Vulcan Lounge in Cardiff

They don’t clean the pipes enough

One of the best pubs in Cardiff. I returned to Cardiff from Australia to bury my father a few years ago, and had many a drink here. It was my family’s watering hole for many years. It used to be called The New Ely, a great pub. Sound as a pound.

Decent vibe, but can get quite student heavy which is great for some but a bit much those wanting a quiet pint! If you are looking for a bit of an upbeat time they hold regular events with a decent sound system and atmosphere! 🍺

Great bar. And they have karaoke!

Great cheap drinks and so welcoming! Ian, Ryan and Milo of course are absolutely brilliant!

Anyone who got a brain would know these reviews are probably bribes. Toilets stick, remains of sick in one of the toilets that been there weeks! Drinks are not the cheapest in Cathays like they claim to be- misfits down the road is a lot cheaper. Lager and Guinness also taste funny sometimes. Bar is sticky too. And the way I've heard the GM talk to his staff is appalling! I only end up here because I get dragged by my friends. The only good thing about the place is the staff. Was also looking forward to some of the live music they were having in the future as they were people I knew but GM cancelled all that too. If you're looking for a smelly, damaged, creepy place to have weird tasting drinks, then you'll definitely enjoy it here

Great place , cheap drinks , Dj’s great tunes Wednesday and Friday and Saturdays and quiz night Tuesdays / karaoke Wednesday and Fridays … busy nights great new team at the Vulcan Lounge …

Amazing place to come. Great drinks, great atmosphere and an amazing manager with Impeccable fashion sense.

Fantastic service from Ian at The Vulcan Pub! Friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, he made our visit memorable. The cozy atmosphere added to the overall great experience. 2 darts boards are excellent and the pool tables great. Thirst quenching and cheap beer surrounded but great music and fun themes during the week - love from Oscar Wilde

Perfect in every way. Ian is the main man

Fantastic service, excellent atmosphere and even better beer. What a place to throw some darts. New boss ian is a top bloke - love from KD.

Ian is the man! Always playing great music, great atmosphere, beers flowing. Milo his dog lifts anyone’s mood. 2 great dartboards out the back too

won the quiz £60 bar tar pub accommodating manager and staff great pub

Lush to see new management at the vulcan! Ian and his dog Milo are amazing! Lovely guy and even cuter dog! 🥳🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Great atmosphere alongside location and price. New management with Ian and his son Milo are welcoming to all!

New manager Ian is so welcoming and friendly! We had a fab night, can’t thank him enough! and his lovely doggy Milo🐶❤️

Student pub very cheap and nicely decorated, pool tables and dart board available and very cool decorations

Open mic has no judgement, if you haven't payed for a while take your time crack a couple jokes while you figure out what your doin

My daughter sang at their open mic night on Thursday. Good atmosphere, cheap drinks and friendly crowd. I'd recommend the Vulcan to others.

Literally the perfect pub. Pool table, table football, table tennis, darts, decently priced pints, they even do weezer covers!!

Always enjoy my self at the valcon first time I been along to open mic 🎙️🎶 night

Nice place decent drinks, many games and things to do too. Good atmosphere.

Decent atmosphere and drinks...

Absolutely brilliant place. Went here today for a kids disney party and the effort they had gone to was amazing. Kids had a blast, lovely staff and will definitely be back again (without the kids) 😂😂 lots of arcade games and ping pong table, pool table etc to keep you entertained. Thanks guys for a lovely day

Friendly staff,who welcomed me and my dog !!!

Has a pool table. Has TVs. Pretty decent place. Very "studentville" though as it is located in Cathays.

Lovely little place- been going for over a year now. Friday night karaoke is always a good night out and the staff are welcoming and inclusive. Highly recommend!

Very eventful open mic night, great atmosphere.

Visited with friends as a leaving party on a Monday evening - lively but quick service, table service adhered to and quick app ordering, thanks a lot guys!

Anywhere with a pool table gets 5* from me, although pints watered down a bit😬😬😂

The pub is very cozy and safe.there are some new fun stuff,like pinpong, and some game machine.(wish can get more game machines) the Thursday night open mic is the best.I like the all staff there,they are very cute and friendly.and the drink is very cheap there. Recommend strongly

Thank you for the great Halloween disco put on for the kids at lunchtime.

