The Golden Cross image

The Golden Cross

Bar Gay bar

😠 Had a lovely evening at The Golden Cross (we were one of the first customers and spent almost £200) until the general manager said “if you want to talk during the show - go to the back of the room”. Even though the other 10 people in the room were talking and singing along with the “artists”. We wer... People often mention staff, great, Cross, Golden, atmosphere, Cardiff, drag, good, space, Great,


Address

The Golden Cross, 283 Hayes Bridge Rd, Cardiff CF10 1GH, United Kingdom

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (120 reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (19) great (14) Cross (11) Golden (10) atmosphere (10) Cardiff (10) drag (9) good (8) space (6) Great (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Dayne W. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a lovely evening at The Golden Cross (we were one of the first customers and spent almost £200) until the general manager said “if you want to talk during the show - go to the back of the room”. Even though the other 10 people in the room were talking and singing along with the “artists”. We were singing, dancing and having a good time as we hadn’t seen our friends since last August. We would not recommend The Golden Cross unless you need a quiet space to sit and read a book. What a shame as we absolutely adored the Edwardian tiles and architecture but we did not enjoy the bad breath from the manager that asked us to be quiet!! 0 STARS!
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard H. 3 months ago on Google • 243 reviews New
    Great atmosphere and fantastic entertainment. Always a good night and good value drinks. A real safe haven for the community in Cardiff, bar staff are always helpful, kind and welcoming. There is always a great variety of entertainment through the week, particularly baroness mary golds who puts on a fantastic show. Well worth seeing!

  • 5/5 Craig J. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a wonderful welcome. Me and a friend went for a pint outside in the beer garden so we could keep our distance and stay in a ventilated space, and the staff were fantastic. You pre-book on an app, order your drinks on the app, everything is kept very clean and distanced, with a strong track and trace element (both manual and technological). Essentially, they've done everything that a pub could be expected to. As for the pub: a nice selection of beers (Brains, Barry Island IPA, Brains' new lager, plus various other lagers), plus the usual wines and spirits and questionable shots. The staff are lovely and in a taxing year for everyone they've kept us all entertained and loved online through performances and fundraising. They're a great bunch and I can't wait to be back there in happier times. If you can do so safely, pop in, or be sure to return next year. One of the best pubs in Cardiff.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Jonathan B. 10 months ago on Google
    If your customers aren't listening don't ask them to go into the back room . YOU should go to the back room and think up a better way to entertain! Updated June 2023 It would have been great to allow the DJ to play some music and have a shorter show. Oh and the bouncer was sporting a blue baseball cap after telling others two weeks ago they couldn't come in wearing a baseball cap....make your mind up!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roger B. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing place! Everyone was just so nice! We had an incredible time. We saw a drag show and Joanna was sensational! Dr. Beverly Ballcrusher was equally impressive! I can't say enough good things about this place. We felt like we really belonged here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen H. 1 year ago on Google
    I visited this great all round bar a few times while in Cardiff. I'd like to make a special mention to Michael behind the bar. He has a lovely personality, great at his job and will say a very handsome guy!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dylan H. 3 months ago on Google • 15 reviews New
    Golden Cross in Cardiff is more than just a bar; it’s a vibrant hub that radiates inclusivity and warmth. The staff creates an atmosphere that feels like a welcoming embrace, and the lively energy makes it an excellent spot for a night out. As a gay bar, Golden Cross goes above and beyond to provide a safe and joyous space for the LGBTQ+ community. The diverse crowd, fantastic music, and fantastic cocktails make it a must-visit. It’s not just a bar; it’s a celebration of diversity, making it a solid five-star experience.

  • 5/5 Paul S. 3 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    My favourite bar in Cardiff. They offer superb local and national cabaret entertainment, along with quiz and karaoke nights, all free to attend. Drinks are excellent quality and reasonably priced, and the service and friendliness of the whole team including bar staff, glass collectors, management and door staff is top class. In addition to all this, they regularly support various fundraisers, not just for the LGBTQAI+ community but for other causes in Cardiff and beyond. It's a special place and a real hub of the community.

  • 5/5 S T. 6 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Such an awesome weekend in the Cross. Bar staff are super friendly, Drag was on point! Go on Mary! 🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQI+ approved 😝

  • 5/5 Alun S. 3 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    As one of a small number of LGBTQ+ bars in Cardiff, the Golden Cross always feels like a warm, welcoming and - most importantly - safe space for us as a gay couple as well as for our LGBTQ+ friends. We have seen the business develop under its current management and become a place which strives to welcome all, whether local or international (and we've met and spoken to many here!). The staff (from door staff to bar staff to management) work incredibly hard to welcome people and provide a safe space, as well as to make sure that customers are served promptly, even at busy times. The entertainment is utterly fantastic, offering cabaret and Drag performers from across the UK as well as offering platforms to talented local performers. If you're looking for a great pub with a local feel, especially if you're visiting from afar then I highly recommend a visit to the Golden Cross.

