The Ivor Arms Inn in Rhondda Cynon Taf

Welcoming and well run pub. Very much a local but offering extensive menu choices, good portions and flexibility. Value for money. Very pro-active with themed evenings. Highly recommended.

Seems to have dropped off recently,

This is a great find - not far off the motorway, dog friendly with outdoor seating, and huge portions with great quality for a really good price. Couldn't recommend enough!

Can't fault the food it was lovely. Loved the toys in the corner that really helped with our very tired 3yr old. Staff were outstanding couldn't do enough for us

Came here for Sunday lunch with the family. We were a party of 12 and honestly it was very disappointing. We booked the night before.  First when we arrived we were told that we were an hour late. They said they only did sittings at 12.30 or 2 o'clock so there was no way we were booked for 1.30. That was not correct as we were in the area for a rugby match and there is no way we would have been able to sit at 12.30 as the game was still going on. It was booked for 1.30 over the phone and confirmed to be that time. When we did sit down staff were quick to take the initial drink order. We then ordered the food and requested the children's meals came out with the starters. Two of the children's meals did, one was a good 20 minutes later, sausage and mash , which first came out sausage and chips, it then was sent back and returned with the mash instead of chips, no peas present despite being asked for peas or beans, neither on the plate. The gravy wasn't changed so it was cold by the time she could use it as it had been sat out since the other child meals were given. In fairness I think they would have given gravy had we asked, but by then she was starving and just wanted to eat, and the child didn't seem to mind the cold gravy. We ordered our food around 13.45, three of the party had starters ( plus two of the older children had garlic bread,) they came quite quickly, but the main meals did not come until gone 3 o'clock. Noone came to take another drink order during that time until we eventually had to ask someone to order drinks.  When the main meals came, one of the lamb dinners we had to send back as there was literally hardly any lamb on there. I am honestly not one to complain, but it was ridiculous to pay £18 for a basic lamb dinner, with next to no lamb to be seen.  The other lambs had a decent amount but this plate was just small scraps of lamb. They did change it without question though. The Yorkshire puddings were either raw at the base or burnt at the top. The additional mash potatoe side we ordered was awful.  I will say the meat itself was very nice, I had beef and it was perfectly cooked and the gravy was very nice and they were happy to bring more out if we wanted it.   The staff were friendly although clearly very busy and just rushed from one table to another as quickly as possible.  I'm assuming the kitchen could just not keep up with demand or they were short staffed today. They did have the good grace to give us free starters due to the delay which knocked over £30 off the bill, and they did this on their own without us complaining. I could hear them do the same for a number of tables as well.  Over all though for Sunday lunch ranging from £16-£20 per person,  I thought it was very lacking. Child's lunch was a good size adults were really not much bigger though. The meat and gravy saved the day as the rest was very basic and not to a high standard.  Very average meal for what I would say is above average price for a dinner (we're not from the area so I don't know how it compares price wise to other restaurants near, but certainly on the expensive side for where we are from). We all left there feeling quite stressed and eager to get out. One of the children had wanted desert but we decided to get ice-cream on the way home instead as in all honesty I resented paying them any more money, and heavens knows how long desert would have taken. The waiting staff did their best and no criticism to them, but the meal and experience, was a disappointment.

Absolutely stunning meal. Nicest we've had for a long time. Very friendly staff, great service. Can't say enough nice things. Definitely be back

Visited earlier today for a Sunday roast and we waited 45 minutes for our food to arrive. We felt our order was forgotten about and when asked how long our food was going to be we were told it’s on the way. When it arrived food was cold and Yorkshire puddings were completely soggy which meant they were obviously microwaved. We returned our food as we felt it was inedible and when a ‘fresh plate’ was returned the Yorkshire pudding was still burnt and everything else was just awful. We couldn’t fault the service as they tried to fix everything but you can’t fix a kitchen when all the Sunday lunch just seemed microwaved.

