LAST time I was in Bridgend, I recall noticing how ugly and avoidable the town centre's riverside…read morearea was. But after a huge effort from the council and business community, attractive bars and restaurants like The Old Cottage can thrive in a setting as beautiful as any town or city in the UK. The Old Cottage is one of the first businesses to take advantage of the new Ogwr riverside walkway and provides an enjoyable place to eat out. A short walk along the shiny new pathway leads you to an opening with a few cobbled steps down to the outdoor eating area. The Old Cottage is a newly renovated building, created tastefully in the Georgian style. On the evening we arrived the sun was blazing, so my girlfriend and I asked to be seated in the small but pretty yard outside. We ordered garlic tiger prawns and a home-made chicken liver pate, which we shared, to start and two sirloin steaks, with which we were offered the choice of salad, or fried, boiled or mashed potatoes. The starters came promptly and the garlic tiger prawns were large and juicy as well as being very tasty, while the pate came with salad garnish and sweet chutney that seemed to complement it well. As we waited for our steaks, our hunger pangs were teased with the delightful aroma that emerged from the main kitchen window. To complement our 8oz steaks, which were pan-fried to a juicy medium rare, we ordered a bottle of Emilliana Chilean red, which sadly seemed to be suffering from a slight reaction with the cork. Our generous portions of steak were laid out neatly on large white plates with crisp and tasty side salads and onion rings and there was a large tray of crispy French fries for us to share. The steak was tender and melted in my mouth. In these days of penny pinching two-for one deals or steak and a pint for a fiver, the Old Cottage may have to review its pricing policy to keep up. But I enjoyed the Old Cottage and found it a refreshing place to relax and enjoy a tasty meal on a sun drenched evening in the heart of a town that is often unfairly ignored by outsiders.

Great food, good service and prices. Lovely quiet outside seating area - great to sit just for a…read moredrink.

This pub has a superb location overlooking the river Ogmore and its ruined castle. On a sunny day…read moreit's lovely to sit outside enjoying a cool drink and watching the world go by. The interior of the pub is very traditional with flagstone floors and low beams. The food served here is excellent; when I last visited I had their cheese and tomato pie which was superb! Although I have not yet been there at the weekend the Pelican is noted for its Sunday lunches, which have been recommended in national papers and by numerous of my friends and relatives.

Real ale, brilliant food, atmosphere, some outside tables. Gets crowded in holidays. Near the sea.read more

This place really was awesome. My husband and I (from California) are visiting our daughter in the…read moreUK, and we found a good deal for an off-season getaway, and so we headed north to Wales. The hotel itself is located in a residential neighborhood rather than in a cute walking-about village, so at first I was disappointed, but after a walk down the road, we began to appreciate the architecture. The room was lovely. Dinner was incredible, and so was breakfast (both included). The staff was friendly and attentive. The bed wasn't too comfortable, but most of the beds I have slept on in the UK have been a little hard, in my opinion, so perhaps this is just a regional preference. The next day we explored local castle ruins and shops in villages not too far away. The hotel location is ideally suited for discovery.

Went here for a friends Birthday meal. People in the local area seem to rave about the place so I…read morehad high expectations. The menu was pre arranged for the party and the main course was basically a roast dinner. I did not find anything special about the food or the presentation. Just seemed run of the mill. I am not saying the food was bad, but I'm sure that I could get the same quality in most good pubs on a Sunday lunchtime. Very over priced for a roast dinner. Came away feeling that I would probably not choose to go again, however there is not a great choice in the area so for that reason I probably would. The building itself is great.

The Haywain has been up and down over the years, having changed management at fairly regular…read moreintervals ever since I've been of drinking age. They've done the entire place up and it's got the huge benefit of having a totally separate pool room in it. I can't think of anywhere I've been to recently which has a totally separate area and it's nice to not be bumping into people and things as you're trying to play pool. This pub was my local before I moved to Cardiff and it's got the best staff and atmosphere in any pub in Bridgend in my opinion. They always have stuff on, whether it's live music or pub quizzes or karaoke. It's mainly older people in here but it's never jam packed to the point that you become overwhelmed and depressed by the ravages of age as you're trying to enjoy a pint. The food here changes every day and they have curry days, carveries and other themed days on differing nights of the week. The food here is really well prepared and well priced too. One of the best pubs in Bridgend on a Friday and Saturday, it can get a little dead during the week. If you want a chat with a few friends it's ideal. If you're looking for a wild night out and you're under 40, perhaps head into town!

If you want a punch up, best place to be.! Used to be a…read morelovely pub, especially in the summer as has large sitting area. However, the decor hasn't been updated for some time, and the regulars have clearly left their mark. The landlady has been known to get drunk with customers, which is very well, but is also known for causing huge fights for no known reason. Keep away unless you want a black eye with your pint!

Yes this is a classic British fish shop if you like chips then you will like this place however it…read moreis important to state it is expensive however worth it

The best fish 'n' chips ive ever had. Although often busy due to its reputation the service delay…read moreis kept to a minimum. Prices are a little expensive compared to other fish n chips places but the food makes up for it in quality. Menu consists of the usual things but also includes curries made at Finnegans itself.

Very nice atmosphere and very friendly staff. Menu is…read moredelicious with a wide range of choices. Farthings is open for just a coffee, a snack or even for a meal. Farthings also do their own range on condiments which are available for purchase.

Excellent Service and great atmosphereread more

If you like a roast dinner this place won't trouble you however i do not and they have a shocking…read morelack of option's for the picker eater

This pub, along with the Cups in Southerndown is a favourite with locals from all surrounding…read morevillages such as Southerndown itself, Ogmore by Sea and of course St Brides itself. It's really well decked out inside. It's been refurbished but it has still kept that traditional, village pub feel which is so important in these types of places. It's also apparently haunted and many locals claim to have seen some spooky goings on here. They do one of the best Sunday lunches here aswell, with your standard choice of meats. Last time I checked that was £6.99 but that may well have changed. Really friendly bar staff here, and there's always good banter to be had with them and the regulars. It's one of those increasingly rare places these days where there's never any trouble, everyone seems to know each and get along, and there's an all round, homely relaxed vibe here. There's a pool table, dart board and a large seating area here too and although still cosy, there's always plenty of space here. This is where I'd normally write my main gripes and faults but I genuinely can't think of any! Full marks.

From the owner: Traditional village pub set in the heart of St.Brides Major. Freshly cooked " pub grub " served…read morethrough the week, curry night on Monday evening and Sunday Lunch served 12 till 3 on Sundays. Regular bands and entertainment held in the bar that also accommodates a Pool table and Dart Board.