The Borough Arms, Cardiff – 38 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

The Borough Arms -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 38 user ratings

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8 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1AT, United Kingdom

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM, Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM, Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 11:30 PM, Thursday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM, Friday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM, Saturday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM, Sunday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM

💬 What Students Say

The Borough Arms, located in the heart of Cardiff on St Mary Street, is a beloved pub that perfectly captures the essence of a traditional British drinking establishment while embracing a modern, student-friendly vibe. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, this venue stands out as a go-to spot for students from Cardiff University looking to unwind after a long day of lectures or kick off a night out with friends. With its combination of good drinks, lively music, and a relaxed ambiance, The Borough Arms has become a staple in the local nightlife scene.

As you step inside, you'll immediately notice the friendly and relaxed atmosphere that students rave about. The venue strikes a perfect balance between being lively enough to enjoy a fun night out yet laid-back enough to have a good conversation with friends. Many reviews highlight the welcoming nature of the crowd, making it easy to mingle and meet new people. This sense of community is a significant draw for students looking for a place where they can feel comfortable and at ease during their nights out.

Music is an essential part of The Borough Arms' charm, with a jukebox available to keep the vibe fun and engaging. Students appreciate that the music is upbeat without being overwhelming, allowing for conversation while still enjoying the lively atmosphere. The venue often hosts various events that keep things fresh and exciting, ensuring that each visit can feel like something different. Whether it's a quiet night or an eventful one, The Borough Arms manages to adapt to the mood of its patrons, making every experience unique.

When it comes to drinks, The Borough Arms is highly rated for its value. Students frequently mention that the prices are reasonable, which is a significant plus for those on a student budget. The pub offers a variety of beers, wines, and spirits, along with pub meals and snacks, making it an ideal setting for a casual hangout. Many reviews state that while it may not be the cheapest pub in town, the quality of the experience and the atmosphere more than make up for it. The affordability of drinks allows students to enjoy their night without breaking the bank, which is always a bonus.

The queue and entry experience at The Borough Arms also earn positive remarks. Many reviews indicate that the queue moves quickly, which is a considerable advantage, especially during busy nights or match days when the pub can get quite crowded. Students appreciate that they can get inside without a long wait, allowing them to start their night out as soon as possible. The efficient service continues once inside, with patrons noting that staff are friendly and attentive, contributing to the overall enjoyable experience.

However, like any venue, The Borough Arms has its caveats. Some students have pointed out that while the atmosphere is generally friendly, it can get a bit hectic during peak times, especially on weekends or during special events. For those looking for a quieter spot to unwind, this might not be the ideal choice. Additionally, while the drinks are reasonably priced, some students feel that it’s not the cheapest option available, which could be a consideration for those strictly on a budget.

Overall, The Borough Arms is highly regarded among students for its relaxed yet lively vibe, making it suitable for a variety of social occasions. Whether you’re looking to grab a drink with friends, enjoy a casual date night, or meet new people, this pub offers a welcoming space that caters to all. It’s a place where laughter and good memories are made, and many students express a desire to return after their first visit, highlighting the pub's ability to create a memorable experience.

In conclusion, The Borough Arms stands out as a student-friendly venue that combines traditional pub charm with a modern, vibrant atmosphere. It’s a place where you can enjoy reasonably priced drinks, good music, and a friendly crowd, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a fun night out in Cardiff. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a casual night with friends, The Borough Arms is definitely worth a visit.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Welcoming and friendly atmosphere, making it easy to socialize.
  • Good value for drinks, making it budget-friendly for students.
  • Quick-moving queues, allowing for a smooth entry experience.
  • Lively music that sets a fun vibe without being too loud.
  • The venue offers a unique charm, feeling more like a local hangout.
  • Consistently positive reviews about the staff being friendly and attentive.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get quite busy on weekends and match days, leading to a hectic atmosphere.
  • Not the cheapest option available, which may deter budget-conscious students.
  • The lively atmosphere may not suit those looking for a quieter night out.
  • Some students mention that it can feel overwhelming during peak hours.
  • Limited food options compared to other pubs in the area.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a fun and relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a night out with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
  • Try to arrive early on weekends to avoid long queues.
  • Check out the jukebox for a fun selection of music to enjoy.
  • The pub can get busy, especially on match days, so plan accordingly.
  • Keep an eye out for any special events that might be happening during your visit.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Borough Arms like?

It's a traditional pub with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for socializing.

How long is the queue?

The queue moves quickly, allowing for a smooth entry experience.

Is it good value?

Yes, drinks are reasonably priced, making it budget-friendly for students.

What music does The Borough Arms play?

