Live Sports — Pubs in Cwmbran

Attractive 18th century inn, a former farmhouse, with flagstones in the bar and adjoining games room. A large extension to the rear has provided ample space for diners in both a dining room and lounge. As well as a full menu there are special menus and offers to look out for, e.g. early bird menu, plus a special menu for the under-12's. Superb countryside views to the Severn estuary. It's also a useful starting or end point for the steep trek up the mountain to the mysterious Twm Barlwm. The bus stop is redundant, the nearest service is No 6 about 400 metres away. Quiz night Thursday 9pm. The name is thought to derive from Dwr (water) and Allt (slope) so make of that what you will!

Halfway Inn

Commercial Street, Cwmbran NP44 3LR

Smoking Area

A large village pub with a distinctive Simonds Brewery pub sign depicting a large hop leaf. Simonds eventually amalgamated with Courage Brewery. Inside there is a public bar and lounge that has close historical connections with the nearby Monmouthshire & Brecon canal. A lively public bar during the week and weekend disco/karaoke in the lounge. Good sized function room upstairs. Weekly meat market in car park.

Oddfellows Arms

20 Commercial Street, Cwmbran NP44 1DZ

A traditional village local that hosts karaoke & disco every Friday and Saturday evening with a live band on the last weekend of the month.

Old Bridgend Inn

Commercial Place, Cwmbran NP44 1AE

Just a short stroll up the hill from Pontnewydd's shops is this locals' pub sited near the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. Known locally at the 'Top Bridge' (as opposed to the now closed 'Bottom Bridge', the New Bridgend further down the canal), it has a traditional layout of public bar and lounge with the latter extending into a dining area which still has a hanging sign as you enter saying "No smoking beyond this point". The guest ale is changed regularly and sourced from well know national breweries. Pension Day on Wednesday.

Parkway Hotel & Spa

Llantarnam Park, Cwmbran Drive, Cwmbran NP44 3UW

Large modern comfortable hotel with commensurate prices. The large reception area gives access to a number of rooms including a large function room, a spacious lounge with sofa seating which itself leads to the restaurant, and the "Dragon's Lair" with TV. A very popular venue for diners and for functions of various sizes.

Queen Inn

Upper Cwmbran Road, Cwmbran NP44 5AX

Real Fire

Attractive hillside pub with a striking sign of a youthful but mournful looking Queen Victoria. Set beside a rushing mountain stream, wildfowl, a rabbit hutch, swings, a slide and even a tree-house keep the kids amused. The pub was once tied to the old Rhymney Brewery that was taken over and closed by Whitbread in the 1960s. Prior to that the building was two or three cottages. Years ago this was an industrial community with quarries and mines further up the mountain and the Queen was one of four local pubs slaking the thirst of the local working population. Note the name is singular although it is known as the 'Queens'. The interior is cosy with a bar (note the shepherd's crook on display), lounge/diner (a later addition in the '60s) and separate dining room. The Covid pandemic triggered an extensive enlargement of the outside area to provide al fresco dining and drinking. The licensees and customers work hard to raise funds for charity, especially a local hospice. A talking point during the festive season is the upside down Christmas tree by the lounge entrance. Note a plaque mounted on the outside wall commemorating "Thomas JH Richards (1919-1985) Olympic Silver Medallist who trained and lived in Upper Cwmbran".

Terrace

Pontrhydrhyrdn Road, Cwmbran NP44 1SD

Friendly open plan bar just off Cwmbran Drive. Games and TV with seating on a large patio make this a popular locals pub.

Three Blackbirds

Pentre Lane, Cwmbran NP44 3AY

Attractive old inn that has grown considerably since it first served the local farming community as a single roomed pub. There is a splendid entrance up some steps from the car park that leads to an attractive interior with several linked sections with some on different levels. A refurbishment has seen the emergence of a lighter decor and contemporary furnishings that blend quite well with their surroundings to retain a traditional country inn feel. There is also a secluded room, the 'Gallery' off the main bar, that is a cosy nook with comfy armchair seating and a sporting theme with old memorabilia plus a 3D Sky Sports TV. While the emphasis is on the popular food offering (with seasonal variations) it still accommodates those just wanting a quiet drink. The extensive menu includes nibbles and starters, mains (including vegetarian), curries, fish, gourmet burgers, grills, salads, sandwiches, kids menu, a 'Diamond Menu' for the over 50's, desserts and a Sunday carvery. Note last dining orders are at 9pm on Monday evenings as this is quiz night. Sadly since Orchid Inns was taken over by M&B, the cask ale offering is now very limited to nationally listed ales, of which only one remains here. Another website for customers is www.ourfamilyfeedback.co.uk.

Blinkin' Owl

The Oxtens, Henllys Way, Cwmbran NP44 4TP

Karaoke

Cask Marque Accredited

Well established community pub, one of several built when Cwmbran was developing as a new town. A few years ago the public bar and lounge were knocked into one large open plan room although a windowed partition gives an impression of separate sections. It has all the trappings of a 21st century pub with darts, pool, gaming machines, cash machine and TVs. The lounge/dining section has modern artwork displayed around the walls; note also the pub's golf society honours board near the entrance. Standard pub grub favourites include an all day breakfast and childrens' menu. Meal deals for two available all day Monday to Thursday and until 5pm Friday. Disco/karaoke Friday evenings. Bus stop outside.