Came here for food after our gin trio in Hendol castle Food was amazing and staff really friendly Steak was a good size and cooked to perfection and Bailey’s crème brûlée was lush! Good selection of gins perfect

Fab food, great service, car parking was a challenge

We were a party of 17 including children. Obviously a pre-order main meal was required and expected. On arrival welcomed by the friendly staff. They made sure the children’s meals were brought out first. TBH didn’t even think to ask but this was great service. Food was lovely and although a large number all the meals were fresh and hot. Previously visited in December 2024 so knew food was good. Reasonable price as well. Definitely worth a visit. We’ll be back.

Great establishment, really made to feel welcome. Dan the bar man pours a lovely pint of Guiness ! Will certainly be back again. Food looks great too, and reasonable.

Went for Sunday dinner and it was one of the worst we’ve had in a restaurant. The meats were all nice but everything else was lacking. Yorkshire puddings were raw apart from the top which were burnt black. The roast potatoes were just barely cooked apart from one side which was black burnt. Same for pigs in blankets and everything else oven roasted. Vegetables were peas, carrots, mash, and sprouts which were all boiled. Sadly one of our trays must have been sat under a heat lamp for much longer than others as the veg had all dried out horribly. Wouldn’t return, food just isn’t of the standard expected to compete with other places nearby.

We came to the Ivor for our Christmas dinner which was fabulous. This was the first year we've been out for our Christmas dinner and it didn't disappoint. We received a warm welcome, were sat down immediately upon arrival and although it was incredibly busy, the staff were very attentive and all courses were delicious. We come to the Ivor regularly but would definitely return for Christmas again. Amazing & delicious food with friendly and welcoming service. 5 stars guys! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Beautiful festive afternoon tea including one gluten free afternoon tea. Great quality, loads of tasty homemade treats especially the gorgeous scotch eggs and some really tasty cakes. Highly recommend.

Went for a family and friends pre Christmas celebration , booked in advance. Party of 12. My self and 3 others arrived early, went to the bar to get drinks prior to being seated. The bar was awash with empty used glasses. Long wait for drinks, ok it was 5.30 p.m. and the pub was very busy. Found our table. Our choice of meals was checked and all was in order. Meals were delivered, fair play they were all hot , but well below what was advertised. Vegetables were over microwaved, as was the stuffing ball, roast potatoes and I think a parsnip. My Turkey slices were very good. Unfortunately that doesn't make up for quite a dismal meal, I left 80 percent of my meal. My partner and I and another couple of of our family have been in this service industry for decades and spent most of our time during the evening thinking how wrong such a venue can get this wrong. In their defence we have been there several times and have always had great service, great food and a warm welcome. Case of over promising and not delivering......but we will be back.

The best afternoon tea ever..Great selection of savoury and sweet offerings. Only criticism is pots of tea cooled really quickly, but were replaced when we asked. It's was really busy with Xmas lunches but our food took a whole to come out..definitely worth the wait though.

For a local pub, it is exceptionally good at cooking local in season produce that tastes fantastic. L9ve the place.

Stunning value afternoon tea. Sandwiches, savouries, and fabulous desserts. You really need to visit and try this. By far the best I've had

Used to be a regular drinker at this pub 40 years ago. Much changed for the better. Great food service and warm welcome. Will be busy over Xmas that's for sure.

Sunday lunch is delicious there

Been here many times, but twice in the past few weeks, superb Sunday lunch on both occasions. Ceri and her team are super efficient. The quality and portions sizes are both fabulous, the xmas decoration created a lovely atmosphere too.. See you again very soon!

What a lovely surprise, didn't plan to go here for lunch but came across it driving by. Food was amazing, steak pie, vegetable lasagne and gammon and eggs had, all lovely. Would def recommend!

Food was first class excellent service definitely going again highly recommended the gammon and lamb shank was unbelievably beautiful ❤️

Good night good beer good servive as normal n good company

Phoned around 8pm to check what time they were serving food, told until 8.30pm /9pm. Asked if ok to go down there & then & he asked for how many? He told me yes we have a table for 2. Drove there & went to bar saying I just phoned & booked table for 2 & he said yes, we've got a table right over there for you. When we were seated at table an angry & rude woman came up to us & said we're not serving, so I said I phoned & checked & was told to come down. We've just been seated as man at bar told us yes table for 2 & confirmed to sit here. She asked who? & stormed off. Then the man at the bar came up to us & told us kitchen is closed & not serving. Unacceptable when I'd phoned to check before driving there, confirmed at bar table for 2, seated & then rudely told by female staff member not serving food. Kitchen closed. Need to train your staff properly & keep them up to date if closing kitchen early. I phoned to check before driving there. Completely unacceptable rudeness from staff

Very very nice. I'll definitely be returning.