  • 5/5 Timothy S. 3 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Golden Cross in Cardiff and I must say, it was an amazing experience. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm and friendly staff who made me feel right at home. The atmosphere of the pub was cozy and inviting, The Golden Cross also has a great selection of drinks, including a wide range of beers and ciders gin’s and whisky’s . The staff were knowledgeable about the different options and helped me choose the perfect One thing that stood out to me was the live Entertainment in the form of a dragQueen. It added to the overall ambiance of the pub and created a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. The service at The Golden Cross was exceptional. The staff were attentive and made sure that my experience was nothing short of perfect.

  • 5/5 Owen W. 3 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    The most welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. One of my most treasured LGBTQIA+ venues in Cardiff! You won’t be disappointed especially with the musical styling and quick Witt of Baroness Mary Golds🫶🏼🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ X

  • 5/5 Paul R. 2 years ago on Google
    Fab venue, great staff, the manager is a total daddy as well.

  • 5/5 Ben J. 11 months ago on Google
    Fabulous... It is Open! Proper Victorian pub, with a great atmosphere, full of gays 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈 Fabulous.... I will be back

  • 5/5 Jon S. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favourite LGBTQ+ venues in the UK. A great bar selection, friendly staff, and entertaining drag. Overall a wonderfully run venue and ALWAYS a fun night out!

  • 5/5 wool69 1 year ago on Google
    Popped in after a gig at the arena on March 11th. Great pub, great people and drag artists were superb.

  • 1/5 Sir Edington's this n that U. 1 year ago on Google
    Didn't find the drag that entertaining, rather boring and rather Polyfiller.

  • 5/5 Helena H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place and good atmosphere. Closes an hour earlier than advertised and the door staff can be a little rude and uncaring.

  • 1/5 Sophie A. 1 year ago on Google
    Causing massive nuisance to many in the area by playing very loud music to 2 am or later. I could hear on 19 floor of hotel. , Turn it down,!

  • 5/5 Jackie H. 2 years ago on Google
    Great pub, drag act was fabulous

  • 5/5 Nigel M. 1 year ago on Google
    I'm not gay but felt welcome, the drag act last night was great. Not your average pub!!

  • 1/5 Billy L. 2 years ago on Google
    Came in for a pint on Thursday, they didn't have Carling available, I was told of the alternatives by the nice polite barman. I ordered a Moretti and I was shocked when I was charged £5.50 for it, the most expensive pint I have ever had in Cardiff and I have lived here for 6 years. And the place is so dusty I was lucky to not sneeze into my pint several times. I certainly won't be having a return visit.

  • 5/5 Quiz F. 4 years ago on Google
    First time in cardif with bf. Looked up gay venues and this was first on list. Really nice atmosphere, comfy and good price. £4.50 for a couple pints. 😊 Chandeliers are pretty too.

  • 5/5 Daniele T. 4 years ago on Google
    Hilarious drag show with Baroness Mary Golds! Lots of fun!!

  • 4/5 Ian M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great fun on the he weekend...xxxxx

  • 5/5 iain e. 5 years ago on Google
    We were here on a quiet night. Still a very friendly atmosphere and good beer. Will be back.

  • 5/5 D K. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing LGBT+ pub in cardiff. Reasonable prices, friendly staff and a good range of drag performers too. Love the new outdoor seating area as well 😀

  • 5/5 Khalid F. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent & Quick Faultless Service, Staff were working Great under difficult circumstances, Plenty of Variety of Products on sale, Atmosphere was great, Decor & Furniture was Amazing, Covid Guidelines & Safety Measures in Place and clearly visible #SeeYouAgainSoon

  • 3/5 Ejioffor I. 6 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Used to like this place, bartenders are great, the people in there are nice but this two incidents with the doorman has made it that I’ll never go back there. A racist doorman is not who a gay pub would like to have. Imagine asking 2 black men in their 30s to ID themselves when others walk in for a smile. Another shocking one is asking my friend and I if we are aware that it’s a gay pub. Shame
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rory H. 3 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    The Golden Cross is a lovely safe space for the community with top notch entertainment 5 days a week, from a quiz and karaoke on Wednesdays right through to Sunday cabaret with some brilliant performers. The staff are always friendly and helpful, you can’t fault the service they provide.

  • 5/5 Aled Lloyd R. 3 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Fantastic atmosphere and always a warm welcome. Quick service from welcoming staff, with reasonably priced drinks. Best drag acts in Wales.


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Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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