Story & Atmosphere
Nestled in the heart of Pontsticill village, Red Cow Inn offers a warm retreat for locals and visitors exploring the stunning Brecon Beacons. This charming pub blends cozy, inviting interiors with a lively atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a long walk or cycle to the nearby Pontsticill Reservoir.
The culinary experience here stands out with its hearty, comforting pub fare crafted from quality ingredients. Regulars rave about the succulent cheeseburger paired with perfectly cooked, golden chips, which many agree are “to die for.” The cod and chips, another staple, showcases fresh, tender fish accompanied by crispy sides like cheesy garlic bread and onion rings that elevate a traditional meal to something truly special.
Gluten-free diners won't feel left out either—Red Cow Inn thoughtfully caters to diverse dietary needs without compromising flavor, a detail praised by many visitors. The variety and consistency across the menu reflect a kitchen dedicated to satisfying every palate.
What truly distinguishes Red Cow Inn is its friendly, accommodating staff who maintain a relaxed yet attentive service, even during busy times filled with cyclists and locals. The well-stocked bar features an excellent selection of ales, including the popular Monkey on Tap, enhancing the pub’s appeal as a community hub.
Whether you're seeking a hearty lunch with friends, a cozy dinner by the fire, or a refreshing pint after outdoor adventures, Red Cow Inn delivers with genuine charm and quality. It embodies the spirit of a perfect local pub—unpretentious, welcoming, and consistently satisfying.
“ One of my favourite pubs in south wales. Excellent food and choice of ales. Perfect before or after a long walk or cycle to Pontsticill Reservoir ”
“ Been a number of times now and sampled several things from the menu and have never been disappointed. I recommend you book in advance as it always seems to be busy whenever we go! Brilliant staff, really pleasant atmosphere and lovely location. Really impressed with the Gluten Free menu. We will be back again (and again) when we are in the area! ”
“ Came here with our local pal, Pauline, for lunch on Friday. Had the best Faggots & chips Ive ever eaten!! Really delicious. Fabulous atmosphere, cosy with an inviting fire. great service, friendly & a perfect local. My friend is very lucky to have this on her doorstep! I’m quite envious ”
“ Fantastic little pub located in a small village surrounded by lovely countryside. Food was amazing. The chips are to die for. Real proper chips cooked to perfection. I had a cheese burger and chips, the burger was succulent and very tasty, my wife had cod and chips l, which she was very impressed with. The cheesy garlic bread and onion rings we had as side dishes were again absolutely perfect. The staff are very very friendly and even though it was busy they handled the orders very quickly. Nice big beer garden with tables for you to eat outside. A full 10 out of 10 ”
“ This is an absolutely lovely pub! We came here whilst staying in the area & absolutely loved the food & the atmosphere. The pub itself is lovely inside with a fire & lots of space. The food was fantastic, we all had different dishes from the menu & all thoroughly enjoyed them. The chips are not to be missed! If we lived closer, we would definitely be spending a lot more time here. Thanks very much! ”