Absolutely amazing as always! Very friendly to all who go there amd very accommodating of families

Despite advertising itself as a gastropub, the food is on a par with an average chain pub/restaurant, and quite overpriced. The staff were friendly and attentive, but there was a long wait for the food, which when it came was ok, and nothing more.

Went there for lunch with my son and everything was perfect. The staff were lovely and the food was tasty and cooked to perfection.

Great old style pub with good beer, good food and good value for money, dog friendly with treats provided.

Wedding anniversary gift off our daughter and son in law, loved it

Our food order was completely wrong when it arrived. Despite questioning ,as both dinners were incorrect, the server came back with exactly the same meals! The accompaniments took some time to be delivered. BEWARE all who have food intolerances/allergies. A very poor food experience indeed, and one we will not be repeating again. On a positive note the staff (apart from our original server) tried to be as helpful as they possible could.

Great filling plate of food, perfect as a mid week pit stop ofter work. Will be back as there are aren't many places locally serving good quality pub grub.

Tip top service, love this place, relaxing atmosphere, fab food great customer service, well worth a visit you can’t go wrong here

Me and my date came to this lovely place and when arriving the place looks gorgeous we went in and asked if we could stop for food and to our delight they said yes. The place is lovely decorated and staff was lovely and polite there were tvs where we were and we liked that as we were watching who won the election and the euros lol we ordered starters to share pulled pork and like a chilli beef on cheesey garlic bread we really enjoyed that and the mains steak and chips and gammon it was lovely to have real chips they were lush It was very busy which I liked and the atmosphere was lovely I would recommend this pub to anyone and I’m hoping to come here again

Went with partner first time eating there 12/7/24 staff fabulous ,food fabulous,atmosphere very good, price very reasonable for quality of food served will definitely be going back my partner wants to work through the menu due to how good it was, five star best pub food I've ever eaten, only thing it's very popular so better to book very good menu choices

Great pub, friendly helpful staff. Good selection on menu and good prices. Had the lamb and brocoli pie with sautee potatoes, pie was full of delicious lamb, pipping hot and fresh. Good portion of veg. Had baileys creme brulee for dessert which was also amazing and could actually taste the baileys, delicious. Can't wait to go back.

A very busy place the food is second to none ,great place to eat specially if there's a party or family outing,the staff do rally around but as there are so many people to serve they tend to be a bit slow getting to you ,but on the hole I would recommend it to anyone.

Food worth the extra price amazing 😍 young lady serving was very good and professional. Place spotless

Staff were lovely and very helpful will defo be returning

Always fantastic pub food, staff very friendly and willing to adapt menu to suit if needed

Absolutely fantastic- wonderful food, service, atmosphere and people - we leave so many places feeling gutted about the amount of money spent compared to the quality of the experience….This was so refreshingly superb in every way! We had the pie, burger, homemade chips and cheesy chips - simply delicious! It’s a very privileged area to live in when the proprietor puts so much effort into this truly great pub - thank you so much, we’ll be back v soon xx

Great pub, fabulous food and really friendly welcoming staff.

Picked here for a family meal as we had heard good things from friends, however the chef must have been having a bad day. A mixed grill arrived with another of our party's steak on it, the pasta was flavourless with the additional dry chicken arriving 5 minutes after the initial food arrived. A medium rare steak arrived well done which had to be returned and replaced, but sadly my steak knife was lost to the kitchen. I felt sorry for the serving staff tonight who were apologetic and offered a free drink on the house, but the kitchen staff really let them down this evening. I can't see us going back.

The food was excellent, I could not finish it. The staff lovely. From a happy customer. Would definitely go back and book the Sunday lunch

Fabulous afternoon tea - so much food, we all had to take some home. Gluten free and vegan options in the group were also delicious. Excellent value and lovely service. My first visit, but will be back.

