Royal Oak, Grade II listed pub in Adamsdown, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Royal Oak is a Grade II listed pub on Newport Road in Adamsdown featuring traditional architecture from the late 1800s. Inside, it houses boxing memorabilia and a working gym on the upper floor where training continues today.
The pub opened in the late 1800s and became linked to boxing in the early 1900s when a relative of champion boxer Jim Driscoll managed it. This connection resulted in the safekeeping of Driscoll's Lonsdale Belt, marking a key moment in the venue's boxing history.
The pub reflects its boxing heritage through displays and memorabilia that come from fighters who trained in its upstairs gym. Walking through, you notice how the sport is woven into the local identity and daily life of this neighborhood establishment.
The pub opens daily for visitors to explore the boxing displays and learn about its history. Check ahead to confirm whether the upstairs gym is accessible during your visit, as it sometimes hosts private training sessions.
In 2010, it became the only Cardiff establishment recognized in Famous Grouse distillery's curated list of top UK pubs. This distinction reflected how its boxing heritage and traditional character stood out among Welsh venues.
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