23/08/2026
🍻🏆 Pubs across Cardiff and South Wales celebrated in 2025 Best Pub Awards
A number of pubs across Cardiff and South Wales have been recognised in this year’s Best Pub Awards, organised by Joel James, who represented South Wales Central in the Senedd and now serves as a Welsh Conservative community councillor for Efail Isaf on Llantwit Fardre Community Council.
James said the competition attracted hundreds of nominations from across the South Wales Central region, with winners selected in each area and one venue taking the overall regional title.
The Cardiff and South Wales winners are:
🏆 Cardiff West - Heathcock Cardiff
🏆 Cardiff Central - The Monkstone Inn
🏆 Cardiff North - The Black Griffin, Lisvane
🏆 Cardiff South & Penarth - The Pilot Penarth
🏆 Pontypridd - Bush Llantwit
🏆 Vale of Glamorgan - The Fox and Hounds
🏆 The Rhondda - The Windsor Arms CF41
🏆 Cynon Valley - Red Lion Inn Penderyn
The Windsor Arms CF41 in the Rhondda was also named the overall South Wales Central winner.
The awards shine a spotlight on pubs that continue to play an important role in their local communities, from bringing people together socially to supporting local employment and helping keep neighbourhood hospitality alive.
James described the venues as “fantastic establishments” and said he was proud to have been able to hold the award one final time.
Congratulations to all of the pubs recognised. 👏🍻
