Episode One

[Derek]

Well here it is ..... over a few posts
Episode One
of
Derek's Cilted Pub Crawl of the Old and Historic Pubs of South Wales


Sat morning arrived and it was very wet and windy. Nothing was going to put off the trip though. Not long after we set off the weather came good. Anyhow, the first port of call was
The Bush Inn.
The Bush Inn is a thatched pub in a picturesque village in the Vale of Glamorgan, with seating outside overlooking the 14th Century Church. It has been a drinking house for over 300 years and one of the earlier members still remains in the form of a resident ghost ... a highwayman who was caught close to the pub and hung on the downs.

The Bush Inn


The motley crew before entering


On entering you are in the bar by the Inglenook

[Derek]

The Entrance from the inside and the coats hanger

The Bar

[Derek]

We then moved on to The Blue Anchor, again in The Vale of Glamorgan.

The Blue Anchor was established in 1380 - and was one of the focal points for the then thriving trading port of East Aberthaw. The name of the Inn was derived from the name of the bay at Aberthaw, the distinctive blue marl(mud) which coated the anchors of the vessels that called at the port giving the name to both the bay and the Inn.

At that time the port was far more important than either of the much now much larger towns of Cardiff or Barry, and was busy enough to justify a Customs & Excise presence. Evidence of the diverse trading that took place was the presence of a tobacco drying shed, hinting at possible trade with the American colonies. There was much smuggling that occured between a local cove and this pub. Rumour has it that there is a passage way which connect the two. There are no mentions of ghosts, but who knows.

The Blue Anchor

The Door of this pub is always closed ... you have to let yourself in.
The sound of the heavy latch is really loud and any locals in there look up to see who's coming in. Just before we opened the door.


Once inside this is what you are greeted with


There are several little nooks and crannies and stairways to small areas where you can sit and drink

[Derek]

Taking another beer (I mean breather, sorry). You can see the Old Bread Oven on the right

The Bread Oven


There is also a room upstairs that is used as a restaurant/private functions etc

Finally the bar .. they have quite a selection of Real Ales including the guest Ale on the blackboard above the bar. My beer is on the right, and it was from the second pump on the left .. Hereford Pale Ale. Very nice too it was.

[Derek]

Sunday we headed for The Black Griffin for Lunch. The Black Griffin is an Old Coaching Inn and is directly opposite yet another old church circa 1600. The Black Griffin itself is only about 250 years old. Inside the old charm is still there .. the upper balcony has been retained. There are many old folk lore tales around this pub.

The Black Griffin


In Welsh


About to enter


Once inside it is extremely welcoming .. a typical old welsh long house

[Derek]

And finally, on getting off the bus in the city we decided to call in one of Cardiff's oldest pubs The Rummer Tavern. This little place is steeped in history and goes back to when Cardiff starting becoming a small town.

The Rummer Tavern




Inside it retains an old feel, but is geared for the Student population as well as the older customers


Finally having one last one for the road in The Rummer before we set off home. Its been a good weekend. If you want me to stll continue my pub crawl let me know .. In the meantime, Iechyd Da Derek

[Pour1Malt]

WOW!

terrific, Derek (an Elaine tae!)

They pubs arr tremendous!

ai luv the feelin o' sittin in an ancient pub!

ta fur sharin....

cannae wait fur the next installment...

ma ainly request is that ya gie us maire piccies inside the pubs!


slainte mhath!

[Freelander Sporrano]

What great Pubs . I get kinda homesick.Thanks Derek

[David Dalglish]

Great tour Derek, you can almost smell the beer,--please carry on, it is nice to see the old pubs.

[macwilkin]

another vote here, Derek, for your "virtual Welsh pub crawl" -- and do tell some of the folklore about the Black Griffin! :mrgreen:

You should think about a web site about your travels -- I think others would appreciate your research!

Cheers,

Todd