Had a wonderful lunch here yesterday omlete and chips really lovely big portions good price and then tonight had evening meal beef brisket wow what a portion huge beautiful again really enjoyed highly recommend 😁😁😁😁

Great all around, food was fresh and hit, service was fantastic.

Popped in here for the first time today with my wife The quality of food was excellent and the portion sizes were very generous indeed The toilets were lovely and clean and so was the table that we sat down to eat our meals at The two ladies who served us Shea and Vanessa were very polite and approachable The chef was also very good at his job Richard, because the food was delicious my wife and I will definitely visit this venue again as we like the longbow beefeater Down The Road but you get more food for your money in this establishment and in our opinion it is better quality not as dry and you just seem to have more choice and a portion sizes aren’t as restricted You’ve also get a chocolate mint after you paid your bill LOL well worth stopping here for food just for the mint at the end Please support this local venue just like going back to the old school when you got a decent amount of food for your money. These places are rare these days.

Food was very nice but concerned my girlfriend food come out frozen. She ordered the curry but some of it was completely frozen.

We had a lovely meal here last Saturday, even though we didn't book we were accommodated to the bar which was perfectly fine by us as they were so busy. 😀

We have been here several times and every time has been a joy. The place is lovely and clean and the staff are very friendly and helpful. There is a lovely selection on the menu and the food is always fresh and tasty. The chips are home made like your nan used to cook. The staff give the opinion that they really care about the business and the customers. Another plus is that it is dog friendly. Don’t be put off by their two star rating (I was very shocked). I understand this is a paperwork issue and in my opinion is not a true reflection on the cleanliness and quality of the food and the establishment. I’m sure they will be back to their 5 star very soon and We will definitely be back again soon.

Booked a table for two for a special Birthday evening meal. Ordered the Fish Sharing Platter at £20 and 2 x Tripple Pork Main meals at £19 per person also 2 drinks. 30 minutes later after sitting at our table the drinks still hadn't arrived. When it was brought to a waitresses attention the issue was dealt with ASAP. The platter arrived looking delicious but apart from the mini prawn cocktails, the cockles and smoked salmon which were all fresh and delicious the whitebait, shrimp, prawns and calamari were all breaded and deep fried way too long, which was disappointing, leaving them flavourless and inedible. Our main meal arrived looking delicious, this was cooked much nicer. Unfortunately our experience with the sharing platter had diminished our appetites. We picked at our main meal and moved it around our plates with only a few mouth fulls eaten, before giving up unsatisfied. We asked for the bill and left never to return. This was not a Special Birthday meal to remember. However, I would like to mention we were not charged for our drinks due to being forgotten about.

Table service gave you enough time between course's food cooked to perfection. Good homely atmosphere.

Nice staff, could not do enough to please , friendly. Food good, and we had a party of eight and our food came together. Games for the children which was good.

Very good experience fab food and service.

Absolute shambles we were a large party that booked on advance and they had our meal choices days before arriving, On arrival sat down on time but it took 2 hours to be served, eventually given our meals at 21.15 , they didn’t have the correct steak , lamb came without sauce , sweet potatoes were missing no garlic mash , burger without cheese , bun stale , sea bass inedible, vegetables served with pie Luke warm and chips missing, there was no excuse as they were more than aware of our orders and should have had everything prepared, we will never go back and can only warn others of our experience hopefully they will learn from their mistakes and improve

We were looking for somewhere to eat on our way home and food on website looked good. We arrived and were shown to our table. There was one other couple and a family of four already seated. Took our drinks order and then our food order. We ordered the steak pie with real chips (1.50 extra). Considering it wasn’t busy the service was quite slow. The food arrived. Our garlic bread was overdone and dry but chewy. Our main meal looked okay. The chips were fine, the veg were warm but edible. The pie (casserole with a lid) looked a little pale. When we started to eat it we found that there was a lot of fat, ‘spongy’ beef, gristle and a rubbery vein. I stopped eating the meat from the pie. When the waitress came to collect the plates we told her that the meat in the pie was very fatty and not good. She replied that she was sorry that it wasn’t too my taste. I’m not sure that there are many people who would choose meat like this in a pie!! Unfortunately we wouldn’t recommend this pub/restaurant and we won’t be returning.

