The Goat Major

This episode was a mess...
I went here due to reviews...
Well mistake..
A new menu was issued, and many items scratched off the menu..
Nobody told the barkeeps...

We had some pints and chicken leak pies..these were good..

Overall very confused...
The poor barkeep ...
I wouldn't go back..

Not handicap accessible..
Ladies room up 2 flights of stairs...

One minute walk from the front of Cardiff Castle, this is military related pub is traditional as it gets. It's a proper old man's pub ideal for everyone above the age of 18.

Here is a bit of history the name is taken from the Mascot of the Royal 41st regiment of Wales. They carried a live goat on the Russian front line in the Crimean War. The goat survived the War and was introduced to Queen Victoria back in England. Originally simply called the Goat, the pub was renamed the Bluebell in 1813, and finally the Goat Major in 1995.

To this day when the Royal Regiment of Wales names a new goat as its mascot they get several column inches dedicated to them in the Welsh press.

I've never eaten here - nor would I want to as it strikes me a strictly drinking pub with lots of real ales on the menu and wall to wall dark wood panelling. Wednesday is Welsh night by the way and apparently the pub offers a range of Goat Major memorabilia - I can't say I'd noticed.

Great local pub across from Cardiff castle. A lot of BRAIN beer but with some Strongbow cjoices as well. Food served until 6pm and kids welcome until then. Classic pub atmosphere with telly showing news and sports.

As you try and soak in the Welsh culture you must visit the Goat Major. Getting on for it's 200th birthday, the bar is full of history. The name is taken from the mascot of the 41st regiment of wales during the Crimean War. If you can visit on a wednesday, the major has a Welsh night. I don't know what that entails as I haven't gone on that night, but sounds the right night to take in the best of the culture.

Decor is beautifully Victorian, consisting of dark wooden panelling keeping in mind the tradition of this pub.

Atmosphere is very friendly here and the staff are very friendly. Prices are that of a city centre but is worth it, honestly.

As I always say you should always support these historic pubs rather than go to your local chain. You really get the best of Cardiff during your visit here.

I live above this pub, so know it extremely well. Like the Rummer Tavern just around the corner, it's proper old-school inside with pictures relating to the history of the pub. The name is taken from the Royal 41st Regiment of Wales, who carried a live goat on the front line during the Crimean War. That goat survived the entire war and was dubbed the Goat Major.

Inside there is a tiled floor, authentically styled in keeping with the age of the place. 3 TVs are pretty much always showing Sky News or Sky Sports News. There's no sports or anything like that on offer here though.

The staff are really friendly and the traditional food is excellent. Along with the Rummer Tavern, I'd recommend it for a quiet pint.

I also saw Charles Lawson in here. He played Irish tough guy Jim Mcdonald in Coronation Street. He wasn't very friendly. But still - Jim Mcdonald! 5 stars.

My new favorite Cardiff bar! This historic Welsh pub has it all: a well-earned classic look (its a very old pub), excellent beers (I loved the dark one), comfortable setting, and a bartender--Ryan--who immediately made us feel welcome. The menu centers around pies, and we enjoyed the two we tried. This pub is definitely worth a visit.

This is a lovely little pub with lots of physical character. It had never been very busy in any of my visits but I have beer seen it as quiet as it was last night. Thursday night in Cardiff town centre and we were the only customers such that the bar staff had the Brasso and were cleaning.

There is a good choice of beers and the smell of Brasso wasn't too off putting!! Friendly service and we didn't have to wait to be served!!

First off, the staff was incredible.

Daniel (bartender) went out of his way to help us with directions and find our way around. I can see how it caters to so many tourists, but he was energetic, positive and a wonderful example for not only the Goat Major but for the Welsh people!

The food was great, and we enjoyed some drinks.

You can't beat the location. It is literally on the main street, right in front of the Cardiff Castle. Great for people watching and absorbing some of the history and culture of the city. I recommend stopping by for lunch - sandwich and some drinks.

Really good pub. Didn't eat here, so I cannot comment on the food, but the service and beer and ale selection is great. They have a nice amount of cask ales as well, which I love. They pour and serve them the way a proper Welsh pub should.

Had a lovely pie and pint here on a Saturday evening. The signs said they stopped serving the pies at 1800, but we were in there about a half hour later and had no problem being served. A nice selection of beers, lots of craft Brains brews.

Definitely a nice normal pub, nothing too crazy, easy to find a place to sit and watch a match. Service was friendly.