Starter For 20 - The Pub Challenge

Words by Stuart McDonald, Pictures by Phil Sumbler

There should be no worries on this score, because although many have been lost over the years (Mexico Fountain, George & Dragon, Britannia, etc), there's still plenty to choose from.

Obviously the club will wish fans to use the on-site facilities as much as possible, but this recognises the fact that everybody likes their own watering hole away from the ground as well.

I've attempted to grade the establishments on the basis of what is familiar to most Swans fans, and it's a simple three grade classification

GARIBALDI/SWANSEA JACK - SGAB

BUILDERS/CLARENCE - CLAB

POTTERS/ORANGE HOUSE - POTHOUSE

I think most of you will quickly get the gist of it (I would add that my experience of many of these is somewhat out of date, so I take no responsibility for anyone's personal safety, conversion to the Sally Army or Welsh Chapel, or transition from Wind Street party animal to the more basic Woodfield Street offerings).

I've then grouped them by location around the stadium and walking distances/times.

Rossi's / Manselton

Within 5 minutes

RAILWAY CLAB

STATION SGAB

WERN CLAB

NEW GLOBE SGAB

ALMA SGAB

Within 10 minutes

PLOUGH POTHOUSE

DILLWYN SGAB

MORRIS ARMS CLAB

Morriston side

Within 5 minutes

COOPERS POTHOUSE

COMMERCIAL CLAB

IVORITES CLAB

Within 10 minutes

IMPERIAL CLAB

BOTTLE BANK SGAB

Hafod/City Centre

Within 5 minutes

LANDORE CLUB POTHOUSE

Within 10 minutes

SMITHS CLAB

JERSEY SGAB

HAFOD INN CLAB

VILLIERS SGAB

East Side

Within 5 minutes

VILLAGE TAVERN SGAB

Within 10 minutes

JERSEY CLAB

This is an initial guide to what's out there, and there are some areas where there are other pubs within two minutes walk of those I've mentioned. There are also probably plenty of you who are far more up to date with the current state/quality of the pubs I've listed.

I would also suggest that there is plenty of time for a special team to volunteer itself to conduct an in-depth survey of the said establishments (perhaps to be led by a certain "Bow" drinker from this site).

So, in terms of quantity, it's not as bad as people may think.

As to quality and character, that remains to be seen.

P.S. I've left out one venue, but I have to try and keep one oasis of tranquility for the select !!!

JackArmy.net asks - So there you have it. Stuart McDonald adds his views on the pubs and now we look for people that have 'inside' knowledge of them. It is appreciated, as Stuart says, that the club will wish as much of the pre-match drinking as possible to be done within the new stadium to increase monies into club coffers but it is natural that fans will also want to drink in some of these local establishments. Is one of these your local? Or do you know of more pubs within the ten minute walk radius of the new stadium. You can e-mail your 'pub reviews' on these to us by using this link. Free samples are also gratefully received!!!

Disclaimer: JackArmy.net distances itself from any liability caused from people suffering hangovers, diarrhoea, drowsiness or marital problems from compiling pub reviews on our behalf.

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