Carpenters Arms

I hear there are strirrings about the possibility of applying for a Blue Plaque in recognition of The Carpenters Arms, Efail Isaf being the birth place on the 22^nd July 1882, of Tom Bryant, he died in 1946, and was a famous harp player.
He began to compete at eisteddfodau at a young age, winning many prizes. He took the first prize at the National Eisteddfod from 1891 to 1896. With Watkin Hezekiah Williams (
), and Robert Rees (
), the former lecturing on folk-​songs and the latter singing to Bryant’s accompaniment on the harp.
He travelled extensively in south Wales. He became an A.R.C.M. (Associate of the Royal College of Music) in 1906 and in 1907 received King Edward VII ‘s command to play the harp at the royal opening of Queen Alexandra Dock, it covered 52 acres and was the final expansion of Cardiff Docks.
With the ’ Golden Quartette ’ he held concerts at the principal towns of Britain. He wrote music for the harp, and composed variations on the tunes ’ Merch y Felin ’ and ’ Merch Megan ‘.
He died 13^th Jan. 1946 and was buried in Tabernacl cemetery, Efailisaf.

The Carpenters arms is situated in the village of Efail Isaf. It’s a quiet friendly pub but can get quite busy for internationals etc. If has a great atmosphere and is a nice place to call in for a spot of lunch.

The Carpenters arms Efail Isaf is a village pub with an interesting musical history The people living around the area at the time (about 1890) thought the pub was the centre of harp playing in Wales as the publican, Tom Bryant, who died in 1940, was a famous harp player and was actually born at the Carpenters on the 22^nd July 1882
Tom Bryant eventually held the prestigious title of Royal Welsh Harpist and appeared at a command performance. Most of the Bryant family at the time were renowned harpists.
The present day pub still has links with music as Cor Godra’r Garth (please forgive my spelling) a Welsh speaking choir rehearse in the local chapel on a Sunday night and afterwards adjourn to the Carpenters for a drink and sometimes a song. It is one of the few pubs in the area that one can hear our native language spoken.
The Carpenters is normally a restful pub unless there has been a international rugby match or someone is having a party even then the service is good and there is little waiting time to be served. It is normally recommended for a ’ quiet pint’ A pub to take the ones wife or girl friend for a restful evening. The beer is always good with a friendly and hospitable landlord, Jeff, There is a limited lunch time menu and coffee is served during the day and also in the evening if the bar is not too busy. The Carpenters is one of the few pubs out of Cardiff that sell Brains Dark on draught which is always in good condition. There is a small car park but parking on the road is possible. A small friendly village pub.