Always phone last lap on a Sunday they always find us a table for lunch. Food is always beautiful Staff are always cheerful, polite and helpful. Got to say today though how wonderfully polite Rhys was. It’s a pleasure. 10/10☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

Lovely mixed grill bit pricey but suppose you get what you pay for would eat again

An absolutely wonderful home cooked Sunday lunch here, really generous portions and beautifully cooked - the desserts are also homemade and really nice, way better than your average pub grub, would highly recommend 😊

We had a lovely Sunday lunch here whilst staying in the nearby Lanelay Hall, one of the best roasts we’ve had for a long time - home cooked and hearty, just like it should be - lovely selection of home made desserts too! Highly recommend 👌

Had lunch here with my disabled mum and sisters. We had scampi with homemade chips and a curry. Whilst the curry was quite watery it was all excellent value for money and I'd definitely return. Disabled parking and access was good although the disabled loos could have been a bit clearer. Would definitely recommend.

Lovely atmosphere friendly staff and great food

Great place fantastic Sunday dinner, very filling

A lovely place to visit for a family meal, been here several times now, and can't fault the food

Good pub. Only had snack foods but they were fine. Would definitely revisit.

Lovely Sunday beef dinner and nice friendly staff

We are local to the area and regularly come here for lunch and dinner although we were disappointed this time around. We ordered the steak which cost $48, the dill pasta which was $32 and the snapper which was $40. All meals were most definitely not worth the money. The steak being well over cooked (asked for medium rare) and dry served with sauce and one potato. The fish was also very dry, served with a few greens and rice and the pasta was very

Decided to eat here with the family for pre Christmas get together,had booked table weeks ago.45mins late getting our table, meal served on cold plates, pre-plated meat potatoes luke warm waited an age for veg, had to ask for ordered extra for veg, which arrived cold. Toddlers meal arrived last missing baked beans.terrable atmosphere as table opposite walked out even before they had their meal.Our complaints delt with by manager but didn't apologise or even give me eye contact. Really poor had slipped into christmas greed mode too many bookings taken more than they could cope with!!

Over crowded car park, spilling out into the nearing housing estates. Felt like a busy canteen inside, staff stressed, customers being pushed and shoved out of the way queuing for our table 30 mibs staff trying to get the dinners out, I could go on and on, took ages to get a drink and for somebody to take our order, meal arrived hour and a half later, the meat was beautiful. But the veg i was chewing cold wet water. Won't be back anytime soon.

Fantastic family Sunday lunch, great food and staff could not have been more accommodating and helpful, thank you very much

I pre-booked a table for tonight at 6:15pm for 4. When we got there it was packed. One side was a wedding and the other a 30th birthday and a packed bar. We weren't greeted on arrival and had to wait for 35 minutes to be seated to which we were sandwiched between two tables. We had to ask several times to order food and even had to wait 40 minutes for our drinks. If it wasn't for the fact all other establishments were booked in the area we wouldn't have stayed. Fairplay to the waiter and waitresses they were run ragged but shame on management allowing the capacity of people tonight squashed under 1 roof (H&S risk). We certainly won't be returning.

Been here loads since it has been taken over , I have to say it’s being run fantastically, staff are attentive and the food is amazing , keep up the good work

It's the very best Sunday lunch around.

Outstanding Sunday lunch , very busy there, but it was worth the wait ... Fantastic 👌

We visited The Ivor on Saturday 25th, as a group of 6 adults. A lovely village pub/restaurant. Our table was booked for 7.30 and we were seated at our table on time but sadly at 7.55 we had to go looking for a member of staff to take our food order. The food took a little while to arrive but not overly so, and we were fully aware it was a busy Saturday evening. The food was excellent and we all enjoyed our meals. Unfortunately, the service is what let this restaurant down. One of our party ordered a drink and didn't receive it until he went to the bar 20 minutes later to ask where his drink was (it was only a diet coke). 45 minutes after we'd finished our main course, our plates had not been cleared, and neither had anyone asked if we'd like a dessert. This is not a reflection on the staff who actually served us, as they were lovely. However, our table just wasn't looked after. We decided to leave at that point and asked for the bill, which funnily enough, arrived in a few moments. My husband spoke to whom he believed to be the manager (but he wasn't 100% sure) and expressed our disappointment at the poor service. The lady did apologise, but we felt she wasn't that bothered. Sadly, we probably won't return due to this.

