Red Cow Inn

Discover the charming Red Cow Inn Pub in Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil. Enjoy delicious homemade lasagna and hearty ales after a hike or cycling adventure around the stunning reservoir. Dog-friendly and perfect for a relaxing lunch, we welcome you to unwind in our picturesque village. Visit us today!

4.5 - EWN Awards
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Welcome to Red Cow Inn

Nestled on Main Road in the charming village of Pontsticill, the Red Cow Inn shines as a quintessential pub and restaurant. This inviting spot is perfect for those looking to unwind with a drink or indulge in hearty comfort food. From the moment you step inside, the cosy atmosphere envelops you, making it an ideal retreat after a brisk walk or bike ride through the scenic Brecon Beacons. The extensive menu caters to various tastes, showcasing everything from homemade lasagne to succulent steaks, all while maintaining an affordable price range of £10–20. With options for outdoor seating and dining room service, this pub serves as a welcoming hub for locals and tourists alike.

Welcome to the Red Cow Inn, your charming local pub and restaurant nestled in the picturesque village of Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil. Enjoy our casual and cozy atmosphere while indulging in a delightful selection of food and drinks, including an impressive range of ales, wines, and hearty meals crafted from quality ingredients. Perfect for solo diners, families, or groups, we offer outdoor seating and dedicated service options for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery. With accessible facilities and a welcoming vibe, the Red Cow Inn is an ideal stop for hikers, cyclists, or anyone looking to unwind after a day of adventure. Join us to savor homemade delights and great company!

Services, Amenities and More

Service options
Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery
Takeaway
Highlights
Great beer selection
Great wine list
Sport
Popular for
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Food
Food at bar
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Seating
Table service

Photo Gallery

View Menu Photos

Reviews Overview

Most Liked

The Red Cow Inn’s standout feature is its fantastic selection of beer and wine, showcasing local ales alongside well-known international brands. Guests rave about the homemade chips—perfectly cooked and crispy, these are a must-try with any main dish. The friendly and attentive staff enhance the experience, ensuring everyone feels welcomed, even during peak hours. The inviting atmosphere, complemented by a lively fire in winter, creates a communal feeling that resonates with both locals and tourists. Many visitors express appreciation for the comfort food options, particularly the faggots and chips, which have garnered rave reviews. The spacious beer garden is another highlight, allowing patrons to relax outside while taking in the beautiful countryside.

Most Disliked

While the Red Cow Inn exudes charm, some guests note that it can get quite busy, especially on weekends when cyclists and families overflow for lunch and dinner. A few visitors mention longer wait times for food during peak hours, which can challenge patience. Others have pointed out limited availability of certain popular menu items during busy days. Though most guests find the prices reasonable, some may find the £10-20 range slightly steep for the portion sizes, depending on their appetite. Despite these minor grievances, the overall feedback remains overwhelmingly positive.

User Reviews

DG
Di G.
1 week ago

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

ID
Ian D.
3 months ago

We arrived at a super busy time. Seventeen cyclists had just arrived. Staff were super chilled, friendly, and attentive. Great atmosphere. Really good food, loved the chips. Lovely pub. Love monkey on tap was a very nice pint.

EB
Eddy B.
3 months ago

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

MM
M M.
2 months ago

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

AB
Amberley B.
1 months ago

Very accommodating staff, great hearty pub food and a quaint pub with a great atmosphere and interior. Friendly locals & staff. Perfect place to stop after exploring the brecon beacons

HF
Hollie F.
7 months ago

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!

HP
Hayley P.
12 months ago

Really cute little quirky place, came here after camping and a moderate hike! Loved the cute decor inside and the cheese chips were mega! Thankyou!

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Location & Hours

Opening Hours

MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen

Location

Frequently Asked Questions

Red Cow Inn serves a diverse menu featuring traditional pub food, vegetarian options, and a variety of delicious desserts. Expect to find dishes like homemade lasagne, hunters chicken, and vegan shepherd's pie.

Yes, Red Cow Inn is very family-friendly. The restaurant has a dedicated children's menu with options like chicken nuggets, burgers, and tasty desserts.

Absolutely! Red Cow Inn welcomes dogs, making it a great spot for a meal after a hike with your furry friend.

Yes, Red Cow Inn offers outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a meal or drinks in nice weather while soaking up the casual vibe.

Red Cow Inn accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions easy and convenient.

Reservations are accepted at Red Cow Inn, especially during busy hours, so it's a good idea to book a table in advance to guarantee your spot.

Why visit Red Cow Inn

The Red Cow Inn deserves a spot on everyone’s culinary map for its unbeatable combination of food, atmosphere, and location. Whether after a long hike or simply for a casual meal, this pub satisfies craving for wholesome comfort food. Dining here means enjoying friendly service, along with the chance to meet locals in a cosy setting—a true taste of Welsh hospitality. Planning a visit on a weekday can help avoid the rush and ensure easier seating. Reserve a table to lock in your dining experience, especially on weekends. Coming with your four-legged friend? This dog-friendly pub welcomes pets, adding to the communal spirit of the place. Be sure to try the Guinness on tap—it's a local favorite. Don’t miss out on the Red Cow Inn; it’s more than a pub; it's an experience.