Gelligaer, Caerphilly
Our Story
Two thousand years of travellers stopping at Gelligaer. We just carry it on.
Gelligaer has been looking after travellers longer than almost anywhere in Wales. The Romans built a fort here beside what is now St Catwg’s church, and the roads they used still meet in the middle of the village. Stand at that crossroads today and you’re looking at The Cross Inn. The name isn’t clever branding; it’s a map reference.
For generations the pub has done what a village pub at a crossroads should: fed people coming off the common, poured pints for the rugby crowd, and given the village a room for its christenings, birthdays and send-offs.
New keepers, same pub
When Nazzeire and Laura took The Cross on, plenty of locals held their breath. New owners can mean grey paint, small plates and a menu written in lowercase. That’s not what happened. They smartened the place up, kept its character intact, and put the effort where it counts: the kitchen.
The food is home-cooked and unapologetic about it. Pies made here. Real chips. A Sunday roast that sells out and an apple crumble that reviewers name-check. If you have a dietary request, vegan included, the kitchen sorts it without a sigh.
What we’re for
A pub like this has one job: be worth walking to. Whether you’ve come across the common with the dog, down from Bargoed for the match, or up from Ystrad Mynach because it’s Sunday and you’re not cooking, there should be a decent pint, a proper plate of food and someone who’s glad you came. That’s the whole plan.