has a set structure and orders from the top.

I’m a fan of this pub. Its smack bang in the middle of Saint Mary’s Street yet hidden quite cleverly really.
It is full of men and it’s full of wandering eyes but hold your own and it can be fun.
I prefer this pub in the week when it’s quieter and certainly cheaper. The beer pumps wear necklaces indicating the price, depending on the day/​event these necklaces change.
This pub is super long and narrow and the décor is interesting really, it’s got the feel of a real local. It’s easy to make new ‘butties’ due to the close proximity of everyone. This is something that doesn’t bother me, but if your after a bit of solitude I wouldn’t bother.
I didn’t give this place 5 stars because the staff are not overly friendly, which I find slightly irritating. This employment sector, i feel, requires at least a smile when you get served.
All in all a sort of spit and sawdust establishment but a very nice one at that,

I accidentally stumbled into this pub recently. I was meeting a friend who was finishing work in Howells (House of Fraser) and the staff exit is on St. Mary’s Street right by The Borough. She told me to meet her there and I naturally assumed that she meant inside the place. A few minutes later she phoned up to ask where I was and came in to ‘rescue’ me from this pub as quickly as possible. I took it then, that it has a less tan wonderful reputation.
But I’ll be honest and say that I’m not entirely sure why. To me it seemed just like many pubs around the centre of Cardiff. True, the décor is a little tired and the clientele seems to be mainly guys in rugby shirts. Growing up in Wales, you get used to all this, however.
So, in short, perhaps not a wonderful place to go alone, but not too bad when protected by the pack. Nothing special though.

Another pub that has stood tall over the last 100 or so years. The Borough is a privately owned pub which eludes it’s personality through out the long narrow bar.
Right in the high street you can’t help but feel it’s fought for it’s place here amongst the young whippersnappers around it. There are two armchairs outside, minus two old men moaning about the good old days.
The décor inside is very traditional, red decorating the dark wood throughout. Staff are great and are always chatty. It’s a bit cramped at the weekend as it is so narrow. There is also a pool table at the back that I have been known to sink a ball or two, something you don’t see enough in pubs these days.
Prices are what you’d expect in the city, but I can never complain for privately owned bars, you get what you pay for and what you get is a wonderful, friendly atmospheric pub.
Support the local pubs!

I would honestly recommend avoiding The Borough unless you know what you’re letting yourself in for. From the moment you step inside off the street (the roller door for an entrance should give you a clue as to the standard of the place) you can cut the atmosphere with a knife.
The décor is tired and the staff could be more motivated. But perhaps this is because this pub is not trying to impress. What it does well is offer very cheap prices for their drinks. What it doesn’t do is make you want to step foot inside ever again.
There are plenty of pubs and bars on St Mary Street, I would try others first.