Yard

42-43 St Mary Street, Cardiff [map]


Yard is the shop front for the Old Brewery Quarter (or the Old Brewery 1/4, as it's annoyingly branded). There's a further selection of bars and restaurants hidden behind it. But, if you're anything like us, Yard is about as far into the area as you ever manage to get.


As is de rigueur for any pub redesign these days (it used to be The Albert), the inspiration for the decor is largely derived from The Crystal Maze's Futuristic zone.

It's one of those conversions in which there's a massive interior but not really much seating - at least downstairs. There's a sizeable upstairs area with another bar that's opened up during busy periods.


It's a Brains-run joint so there's a full complement of local beers, along with the usual lager-based suspects. But however much 45 you imbibe, there's never much of an atmosphere here, largely due to the fact that it's a bit like sitting in a warehouse.