Earlier this year Quiz Master Shop had to move one of its quiz nights to a new venue. This is proving to be very successful, with all the regulars making the move, and some new quizzers now enjoying the quizzes.
The Packet is one of the most interesting places that we have run our quiz nights. It is the last of the old, traditional pubs from the heyday of Cardiff Docks that remains open, with many of the features still in place. The carved wood behind the bar, and the curved bar itself would seem to date back to the 1800s.
The date when The Packet opened is itself very interesting. The pub’s Facebook page says that it was built in 1885. However, in 1879 plans were submitted to rebuild The Packet with two storeys, and in 1945 plans were submitted to change the layout of a three-storey building, very much as the pub is today.
But the earliest reference to The Steam Packet, a beer house with the same address, is in 1845, when a coroner’s inquest was held in the building. Of course, The Steam Packet could have been there before that date.
The West Dock (the dock that was entered through what is now Roald Dahl Plass) opened in 1839, so The Steam Packet has been around since the earliest days of Cardiff Docks, and it is still serving drinks to thirsty locals at least 180 years on!
To put The Packet’s “survival” into perspective, at the height of Cardiff Docks operation all the surrounding streets of terraced houses had a pub on both corners, and some had one or two more besides. The mile or so of Bute Street had 22 pubs, or one every 75 metres. And The Packet is the only one left.
Despite being a very traditional pub with a very long history, The Packet has moved with the times. There are several TVs on which sport is shown throughout opening hours and most weeks there is live music to enjoy. And of course, the Quiz Nights – the best in Cardiff Bay.
So, whether you come for the sport, the music, or the quiz, or just to enjoy a pint, you will be surrounded by a unique piece of Cardiff’s, and Wales’, history.