Pear Tree

The Globe Centre, Wellfield Road, Roath [map]


It's difficult to tell if Pear Tree (the lack of definite article just sounds wrong, doesn't it?) is sinking into the ground or whether this is just a slightly wonky photo. Although you can probably work it out.

Either way, who ever knew there were quite so many different shades of beige?

A bit of history for you: this used to be a Bar Billabong and, long before that, a cinema - The Photographer saw Return of the Jedi here.


Lots of admin going on at the bar. This bloke is on the phone and he's got a pen tucked behind his ear. He couldn't look any busier if he tried.

Well, actually, he could try serving us as well. That would be good.


Hilariously, we opt some sort of cherry beer concoction by the name of Liefmans. Less hilariously, it weighs in at a staggering £4.50 a pint.

Come the next round we're back on the session lager.


From this vantage point, the bar area almost looks like a shot from some sort of Cardiff Tourist Information brochure, in which everyone has perpetually fixed grins and is enjoying alcohol in a responsible fashion and definitely won't get really pissed, fall into a bush and then throw up on the way home.


Imagine going to a bar and either (1) wanting to play a board game or (2) being impressed by a very old sewing machine.

Seriously, is this a drinking hole or a playgroup for precocious four-year-olds?


We amble upstairs, where it's all very tasteful. Although you cannot help but feel that the whole thing is a slightly less successful take on Juno Lounge down the road.


We are able to confirm that this lamp is definitely working. So that's great news.


Oooh, arty.

Juno Lounge

14 Wellfield Road, Roath [map]


Whatever word you stick before bar - cafe, sports or, heaven forbid, wine - it always makes it sound less appealing. Especially if, as we perpetually are, you're just after a pint.

But there's always an exception to a rule and, in Juno Lounge, we may well have found it.


For starters, they serve the very pleasant Catalan pilsner Estrella.

Although this does lead us on to a lengthy conversation about the chances of getting mugged while wandering, pissed, along La Rambla in Barcelona (high), and the best course of action should this unfortunate occurrence take place (ensure that you're accompanied by a large professional wrestler who is perfectly happy to punch the assailant upside the head on your behalf).


Bar staff in action.

It's been a while since we've stumbled upon some decent light fittings in a Cardiff drinkery but Juno Lounge more than compensates with its preposterous chandelier/brown tasselled lampshade hybrids.

You don't get those in Ikea.


The downstairs bit. Imagine if that blackboard accidentally fell off the wall and hit someone on the head. It'd definitely kill them.

Something to bear in mind next time you're here and wondering where to sit.


Similar stuff going on upstairs, just with added staring bloke.


There's something a bit discombobulating about a wall full of mismatched mirrors (especially if you've just consumed eight pints of lager).


The roof terrace is made only slightly less appealing by the fact that it attracts the type of bloke (far left) who thinks it's OK to go out in public clad in a white vest and a trilby.