Tafarn Smwglin

In the early 19th century Cardigan was reputed to have over 60 recognised ale houses.
In 1850 there were over 50 licensed premises as well as a considerable number of what were locally called 'smwglins'; secret, hidden, unlicensed and notorious places where beer was brewed and sold and trade in smuggled wines, spirits and other goods carried on...

Tafarn Smwglin sits in the Pizzatipi courtyard on the Teifi wharfside at Cambrian Quay, on the ground floor of an eighteenth century warehouse. Once sail-lofts and chandlery and who-knows-what. Nowadays we have a licence for our fine selection of Welsh beers, ciders and spirits and have smuggled in some non-Welsh drinks too. The most recent addition is our own fforest gin. Dubious trade still persists, but the trade is in stories - the size of the fish, the glory of the try and the day it didn't rain.