The Prince of Wales (JD Wetherspoon), Cardiff – 34 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Prince of Wales (JD Wetherspoon) -

Cleanliness
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Based on 34 user ratings

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81–83 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1FA, United Kingdom

💬 What Students Say

The Prince of Wales, a JD Wetherspoon pub located at 81–83 St Mary St, Cardiff, is a popular venue among students from Cardiff University. With its unique history as a former theatre, this establishment is not just a place to grab a drink, but a lively hub for socializing and nightlife. With an overall rating of 4.3 out of 10, it may not be the highest-rated venue, but the atmosphere and vibe are often praised by students who frequent it. Many reviews highlight the inclusive and friendly environment, making it a great spot for those looking to unwind after a long week of studies.

The atmosphere at The Prince of Wales is frequently described as vibrant and fun. Students mention that every visit feels like a highlight of their week, with the crowd often being a key element in creating a positive experience. The venue has a reputation for being a chilled yet lively space where friends can gather and enjoy each other's company. Many reviews note that the energy is infectious, with students often feeling a sense of camaraderie among fellow patrons. The overall vibe is considered spot on, with many students stating they've had brilliant nights filled with laughter and good times.

Music plays a significant role in shaping the experience at The Prince of Wales. The venue features a playlist that resonates well with students, often described as containing proper student anthems. The music is generally well-received, with many reviewers praising the selection and atmosphere it creates. It's not uncommon for students to find themselves dancing and enjoying the tunes, which adds to the lively atmosphere. The music, combined with the friendly faces around, contributes to a night that feels spontaneous and exciting.

When it comes to drinks, The Prince of Wales offers a solid selection that students appreciate. While specific pricing details are not provided, students often comment on the good value for money when it comes to drinks. This affordability makes it an attractive option for students looking to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. The combination of good drinks, a vibrant atmosphere, and a friendly crowd seems to be a winning formula for many who visit the venue.

Entry and queue experiences are also an essential part of the night out. The queue rating stands at 4.4 out of 10, suggesting that while there may be some waiting involved, it is generally manageable. Reviews indicate that the entry process is straightforward, and many students find it worth the wait. The venue’s ability to maintain a lively atmosphere even during busy times is often mentioned, with patrons feeling that the experience is worth any minor inconveniences related to queuing.

Students often express their enjoyment of The Prince of Wales, citing it as one of their favourite spots for a night out. Many reviewers mention that they have never had a bad experience there, with the venue consistently delivering a good night. It's described as a reliable choice for a meet-up with friends, and many students look forward to returning after each visit. The sense of community and positivity among patrons is a recurring theme in the reviews, making it a welcoming space for all.

However, it’s also important to note some of the weaknesses highlighted by reviewers. The overall rating of 4.3 out of 10 suggests that there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding cleanliness and service. Some students have mentioned that the cleanliness could be better, which is reflected in the cleanliness rating of 4.4 out of 10. Additionally, while many staff members are described as friendly, there may be occasional lapses in service that could affect the overall experience.

In conclusion, The Prince of Wales is a popular venue for students at Cardiff University, offering a laid-back atmosphere, good music, and solid drinks. It suits those looking for a fun, inclusive night out with friends. While there are some areas for improvement, the overall experience is generally positive, making it a worthwhile spot to check out. Whether you're unwinding after a long week or looking for a lively place to dance and socialize, The Prince of Wales could be the perfect destination for your next night out in Cardiff.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Vibrant and fun atmosphere, perfect for socializing.
  • Good music that resonates well with the student crowd.
  • Friendly and inclusive environment, no judgment.
  • Solid drinks selection at reasonable prices.
  • Consistently delivers enjoyable nights out.
  • Positive crowd that enhances the overall experience.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Cleanliness could be improved, as noted by some reviews.
  • Service may occasionally be inconsistent.
  • Queue can be a bit long during peak times.
  • Overall rating suggests there are areas for improvement.
  • Not the highest-rated venue, but still popular.
  • Some students may find it too busy for their taste.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a lively, inclusive atmosphere to unwind and socialize with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, making it easy to drop by after classes.
  • Expect a vibrant crowd, especially on weekends.
  • Check for special drink promotions or events.
  • Music style generally includes popular student anthems.
  • Be prepared for potential queues during peak hours.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Prince of Wales like?

