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The Packet

Traditional Cardiff Bay pub with 160 years of history, darts, games, real ales, and homely vibes amid modern surroundings.

4.4

Nestled on Bute Street in Cardiff's vibrant Bay area, The Packet stands as a cherished traditional pub offering a warm escape from the surrounding modernity. With its historic charm, friendly service, darts, board games, and a selection of local brews like Brains SA, it provides a homely atmosphere for relaxed pints and casual gatherings. Open daily from noon, it extends into late nights on weekends, blending old-school pub vibes with a cozy beer garden.

A brief summary to The Packet

  • 95 Bute St, Cardiff, CF10 5AB, GB
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-12 am
  • Saturday 12 pm-12 am
  • Sunday 12 pm-10:30 pm

Local tips

  • Head downstairs for darts, pool, and board games to spark conversations with locals.
  • Try the Brains SA or local ales; staff can recommend based on your taste.
  • Visit on Sundays for live music, cards, and a lively community atmosphere.
  • Bring your dog—it's welcome in this pet-friendly spot.
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The Packet location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about The Packet

Historic Heart in Cardiff Bay

The Packet occupies a prime spot on 95 Bute Street, right in the heart of Cardiff Bay, where the buzz of contemporary waterfront developments meets echoes of the city's maritime past. Established over 160 years ago, this pub endures as one of the few remaining traditional establishments from the docklands boom era, preserving an authentic slice of Welsh pub culture amid flashy new builds. Its leaded glass windows etched with the pub name and brewery details hint at its longstanding legacy, offering patrons a tangible connection to Cardiff's industrial heritage.

Cozy Traditional Interiors

Step inside to find wood floors, tiled bar areas, comfortable chairs, and sofas that evoke the feel of a nanna's front room. The layout includes a dedicated games area downstairs with darts, pool, and board games, fostering lively yet laid-back interactions. Original finishes and subtle nods to its history create an unpretentious space, contrasting sharply with the OTT modernism outside. A hidden beer garden provides an outdoor retreat for sunnier days, perfect for al fresco drinks.

Drinks and Simple Bites

The bar boasts a solid lineup of beers, including well-kept Brains SA and interesting local options at reasonable prices around £3-£4 per pint. Familiar brews sit alongside lesser-known Welsh ales, with staff often guiding newcomers. Food leans casual with toasties for about £2, though it's best known for drinks rather than full meals. The focus remains on quality pints in a setting that prioritizes atmosphere over elaborate cuisine.

Games and Community Spirit

Darts, pool, board games, and Sunday sessions of Don cards draw regulars and visitors alike, infusing the air with camaraderie. Live music spices up weekends, while the pub's dog-friendly policy welcomes furry companions. This blend of activities turns quiet afternoons into memorable evenings, embodying the quintessential British pub experience where strangers become friends over a game or a shared story.

Opening Rhythm and Bay Location

Daily operations kick off at noon, wrapping up at 11pm on weekdays, Sunday at 10:30pm, and midnight on Friday and Saturday. Its position near Cardiff Bay landmarks like the Millennium Centre makes it a convenient pre- or post-event stop, yet it retains a locals' haven feel. The Packet thrives as a bridge between Cardiff's storied past and its dynamic present, inviting all to savor its timeless appeal.

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