Staff very friendly. I thought the idea of having games and colouring for children was excellent .

Nice meal well cooked and presented,

Booked a table for 8 for lunch. Pre-ordered food as limited on time. Excellent presentation, go hungry as big portions. Ceri is an amazing host and has a good team working for her. Also visited for Sunday dinner.. best one around in area

Can't rate the food as we only popped in for a drink. Lovely atmosphere, service was quick, quite a good drinks selection.

Food was lovely and the service was also good Would go back there again

Visited many times in recent years, never disappointed. Food always spot on and the staff are amazing looking after you have got to know a lot of them from being a frequent visitor Shay, Vanessa & Charlie mainly they are a great team and thank you for always being so nice and helpful. See you soon x

Loved the food. Very busy pub/restaurant

Good beer, good pub food with value mid week deals, well worth a trip.

Utterly stunning Sunday dinner, the best around. Tastes like homemade. Roasties in particular are amazing. Also Ella M looked after us really well, thank you! (Pic is before all the generous portions of sides and veg were added!)

If you haven't been here for a meal....WHY? We've just had another fantastic one plus an amazing cheese board to finish. The steak and ale pie melted in the mouth so tasty and had a choice of potatoes. Even the coffee was lush. Try the Ivor you won't be disappointed. Just wear elasticated waistband 😂😍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Staff freindly and service was good.

Had Sunday lunch, waited one hour and 50 minutes for someone to come and even take our order, food was stone cold had to send it back and looked like it had just been slapped on the plate with no care, all servers were basically teenagers who were miserable and couldn't crack a smile and also had no clue what they were doing, literally no common sense. It seems that they are trying to fit to many people in and can't get the orders right or out on time. Literally the worst service ever and will never return.

Booked Sunday lunch today as we were visiting a venue nearby and have to say it is the best Sunday lunch we've had in a long time. Was greeted and seated, drinks order taken in minutes. Someone else then took our food order and our drinks were served whilst we were ordering. Food arrived in a short time and was piping hot and absolutely the best lamb ever, generous portion too. My husband had the beef and that was good too. It was really busy but the staff were very pleasant and happy and had a cheery word to say. We were full but decided to squeeze in a dessert. Slight wait for this but that was ok and alllowed time for our main meal to digest. Pudding was also really nice. We probably were looked after by at least 5 members of staff, delivering food , drinks, clearing tables and paying the bill and each member was courteous. If ever we are in the area again we would definitely be back, in fact I would drive the one and a half hour again for that lamb. Definitely 5 stars from us

We had a fantastic meal here last night. Despite these costlier times we found the food to be truly fantastic and singificantly better than other meals we've eaten recently at other venues. We both left very satisfied.

An excellent pie and a pint. Our server was delightful.

Visited from Australia to see family chose the Ivor in Ponty great loction. Lovely Friendly staff great choice of food went for Sunday roast. Very nice traditional pub.

Have been coming here for several months for Sunday lunch and never had a bad meal. Both food and staff are wonderful. Food good quality home made and the staff friendly and considerate.

Visited at 4pm on a Sunday for a last minute Sunday lunch. Great food; tasty, plentiful and thick cuts of good quality meat. The only constructive feedback I’d give is the young servers could be a little more proactive/ attentive. Would highly recommend for a Sunday lunch visit.

Been here for food a few times in the past 6 months or so and it’s been spot on every time, lovely staff, delicious food.

I am local to this pub and so chose it for a family meal with family members who had travelled from Barnsley. Really disappointed and ashamed to have brought my family here. There is no leadership and poor kitchen. We waited 45 minutes for our food and then an hour to have a desert. Nobody cared. Arrived at 7.15 and left at 9.30. Beware they do not care.

Had Sunday lunch here will be back

The Ivor has improved enormously in terms of service particularly. The food has been good for many years. Five of us had a thoroughly enjoyable dinner with pleasant polite service.

Excellent service and food will certainly go back again highly recommended