Vivian Arms Hotel — Restaurant in Wales

Dear Sir / Madam.

I have decided to contact you about the Abysmal way that myself and other patrons were treated last night. Last night the Vivian Arms held a karaoke night which was very packed, with the building being full to almost capacity, myself and my friends arrived just after 7 pm. From 7 pm my friends and I enjoyed our time at the pub, around 10:20 myself and a friend left to buy cigarettes from the local co-op which is less than a 2-minute walk. Upon trying to re-enter the pub we found that the outside doors were locked and a lock on the gate to the outside smoking area. While stood outside waiting for our friend to get the staff to unlock a door to let us in, we saw numerous patrons attempting to leave the building and getting frustrated that they could not leave. In addition to those patrons inside trying to get out members of the public who also wanted to get inside were unable to. after 10 or 15 minutes of waiting outside our friend was able to ask a member of staff (not regular bar staff) to open the fire exit and let us in, upon getting inside the member of staff demanded to know who I was as, after telling him and turning to him I saw him putting a lock on the fire exit. After finally getting inside the property and getting to our drinks which were in the beer garden, my friend who is normally very calm and collected, was very upset and worried about the fact the doors were locked and that every possible way of escape including the fire exits were locked. The friend who came outside with me had a panic attack, because of the claustrophobia and lack of care from the members of staff. After finishing our drinks we decided to go inside and grab our other friends who were playing pool oblivious to being locked inside a very crowded pub and lively pub. A man in all black with a very nasty attitude came by 2 or 3 minutes later to collect the glasses and slammed the doors to the beer garden telling us that "the beer garden is closed". My friend asked him what was going on and why the doors were locked, she was faced with open hostility and an aggravated attitude from this member of staff which subsequently sent her into another panic attack. I also asked the member of staff why the fire exits were closed and a lock on the outside gate was there only to be met with more hostility and the feeling this member of staff wanted a fight with anyone. When we all decided to leave the pub I checked with a member of staff who is usually pleasant and positive with us, about how we were meant to leave only to be told bluntly that "there is a man in a purple jumper who will let you out". After being told this the member of staff left before I could ask for any more clarification. Upon leaving I decided to let the group go first while I would leave last, some members of the group talked to a lovely member of staff who said that he was "told" to lock the door and to only let people out when they asked. After some positive conversation with this member of staff who has always been a wonderful to us, I noticed as he closed the door he locked the door with a key.

All of this happened before 11 pm which is the end of your opening hours, I also want it to be known that as the designated driver I had not drunk or done anything that could alter my perception of...

This pub was personally not my cup of tea but I will provide an honest review and the pub may well be exactly what you're looking for.

The main this about this pub is the atmosphere. It is a LOUD and LIVELY pub with live music, singing and live sports. Personally I like a quiet meal and am sensitive to noise so this didn't do it for me but I am sure that if you are looking for an enthusiastic and friendly environment, this is for you!

The food was both good and bad. My brother's medium-rare steak was served well-done and my American Burger (bacon and cheese) tasted char grilled and of not much else. However the mixed grill was fantastic and the skinny fries were among the best I've had. The rest of our party were happy with theirs and the restaurant accommodates gluten free, dairy free and vegan options so definitely a well done for that. 🥳

The beer was good. Waitress didn't know what was what (which is weird for a local pub) but there's a good selection and waitress gave a perfect serve so you won't be disappointed.

There is seating both inside and outside, a pool table and a smoking area. I would say wheelchair users would struggle to fit so will have to say not wheelchair accessible.

Live music was great and live sports on TV was easy to see and easy to hear (but as I said it was too loud for me so that one will be up to you).

Overall a good experience. A solid local pub with a great (but specific) atmosphere. Thanks!

Summary: Loud, lively, sports and music. Food OK and prices reasonable. Plenty of seating but not not...

As you know I never post negative comments about businesses as I appreciate how hard it is to run a business and will always and support and advise businesses. However I have to share my extrene disappointment and frustration around our visit Friday . Been going there for years and always had a great night . I booked for two of us last Monday for food Friday evening and said we wanted to watch the band . Two texts received confirming booking .When we arrived we were told we could only have the table for 3/4 of an hour . Not sure how you can order a meal and eat it in that time! We explained we intended staying the night and had said when we booked . Eventually given a table in the back room next to the beer garden so door constantly opening ( 2 degrees out ) No one came to ask about drinks or food . Table service only . When we did get food it was fine but struggled to get any drinks as so far out of the main pub . Couldn’t hear the band . People walking in were instantly given chairs from the beer garden and allowed to sit in various places to watch the band . Told by various friends I was talking to there that all the locals are given the tables and looked after before anyone else . No apology or offer of complementary drink or a table next week . Staff very rude with no customer care . Such a shame for what was one of my...