Bar YK

A former docker’s bar back in the day, Bar YK used to come with a bit of a reputation — unusually so for a pub the Roath side of Newport Road. Nowadays the regulars might give faces they don’t recognise the once over, but that’s about as intimidating as things get. Short for Yellow Kangaroo (the outer colour scheme explains the first half of that moniker; can’t help on the marsupial content), super-​affordable tipples and drinks deals on house spirits could almost convince you YK is some sort of time capsule. Undercurrents of 1980s working men’s club are completed by, if you’re lucky, beers served in manly glass tankards and the functional walled back garden is hardly picturesque but does act as a relaxing escape. Occasional gigs from young local punk bands have begun to tempt in a younger generation, breathing new vim into charmingly unusual premises slightly off the beaten track. Wander up the adjacent alleyway (in daylight hours) to clock some impressive graffiti artworks, too.

Skipping into the Kangaroo I pulled my wallet out of my joey pouch and bounced over to the bar. Prices here a great and you will not spend much over a fiver if your buying yourself and your lady a drink.
Otherwise, everything is the usual pub set up here, wooden floors etc blah blah, you know the sort.
It’s all just very average in here and does nothing to make it more than an average experience. Not bad, but not great

Bar YK is a bit of a mish mash in terms of style and it’s difficult to know who the target audience is. Me and my partner happened along one Winter’s evening and got chatting to some of the regulars who told us that it gets really busy in the summer when they hold their infamous BBQ days in the enormous outdoor area at the side/​back of the pub. Apparently they are big hits with families and everyone has a riot (not literally).
Seating inside varies from traditional wooden tables and chairs to more modern sofas and arm chairs. I must admit I struggled to get comfy as I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to lounge or perch!
It’s bright and well lit and they have TVs, if memory serves me correctly. It’s worth a look.
If you do visit, check out the awesome graffiti in the alleyway before the pub.