It's a vibrant JD Wetherspoon pub known for its fun atmosphere and friendly crowd, perfect for a relaxed night out.

How long is the queue?

The queue rating is 4.4 out of 10, suggesting it can be a bit long at times, but generally manageable.

Is it good value?

With a value rating of 5.0 out of 10, many students find it affordable, especially for drinks.

What music does The Prince of Wales play?

The music includes popular student anthems that resonate well with the crowd.

Reviews
Overall
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We hit up The Prince of Wales last Friday for a chill night out, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. The drink prices are unbeatable, making it easy to grab a few pints without breaking the bank, and the atmosphere was buzzing with a great mix of friendly faces. The music was solid too; we were dancing for hours, and the cleanliness of the place made it all the more enjoyable.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 26th 2026
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Started off quiet but really picked up later on, which was a nice surprise.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 23rd 2026
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It felt really inclusive and chill, like everyone was just being themselves. that's all that matters.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 18th 2026
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Place has a lot going on every time i go. always something happening which keeps it interesting.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 17th 2026
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Drinks are decent and the atmosphere can be chill or a bit too much depending on the night
By Anonymous Student on Mar 12th 2026
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Never had a bad night here – always a vibe!
By Anonymous Student on Mar 9th 2026
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Friendly faces and solid tunes — what more do you need?
By Anonymous Student on Mar 8th 2026
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The atmosphere was really nice throughout, just what you want for a night out. can't ask for much more than that.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 7th 2026
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Music's been really good each time, everyone seems to enjoy it.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 6th 2026
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Just popped in without any plans and it had a cool energy going on. felt really spontaneous, which was nice.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 5th 2026
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Met loads of mates on student nights which made it a laugh. always something happening there
By Anonymous Student on Mar 4th 2026
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The crowd really makes it, everyone’s pretty upbeat and friendly. it’s nice to be surrounded by positive energy.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 26th 2026
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Crowd's the right mix and everyone’s just enjoying the night. no one’s putting on a show, just good energy all around.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 11th 2026
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Not a bad spot, always a good time when i go. it's close to everything and the place is kept in good shape.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 5th 2026
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Honestly one of my favourite spots for a night out.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 30th 2026
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Mixed crowd makes it interesting, always something new going on. never had a boring night there
By Anonymous Student on Jan 25th 2026
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Always a chill night, just people out enjoying themselves without any pretentiousness
By Anonymous Student on Jan 20th 2026
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Good spot for catching up with mates, nothing too fancy but it does the job. can't go wrong really
By Anonymous Student on Jan 16th 2026
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A chill spot to unwind after a long week. that's what makes it worth it.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 13th 2026
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Drinks are cheap and the crowd is chill. good spot to hang out with mates.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 9th 2026
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The music was spot on, proper student bangers that got everyone singing along.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 3rd 2026
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Met loads of cool people there, made the night way better. can't wait to go back again
By Anonymous Student on Dec 31st 2025
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Close enough for a good night out but not so close that it’s a hassle to get home
By Anonymous Student on Dec 25th 2025
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Always a solid night out here. never leaves me wanting more.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 20th 2025
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The atmosphere was really nice throughout the night. little things like that make a difference when you're out with friends.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 17th 2025
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Not perfect but would choose it again. music's great and the staff are really nice.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 12th 2025
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You get what you expect from a student night out. music's loud and people are just there to have a good time.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 5th 2025
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Nights at the prince of wales always turn out better than planned. it's a good spot to hang out.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 1st 2025
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One of the best places to go out with friends from uni.
By Anonymous Student on Nov 26th 2025
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Went a few times and it's been a solid night every time. would go again
By Anonymous Student on Nov 21st 2025
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Got there and walked right in. probably gonna come back soon.
By Anonymous Student on Nov 14th 2025
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A solid spot for student nights. lots of people around but it didn't feel overcrowded.
By Anonymous Student on Nov 7th 2025
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Atmosphere is always buzzing, exactly what you want on a night out.
By Anonymous Student on Oct 30th 2025
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By anonymous on Aug 13th 2024