The venue features a jukebox with upbeat music that enhances the lively atmosphere.

Can I get food there?

Yes, they offer pub meals and snacks, though options may be limited.

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

Reviews
Overall
Cleanliness
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Price
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Smoking
Queue moved quickly and the drinks were reasonably priced. music kept the vibe fun without being too loud to chat. nice spot for a night out with friends.
By user630828 on Mar 27th 2026
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Had a good time and would definitely go back. that says it all
By user527425 on Mar 23rd 2026
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The atmosphere is friendly and the crowd is relaxed, which makes it easy to hang out with mates. that's all you really want when you go out.
By user283584 on Mar 18th 2026
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Not perfect but i'd choose it again. everyone was really friendly and easy to chat with.
By user915134 on Mar 14th 2026
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Not the cheapest place around, but the nights here are always a blast. you're getting more than just another night out.
By user664660 on Mar 10th 2026
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A night filled with laughs and good memories, just a better spot to hang out with mates.
By user385724 on Feb 28th 2026
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Met loads of people there which made it really easy to have a good time. always something happening when you go.
By user882373 on Feb 25th 2026
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Went in thinking it’d be a chill night and ended up having a blast. would go back for sure
By user543933 on Feb 24th 2026
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The balance between laid-back and lively was spot on. felt like the perfect place to hang out and let loose.
By user654778 on Feb 22nd 2026
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Not a bad spot, you get what you pay for. wouldn't want to be anywhere else honestly
By user945636 on Feb 20th 2026
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The borough arms is super laid-back which makes it perfect for a casual night out. that’s what keeps me coming back.
By user226757 on Feb 19th 2026
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Nice place to hang out without it being too intense.
By user231118 on Feb 18th 2026
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Not bad, would choose it again. it's got a friendly atmosphere and feels pretty laid-back.
By user977452 on Feb 17th 2026
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Start was pretty low-key but it turned into a proper night out. not a bad way to spend the evening.
By user991603 on Feb 16th 2026
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Not perfect but i’d choose it again. it's got a good student night and the atmosphere’s lively.
By user562011 on Feb 15th 2026
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Always end up having a great laugh here with friends.
By user431947 on Feb 14th 2026
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Stopped by after a long day and it was just what I needed. nice to unwind without the crowd.
By user721722 on Feb 13th 2026
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Service was fast and everyone was really friendly. didn't feel like a bother at all.
By user892698 on Feb 9th 2026
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Good spot for dates or hanging out with mates. always felt comfortable there
By user265112 on Feb 2nd 2026
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The atmosphere's always lively which can be cool or a bit much depending on the night
By user285894 on Jan 27th 2026
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Not the cheapest place but it feels really friendly and upbeat. wouldn’t want to go anywhere else for a good night out.
By user200603 on Jan 22nd 2026
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The borough arms has a relaxed feel. it's a good spot to just kick back and enjoy the atmosphere.
By user884589 on Jan 18th 2026
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The type of place that instantly puts you in a good mood.
By user134417 on Jan 14th 2026
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The energy was high and the space felt super comfy. perfect for a night out with mates.
By user774882 on Jan 10th 2026
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Each night feels like something different. always something going on which keeps it interesting.
By user580913 on Jan 4th 2026
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Went there randomly and ended up having a really good time. would go back for sure
By user778071 on Jan 1st 2026
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People were really friendly here, no drama at all.
By user292460 on Dec 26th 2025
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Energy's always good, no weird moments that kill the mood.
By user506409 on Dec 21st 2025
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Drinks were pretty cheap, which is hard to find these days. makes it way easier to enjoy a night out.
By user893143 on Dec 18th 2025
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The borough arms has a special charm. it’s not just another generic bar, it feels more like a local hangout which i really like.
By user981596 on Dec 12th 2025
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Music was loud and the crowd was fun, perfect for a night out with mates. that's all you really want
By user949673 on Dec 5th 2025
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Such good energy — everyone was on the same vibe.
By user400955 on Dec 1st 2025
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Easy-going place for a night out. had a good time hanging out with friends.
By user883221 on Nov 26th 2025
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Drinks are solid, atmosphere is chill, and people are cool throughout the night. no weird moments where it feels off.
By user354197 on Nov 22nd 2025
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There's always something going on and it never lets you down.
By user358559 on Nov 15th 2025
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Went in after lectures and it was super chill inside. just what I needed to unwind.
By user544898 on Nov 9th 2025
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Good atmosphere and it’s one of my go-to spots for a night out. that’s all that matters really.
By user915742 on Nov 1st 2025
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By user677886 on Aug 11th 2024