One of the better hostelries in the rhymney valley for well prepared no-frills hearty pub grub that…read moremay exceed your expectations. The owners are welcoming and the locals are reasonably well behaved and friendly, though expect the odd expletive to be heard above the hubub on a busy night. You have been warned:) Decor-wise its a very traditional dark wood bar and interior. While the tables (and toilets) have undoubtedly seen better days, everything is clean and tidy, and there are plenty of cosy corners in which to enjoy a relaxing pint. The menu reassuringly features a number of vegetarian options including a terrific mushroom stroganoff. The meat eater gave his meal the thumbs-up too. They clearly have a chef who knows about his flavours. The Smiths Arms is a perfectly located refreshment stop for intrepid folk doing the Rhymney Valley Riverside Walk. If the powers-that-be haven't added it to the walking trail map, then they really should. On reaching Pengam just take the road heading to Tir-Y-Berth and you will see the pub in a matter of minutes! If you are in the Rhymney Valley its well worth trying the Smiths Arms. Recommended!

One of the Wetherspoon chain and a very pleasant place to eat or have a drink when you're halfway…read morethrough shopping in the town! I visited for the first time today and found it very clean and friendly. There are nice comfortable, low sofas beside the large bright windows looking out onto the street, plenty of wooden tables and chairs and good quality blue carpeted areas. Lots of interesting collage-type pictures on the walls and some flat screen TVs. There are stairs down to the bar and further seating, and also stairs up to a higher level which is for reservations. It may also be used for extra seating when it's busy, but it was closed off today as there was plenty of space. The lady behind the bar (I think she was called Pat) couldn't have been nicer or more patient (when I had to dash back to our table to check something twice!) Of course, the menu offers the same excellent value for money and variety as in the other Wetherspoon branches. We missed the new menu by just one day as it begins tomorrow (we'll catch up with it next week in all likelihood!) Although the 'beer festival' has now finished, there are still plenty of draught ales to choose from (including Abbot's, Ruddles and Guinness) and many other drinks available, not to mention good quality coffee. As an Amazon Kindle user I was able to access the free Wi-Fi service and catch up with my emails after lunch!

Food is really nice and decent. Always go in there for a quiet drink or 2. Love their deals with…read morethe 2 jugs for a tenner, can't got wrong!

The Old Club is an Oasis in a beer lovers desert. This…read morehighly respected drinking establishment has now been in the Good Beer Guide for the past seven years and continues to offer one of the most diverse ranges of Real Ales in the South Wales valleys. John the Landlord is a welcoming guy and loves to serve his perfectly kept beers to discerning drinkers. Over the past couple of years people have visited The Old Club from as far away as Alaska and also the Gambia. All have had an amazing welcome and sampled some of the excellent beers available. If you like beer then this is a place worth a visit.