Rhymney Brewery Applies To Be Cardiff’s 1st “Real Ale” Pub

A brewery has applied for permission to serve alcohol in what it says would be Cardiff’s first “real ale bar”, despite being refused planning permission for the new business venture.

Rhymney Brewery Ltd revealed plans last November to turn the former Choices video store at 29 Albany Road and into a traditional alehouse, with a focus on “good ale and good conversation”.

However, when the plans to change the use of the building – which has been empty since Choices closed in 2007 – came before Cardiff Council’s planning committee in January, councillors rejected the proposal on the grounds that it would increase the number of food and drink premises on Albany Road. This, councillors said, was likely to lead to an increase in late night noise and disturbance in the surrounding area.

Alder King planning consultants have appealed that decision on behalf of the applicants, and are currently waiting for the planning inspector’s decision. But in the mean time, Rhymney Brewery Ltd has applied for an alcohol license for the premises – despite not yet having permission to open a bar there.