Real Ale — Pubs in Risca
Discover real ale pubs in Risca. Browse our directory to find the perfect pub.
Found 6 real ale pubs in Risca
The Commercial Inn
Commercial Street, Risca NP11 6BA
Three times a local CAMRA Pub of the Year award winner, you only have to glance at the impressive range of awards and certificates to see this has been a beacon of excellence when it comes to good pub management. The spacious front patio - note the colourful real ale mural - has furniture to suit both vertical and seated drinking which can be covered by a retractable awning when required. Inside it's comfortably furnished with adjoining lounge and snug cum bar/games areas. Several TVs with sound usually muted are ranged around the pub for viewing entertainment especially for sports and racing fans. The menu offers a wide and varied range of popular main meals plus lighter bites like baguettes and sandwiches; look out for the 'Taste of Asia' on Tuesdays, steak and grill nights 6-9pm on Thursday and the Saturday breakfast club. Ciders and/or perries gain in popularity in summer months. The pub has also raised loads of money for local charities over the years, all listed on a board. Bus stops are a few minutes walk away (in either direction), as is the Risca & Pontymister railway station on the Cardiff/Ebbw Vale line.
The Railway Tavern
1 Danygraig Road, Risca NP11 6DB
Smart looking pub recently freed from the shackles of Enterprise Inns since being bought buy a local businessman who has injected new life into it. A classic two room interior. The cosy lounge has an intimate feel and displays pictures of by-gone railway and other local heritage scenes. The bar displays a gallery of drinks-related mirrors. Doom Bar has become the house ale which is joined by a guest ale, both sold at a competitive price. An outdoor drinking area is at the front. Activities include corks (noon, Sunday), darts (Monday & Friday) with live entertainment on Saturday.
Exchange Inn
52 St. Mary Street, Risca NP11 6GQ
A roadside pub in old Buckley Brewery colours that takes its name from the days when horses were exchanged before continuing a coach journey. The large open plan bar was extended a few years ago to include a games area (good value pool table) while more comfortable seating can be found in the lounge. Scenic views can be enjoyed on a fine day. Live bands perform on Saturday evenings.
The Darran
2 St Mary Street, Risca NP11 6GU
A Brains house with an open plan interior with dining at one end and a more traditional public bar at the other. It is a versatile establishment in that it is a comfortable environment that caters for either formal or informal dining or drinking, or a place to enjoy live sport. Look out for seasonal specials and attractive dining deals among the food offerings. It's a welcome refreshment stop after the challenge of the steep climb to/from the Scenic Forest Drive and Twmbarlwm. There is disabled access and a WC but access could be a bit tricky, it may be advisable to ask staff for assistance or check before your visit. An extensive refurbishment in late 2016 heralded the arrival of a new menu and additional cask ales.
Fox & Hounds
Park Road, Risca NP11 6PW
Bustling pub in a commanding situation overlooking a park and local shops where the bus stops are situated. The interior is broadly divided into several areas. There is a section with a pool table which, appropriately, has a picture of a fox and hounds hunting scene. A central fireplace separates this area from some cosy sofa seated with a TV. Another larger seating area has a drop down screen over a fireplace for big sporting events and off this is a darts section which gives access to a garden. Sports and music are popular here with live music from local bands on Friday evenings. Games include 'corks' on a Sunday, very much a local game. Quiz nights are on Thursday. The single guest ale is sourced from independent breweries primarily Wye Valley and throughput is such that it is changed regularly each week. In warmer weather, there is a good sized garden as well as a smaller somewhat secluded garden area accessed via the pool room. Additional seating is provided at the front of the premises. A short walk from the Risca & Pontymister railway station on the Cardiff/Ebbw Vale line.
The Prince of Wales Inn
Dixon Place, Risca NP11 6PY
Two-room pub on the towpath of what remains of the Risca branch of the Monmouthshire & Brecon canal. An old Welsh Brewers light is above an entrance leading to the basic main bar which has a bit of a sporting theme. The premises was much enlarged since extending into an adjoining house. This has provided a new lounge where food is served on Friday, Saturday and at Sunday lunchtime. Somewhat difficult to get to by car, but popular with cyclists and walkers and a steep climb from the main road is rewarded with fine mountain views over the valley to the local cemetery from outside seating area. There is also a garden/play area with a tiki bar alongside the pub.