The Open Mic night is fantastic!

Vraiment pas terrible. J'ai été invitée là bas mais l'endroit est assez miteux. Ça sent la bière qui a tourné mélangé à une odeur de transpiration, c'est irrespirable. L'endroit a besoin d'un bon coup de nettoyage pour devenir un bar sympa

Great Venue, nice and spacious area for groups, couples etc. Absolutely love the Decor also like the Games Area, Staff were helpful, friendly + communicated well - quality pool table and table tennis area an all roubd great relaxing vibe / atmosphere and wide range of drinks on sale on draught / spirits etc definatly will be going back nect time I'm in the area

Great night. Open mic night Thurs. Lots of entertainment, cheap beer, great people. 👍😎

Really friendly staff, great seating with plug access and outdoor heating in the beer garden!

Amazing atmosphere, friendly people and energy that makes you want to join dancing and singing even if you're not good at it!

It is awesome. Pinball table, cocktail games table and a nintendo 64 in the corner. Great locals and amazing staff.

Excellent service with lovely staff.

Have only been here a couple of times and think it has a great mix of things for customers to do. Covid restrictions were thorough. Very student orientated, which in my opinion is a good thing, as someone in their late 30's, makes me feel younger, lol! 😂 Great place to socialise :-)

Love the vibe! Great prices too

Really quick service and friendly staff, well worth a visit 👍

I really like going to The Vulcan Lounge because it's very cheap for food and drinks and the staff are very friendly and welcoming

Great service, good beer, nice place

When ever you're in Cardiff visit the Vulcan. Can't wait until restrictions are lifted.

We spent £60 on food for a family of 4 - Deliveroo left part of our order. Getting through to the restaurant is difficult as there is no phone number listed so raised the issue on Facebook messenger- the missing food was delivered to us 40 mins later with some free ice cream and a bottle of pop. The member of staff who delivered the missing food was very apologetic but it wasn’t her fault. Overall the food quality was good but allowing a third party driver to “forget” part of the order indicates an inexcusable failing in operating procedures which shouldn’t happen when charging the prices they are. The manager I corresponded with didn’t bother to check in with us to make sure the food arrived and his prior apology was luke warm at best. Won’t be eating here ever again.

Increíble tiempo, excelente servicio. Evan fue un servidor brillante. Un servicio tan bueno y amable. El mejor camarero de todos los tiempos.

Nunca he estado en un establecimiento tan horrible, yo y mi pareja optamos por estar aquí en el pub de la calle para que me dijeran que no estaban sirviendo comida hoy, así que decidimos tomar una copa antes de irnos a la calle. Este lugar estaba atascado y apestaba peor que los calcetines mojados, los inodoros no eran mejores, de hecho, optamos por usar las instalaciones del pub al final de la calle.  no todas las bebidas estaban disponibles para la aduana y usted podría corregir su nombre en la tierra que estaba sobre el tanque tropical en el bar. El hombre que estaba detrás de la barra se encontró amistoso en la primera reunión y luego decidió adquirir un problema de actitud. Estaba más interesado en los hombres que parecían conocerle y que tenían las necesidades de nuestra costumbre. Se descubrió que pasaba su tiempo en su teléfono o fumando entre holgazanear y luego satisfacer nuestras necesidades. En general, el establecimiento es uno de los peores en los que he estado y definitivamente no volveré. Nuestro agente inmobiliario nos recomendó este pub. Esperamos que recomienden mejores propiedades que los locales. Lugar de frasco

Fui allí por comida, pero no había menús. Cuando pedí uno me dijeron que no estaban sirviendo comida durante las próximas semanas hasta el tiempo de término.

Stopped at the Vulcan lounge for a few pints after the match on Saturday. First time i had been there since it was the new Ely. First impressions were ok, nice decor and very spacious. Surprisingly few people there though. I now now why, people openly taking drugs in the gents, drunken women in the bar area doing some sort of dance whilst being egged on by a few other drunken old men. These men were also randomly shouting abuse at passers by in a farther jack sort of way. I finished my drink and left. The place needs a decent doorman to sort it out before I go back for more.

