Here’s which Cathays pub you should go to based on your Cardiff University course

There’s a pub for everyone


Pub garden season is in full swing and Cardiff is the place to be for a guaranteed good time. In true pub spirit we have put together a guide for the Cathays pubs you should be visiting this summer, based on your choice of degree.

The classic question when meeting new people at uni is “what course do you do?” but maybe we should instead be asking “what pub do you go to?”

Philosophy – The Woodville

Starting off strong with a true Cathays gem The Woodville (aka The Woody).

If you study philosophy you will love having a debate over 40p wings but it’ll be even better over a pint instead.

The Woodville is the perfect place to express your opinions. Its buzzing atmosphere and constant crowds in the centre of Cathays will give philosophy students space to argue talk with anyone about anything. As the night reins in and the pub garden gets dark, they will start debating if the pint infront of them is really real.

JOMEC – The Vulcan

If you’re a Cardiff University JOMEC student there’s no better place to call your Cathays home than the Vulcan.

Known for its karaoke nights, it’s the perfect place students can let their hair down and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Whether you’re celebrating an essay submission or simply want a dance, the Vulcan is the place to visit this summer. 

History – The Taf

Dedicated to the SU, history students thrive in The Taf.

The Thursday Taf quiz is the perfect opportunity for historians to put their degree to the test and impress their team with their knowledge. It’s convenient location opposite the main building, plus the 50 per cent off Fridays are only a few of the reasons that history students can never say no to a trip to the Taf.  

Psychology – The Mackintosh

The Mackintosh, better known as The Mack, has psychology written all over it.

Walking in provides psychology students mounds of people to speak to, eventually analysing their every move, wondering if their pint choice is subconscious or if it has a deeper cognitive explanation.

With regular student deals, you’ll catch psychology students enjoying the social aspect, chatting all things human behaviour or letting off some post lecture steam by playing pool, or enjoying the pub garden. 

English literature – The Flora

If books and writing are your kind of thing, The Flora is where you should head.

Being slightly out the way from the main hustle and bustle it gives perfect opportunity to feel sophisticated in Cathays, if that’s possible.

It also has a slightly more traditional vibe, meaning you can fully embrace your dark academia aesthetic. As well as this there is a gorgeous pub garden, so you can fully enjoy your pint with a side of literature.

Geography – Gassy’s

Gone but never forgotten, our beloved Gassy’s pub was ideal for geography students. Located in bustling Cathays, it was perfect for a pre or post lecture pint.

It’s chill but social vibe gave perfect opportunity for geography students to debrief field trips and plan their next poster assignment, all while watching the big sports screens.

Gassy’s was budget friendly with great deals on the Mixr app, which kept geographers coming back for more, especially on a Wednesday social.

Pen and Wig – Law

The classic Pen and Wig, located near Queen Street, away from the chaos of all other pubs in Cathays, this is the ideal pint spot for law students.

It has a classic and peaceful vibe, structured, just like law students day to day lives. Just a short walk from the lecture hall, the Pen and Wig is great for “just one pint…” which we all know never means just one pint.

Economics – Prince of Wales

Ahh the classic Cardiff Spoons, the holy grail pub, The Prince Of Wales.

Yes, it’s not in Cathays but students visit it so much that it might as well be.

Spoons is known for its budget deals, and this gives economics students the chance to put their maths heads together and work out the cheapest way to buy a round.

It’s centrally located, next to the train station and busy shopping centre, meaning econ students can enjoy a filled afternoon post-lecture, devouring the Spoons food menu, of course.

To economics students, the Wetherspoons app is like a calculator, adding drinks and taking them away until you find your dream, budget combo.