We then moved on to The Blue Anchor, again in The Vale of Glamorgan.
The Blue Anchor was established in 1380 - and was one of the focal points for the then thriving trading port of East Aberthaw. The name of the Inn was derived from the name of the bay at Aberthaw, the distinctive blue marl(mud) which coated the anchors of the vessels that called at the port giving the name to both the bay and the Inn.
At that time the port was far more important than either of the much now much larger towns of Cardiff or Barry, and was busy enough to justify a Customs & Excise presence. Evidence of the diverse trading that took place was the presence of a tobacco drying shed, hinting at possible trade with the American colonies. There was much smuggling that occured between a local cove and this pub. Rumour has it that there is a passage way which connect the two. There are no mentions of ghosts, but who knows.
The Blue Anchor
The Door of this pub is always closed ... you have to let yourself in. The sound of the heavy latch is really loud and any locals in there look up to see who's coming in. Just before we opened the door.
Once inside this is what you are greeted with
There are several little nooks and crannies and stairways to small areas where you can sit and drink
Taking another beer (I mean breather, sorry). You can see the Old Bread Oven on the right
The Bread Oven
There is also a room upstairs that is used as a restaurant/private functions etc
Finally the bar .. they have quite a selection of Real Ales including the guest Ale on the blackboard above the bar. My beer is on the right, and it was from the second pump on the left .. Hereford Pale Ale. Very nice too it was.
Sunday we headed for The Black Griffin for Lunch. The Black Griffin is an Old Coaching Inn and is directly opposite yet another old church circa 1600. TheBlack Griffin itself is only about 250 years old. Inside the old charm is still there .. the upper balcony has been retained. There are many old folk lore tales around this pub.
The Black Griffin
In Welsh
About to enter
Once inside it is extremely welcoming .. a typical old welsh long house
And finally, on getting off the bus in the city we decided to call in one of Cardiff's oldest pubs The Rummer Tavern. This little place is steeped in history and goes back to when Cardiff starting becoming a small town.
The Rummer Tavern
Inside it retains an old feel, but is geared for the Student population as well as the older customers
Finally having one last one for the road in The Rummer before we set off home. Its been a good weekend. If you want me to stll continue my pub crawl let me know .. In the meantime, Iechyd Da Derek
Derek
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