I popped in on a sunday afternoon and enjoyed a cool pint, football was being shown on the big screens but there were quiet areas if you require peace. With my next drink I ordered a pizza, this arived in about 15 mins, looked good and was steaming hot. It tasted much better than I expected for the £6 it cost. It was the house special and in truth had a really hot bite to it, I liked that heat. Within a few minutes the bar lady checked I was happy, I was, after I had finished my plate was cleared quickly.. I would certainly return.

Super Pub typique avec une mixité étudiants et habitants du quartier interessante. La musique est excellente, les bières parfaites et les petits plats bons et pas chers. Le sourire de la gérante saura finir de vous convaincre d'y retourner.

Why on earth would you COVER a cheese and tomato pizza in coriander?! No mention of coriander in the menu and just seems a bizarre choice to go on a pizza. Bar girl was bloody lovely though, very chatty and friendly

Ordered food here, a pizza and the vulcan sharer. A few mins after ordering, we were informed there were no sharers available so swapped it for carbonara and garlic bread, no big deal as they were polite about it. The 'creamy' carbonara came out at the same time as my other friends meals but it had separated, possibly from being hot held too long? Or just over done, meaning it was very oily and not creamy as described. The pizza and garlic bread then arrived 15 mins after everyone else's food, meaning they had all nearly finished. Not ideal!! Food not a great standard either, garlic bread was inedible! Tasted like oily basil bread! Pizza was made from fresh dough which was nice but could have been so much better if they had a chef who could cook! Wouldn't recommend for food, however service was fab and staff were polite so would probably be a nice place to go for a drink with friends.

Absolutely love this place... great atmosphere whatever you're looking for. One half of the pub its normally relatively quiet with candles etc. while the other has the big screens and pool table. With a reasonably priced pint this pub has something for everyone.

Decent local - Smart décor and good atmosphere. I haven't eaten there so I can't comment - but I'd definitely recommend a pint there id you're passing.

Visiting nearby Sherman theatre and chose this venue after reading recent reviews on TripAdvisor, we didn't stay long. Disappointed that their food hygiene score on the door was a 3 and then when we walked in there was a smell of toilets. There were smiles from the bar so we decided to look at the menu but then decided it really wasn't where we wanted to eat and left.

Great place for a pint and to watch sport any time. Pizza and a pint for £5! And the pizza is really good for the money, fresh and tasty. Definitely recommend

bar staff 10/10, food 10/10 a night in the Vulcan 11/10 easily the best pub in cardiff that caters for all

Came here the other week for food with friends. I was a bit sceptical at first as a hadn't heard anything about their food before but I was very impressed! I had a calzone which was freshly cooked (not frozen and put in the microwave) and was bigger than my head! Me and my friend also shared dough balls. The sauce a little odd and I would have preferred a garlicy butter of some sort, but I certainly can't complain about the portion size. There must have been about 20 each! And for only £2.50. All the food was cheap, and my friends enjoyed their meals too. The food came quickly and the staff were friendly and helpful. I'm looking forward to coming back here and trying something else on the menu. I also like the candles in the bottles on the tables!

I have been drinking in the Vulcan Lounge for the last four years, I spent many of my student loan there having lots of fun with all my friends, never have I once complained about the delicious food or friendly service, but I'm afraid that's had to change There's a lady that works there with an accent. On my recent visit, I entered the Vulcan there was no welcome and even though the bar lady acknowledge my existence it felt like she didn't want us in there. There was no hello, no smile and a very rude attitude, I believe that who ever trains this girl should possibly go through some good bar etiquette, Its not just myself that has found it a problem many friends of mine who also visit your establishment have spoken about her abrupt mardy attitude, I wont be hanging out at the Vulcan anymore, the sourness has put me off completely. Very sad

On holiday visiting friends for a long weekend came in for food three pizzas and we had to wait 2 hours! The service was so bad when I asked would they be long more the girl serving was chatting on the phone had to wait 5 minutes to talk to her so disappointing put a downer on the night. Had to cancel other plans because it took so long. And the food was poor

I visited with a group of ten friends on a Saturday. I waited an hour for my meal my friend waited and hour and 20 minutes. Three of my friends had been waiting 2hrs for food and after the staff finally realised there had been a mix up they did offer anything to compensate for their mistake. My friend had to suggest offering a drink for the wait and she agreed. Overall the service was extremely unhelpful and I will not be returning for food again.

