Beelzebubs

17–19 Church Street, Cardiff [map]

Beelzebub. Proper noun. A name for the Devil. Origin: From late Latin Beëlzebub, translating Hebrew ba'al zĕḇūḇ 'lord of flies', the name of a Philistine god (2 Kings 1:2), and Greek Beelzeboul 'the Devil' (Matt. 12:24).

Which is certainly at the more esoteric end of the spectrum when it comes to picking a name for your bar.

Fortunately, contrary to the brewhouse's monicker, heading inside is less like descending into the depths of hell and more like approaching a counter packed with craft beers that share a particularly identifiable branding aesthetic. So that's a relief.

I can't actually remember what this is but I do vaguely recall that, if you drink too many of them, it's a pretty accurate reflection of the state of your urine the following morning.

Looks like there's some sort of sporting activity taking place, no doubt involving men and balls. Which makes a change.

Holy shit, where did this lot come from?

Still, you've got to love that bloke's natty flat cap/horn-rimmed specs/patterned scarf combo. I bet he's got really great trousers as well. After all, the devil has all the best pantaloons.

Taxi!

The Head of Steam

18–19 Church Street, Cardiff [map]

Previously the site of a Harvester and, going back into the mists of time even further, Old Orleans, these sizeable premises have now been given a rail-themed scrub-up and transformed into a jack-of-all-trades bar. You know: craft ales, food, sport, live DJs. And so on.

There's a swathe of these places in the north but this is their first venture into Wales.

I don't really get the whole train-based vibe – why would you want to remind customers of our failing rail network of an evening? – but at least they don't take the theme to its logical conclusion: "Due to signalling problems, this pint has been diverted via Prestatyn and will be delayed by approximately two days. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Not entirely sure what The Photographer was aiming for with this shot. Still, as you can see, they've got some lovely wooden and tiled criss-cross flooring.

Now, I do like a booth and these are very well done, with lamps, charging points and – a nice touch this, you have to agree – overhead coat racks.

Upstairs, and there's a kind of vintage, industrial chic vibe afoot. And that's just the customers.

Blimey, this room is so bright it could have written A Brief History of Time.

The Old Arcade

14 Church Street, Cardiff [map]


Now that's what pubs should look like, isn't? A thing of beauty. It doesn't disappoint when you step inside, either.


A full complement of Brains' finest. You'll notice that a selection of lesser beverages, to the left, are also available.


There's a slightly odd layout as a result of the pub's shape - long and narrow. So there's loads of floor space in the front section with just a handful of tables squeezed around the edge. It makes sense when it's busy though - and it's absolutely heaving on match days.


It used to be a bit spit and sawdust before it was refurbished in 2006. It's scrubbed up well although it can sometimes feel as if you're in a pastiche of an old school boozer - just with added Sky Sports.

10 Feet Tall

11a-12 Church Street, Cardiff [map]


It's a bar, it's a club, it's a restaurant, it's a live music venue. Indeed, there's a lot going on at 10 Feet Tall, which is from the same people who run the Buffalo Bar on Windsor Place.

But our needs are simple: we just want a pint.


To this end, 10 Feet Tall isn't an obvious choice. The range of drinks is geared towards cocktails and the selection of draught beers is limited. We were there on a quiet weekday evening but, even so, the service wasn't exactly speedy.


We do like the slightly eccentric decor though. This is the mezzanine dining area and, yes, your eyes are deceiving you. That's not a library at the end of the room but crazily patterned wallpaper. Those japesters.

The food is reasonably priced although there was a faint smell of vomit near where we were sitting, which doesn't exactly whet the appetite.

It's all a bit self-consciously trendy but it's worth popping in at least once, if only to have a gander at the wallpaper.