Mount Pleasant

Wesley Street, Cwmbran NP44 3LX

Limited space for inside drinking, ample outside space. One-way system for bar service Homely pub situated in what could be described as the ecclesiastical centre of Cwmbran, it having several religious establishments as neighbours. The Mount offers spiritual uplifting of a different kind with pleasant and comfortable surroundings in a spacious open-plan interior. Tastefully furnished using a rich dark red decor for carpets and upholstered seating, there are broadly three sections, including a raised area. It attracts a good mix of a generally mature clientele who help create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The patio at the front of the premises has a sheltered area. The beers are mainly sourced from independent breweries, mostly local. Occasional live music evenings featuring local artists start at 9pm while the Thursday evening quiz starts at 9pm. Breakfast/brunch available 12-2.30pm Wednesday to Saturday, evening meals same days, with Sunday lunch running to 4pm

Woodland Road Sports & Social Centre

Woodland Road, Cwmbran NP44 2DZ

Disabled Access

This club is part of a large community centre with a main hall (the Oak Room), the Woodland Room and Yew Room (for functions) and the Elm Room and the Birch meeting rooms. It is run by a charitable trust who took over when the local authority could no longer afford to support it. It hosts a range of community activities throughout the week. There are tennis courts and bowls plus a large games field for rugby union (Croesyceiliog RFC) and football, including the home ground of Croesyceiliog AFC who play in the Welsh Football League. Head upstairs for the club itself where you will find a small drinking area near the bar that gives access to the 'D I Alexander Games Room' which is a cosy room with a pool table and dart board; the club has a number of teams participating in local leagues. From the games room a door leads out on to a balcony, with a covered and heated smoking area, that looks out over the playing fields. Back inside there is also a comfortable lounge with a TV, an impressive trophy cabinet, and pictures, including some of past teams and individuals associated with the club. Three handpumps are on standby to dispense the guest ale and sometimes two at busy times such as Six Nations rugby season. The ales are sourced from breweries of all sizes, local or from further afield and are keenly priced. Beware the Felinfoel Double Dragon when on sale as it's a keg ale served through a handpump. The large function room is available for hire via the local community trust by telephone or email: woodlandroadct@gmail.com.

Llanyrafon Social Club

Llanyravon Way, Cwmbran NP44 8HT

This social club is part of a community centre sited adjacent to Llanyrafon Mill and across the road from mediaeval Llanyrafon Manor heritage centre which is open to the public. The club offers a comfortable and popular lounge bar environment with sports memorabilia and local scenes on the walls. A larger room accommodates live entertainment on Saturday evenings. TV screens deliver sports events. The 'Afon Room' is a large hall that caters for local community activities and public meetings. A committee room is available from 2-8pm. Outside is a fenced off grass play area for children. Entry rules are relaxed but may be applied on busy occasions. The club shares the site with Llanyravon AFC who play nearby. Doom Bar is usually accompanied by a guest ale which can be sourced from anywhere in UK but mainly from a regional brewer.

Cwmbran Celtic AFC Sports & Social Club

Oak Street, Cwmbran NP44 3LT

The home of Cwmbran Celtic AFC, founded in 1925, who play at Celtic Park about three quarters of a mile away near Cwmbran Stadium. The social club has occupied an old Victorian house, formerly an undertakers, for over 30 years. The entrance foyer has a couple of trophy cabinets stuffed with shields, cups and signed footballs as befits a football club that has known a good deal of success over the years. This area gives access to a cosy traditional public bar with TV and a comfortable lounge with bay windows and a second TV for sporting events. Photos of past teams over the decades are displayed. There is a garden with plenty of seats and a play area at the rear. Thursday evenings there is a quiz and poker league. Club entry rules are relaxed but may be applied on occasions.

Redz

6 Oldbury Road, Cwmbran NP44 3JU

Close to Bus Routes

A snooker club with 17 full size tables with coaching sessions available for youngsters on Saturday mornings. Add in American pool and 2 high-tech virtual golf simulators, this is clearing for indoor sports lovers. Open 7 days a week with a fully licensed bar and catering for "stage nights" and birthdays, its popularity is understandable.

Croesyceiliog Cricket & Rugby Club

The Highway, Cwmbran NP44 2HJ

A smart sports club situated beside a well-maintained cricket ground (the rugby team plays at the Woodland Road centre). The bar is popular having games and sports TV. Here can also be found an honours board listing the past First XI and First XV captains alongside a board with the names of the life members. The "Villars Lounge" is a comfortable room displaying mainly local cricket memorabilia plus in a cabinet a strikingly coloured cockerel. Although this building was built in 1974, the cricket club is very much older having celebrated its centenary in 2005. Both bar and lounge give access to a terrace from which cricket can be watched on match days. Note the Double Dragon is a keg beer. Access is open to all apart from when there are members only events.

Cwmbran Working Men's Band Club & Institute

Oldbury Road, Cwmbran NP44 3JU

Large club comprising a concert/entertainment hall, public bar, sports bar and function room. The ubiquitous Sharp's Doom Bar is the house ale of choice and they sell loads of it!

Pontnewydd Royal British Legion Club

The Laurels, 53 Station Road, Cwmbran NP44 1NZ

Smoking Area

This well-established club offers a traditional public bar with a pool table and a pleasant lounge bar with darts and several TVs dotted around the room. The lounge gives access to the garden at the rear of the premises. Visitors are expected to be signed in although this rule may be relaxed at quiet times.

Cwmbran Town AFC Sports & Social Club

5-7 Commercial Street, Cwmbran NP44 3LR