We came in here on New Years Days, a group of 7. Arrived just past 12, looking to get some food. Poking our heads through the door it looked like a bit of a student pub. Inside the place has really nice decorations.We asked if they were serving and we were in luck! It was one of the places that you go up and order at the bar with payment.The waitress with dreads was really friendly and happy to be there. After ordering our food we over heard the cook (a man working) having a moan about people coming into eat at this time... It being New Year, maybe we slightly understood, though extremely unprofessional.After a good 40 minute wait (I forgot to mention, we were the only ones in the pub at the time) Our food was served. Sadly it seemed within that 40 minutes the cook was unsuccessful to get the gas working, and decided to give us our English Breakfast cold. We also ordered a chilli, which was barely warm on the outside and cold in the middle, coming with cold garlic bread which was burned on the bottom...Thank you to the one member of staff who was professional that day. Next time, we will have to avoid and go else where.

Quick Saturday lunch turned into a slow lunch courtesy of a 50 minute wait for two simple meals to be served.The disappointing thing was that the pub didn't seem to be busy; no-one said there would be a delay when we ordered; no-one came and told us that there was a delay and no apology when food was served.On the positive, the food is very good value and was tasty and draught beer is also very good value - though I was disappointed that there were no draught ales.Vulcan is part of a small chain and this seems to be the "value" offering with really low poces to attract the student population.

for a frist time i went there .what lovely atmospher and great food .there was live music and game room.also its compeletly diffrent to all the other pubs in cat

Went to Vulcan Lounge on a Mic Night. We had a great night. Great atmosphere, great service , tasty food and drinks at good prices. Highly recommend this bar, really friendly...

Drinks are average price. The staff are slow and seating is limited. This is largely because the pub is almost always busy with student socials and predrinkers. Fun with friends before hitting town, but avoid when busy if you want to hear each other talking!

Ordered a burger, pizza and two pints for £13. Great Atmosphere, helpful barmen. Well worth a visit. It was our first time to Cardiff and we enjoyed it.

great atmosphere with very reasonably priced homely tasty food. great for students for a quiet night out.

It's sad to see a place like this going down hill. Not sure if they have had new staff start but the food quality has dropped. The pasta was tasteless and the burger was dry. The beer was served flat to me and my group but the bar staff didn't seem to notice till after I mentioned, even then they only poured it into a new glass. The prices have gone up. To much for myself to think about returning.

Went for Sunday lunch here by chance and was very pleasantly surprised. Lovely welcoming staff, nice atmosphere, quirkily decorated and a delicious Sunday lunch; well cooked with fresh vegetables (always a plus!). Would definitely return.

Brill atmosphere created mainly by the staff who are friendly and very welcoming. Definitely would recommend the food, and the locals by the bar are a brilliant crowd. Very welcoming pub to students and non students.

Went in just watch to watch Wales play and was expecting just your typical student pub. Wrong. Had a roast dinner which was amazing. Never had a beef so juicy before. Price of larger is good as well. I'll becoming back for as apparently they do pizzas and pasta through the week.

Great student/local pub. Good prices and good promotions. Food is well priced and worth every penny.

The Vulcan Lounge used to be called The End, which was a more spit and sawdust student kind of place. The new place is lovely. The decor is very smart, and the staff are all great. It has a good mix of students, and locals, and the beer garden is excellent, especially in the summer. It's even great in the winter, as it has loads of halogen lamps to stay warm.They have regular live music nights, and the food here is excellent., as is the beer !When the place was taken over from The End, they got rid of the pool tables, but I'm happy to say they must have acquiesced to demands, as they now have 2 pool tables.Overall, it's a great place, and I'm sure you will enjoy your visit there.