Apart from a forced closure in 2004, the Blue Anchor has traded virtually non-stop as a public house since 1380. The closure was forced by a serious fire which occurred in Feb of that year and which destroyed the upper storey of the original mediaeval building.

Click here to see a selection of photographs taken during the immediate aftermath of the fire and during the restoration work.

The Blue Anchor was established in 1380 - and was one of the focal points for the then thriving trading port of East Aberthaw The name of the Inn was derived from the name of the bay at Aberthaw, the distinctive blue marl(mud) which coated the anchors of the vessels that called at the port giving the name to both the bay and the Inn.

At that time the port was far more important than either of the much now much larger towns of Cardiff of Barry, and was busy enough to justify a Customs & Excise presence. Evidence of the diverse trading that took place was the presence of a tobacco drying shed, hinting at possible trade with the American colonies...?

The inn was part of the Fonmon estate until 1941 when it was acquired by the grandfather of the present owners, Jeremy and Andrew Coleman, whose father John passed it on to his sons after 'retiring' some 15 years ago.

At the age of 80 +, John Coleman is still active in the business, growing a lot of the fresh fruit and vegetables that contribute to the highly regarded restaurant and bar cuisine.

John still enjoys a pint and can be found along with many of the regulars (Jeff Warburton, Peter and Eddy et al) in the main bar on more than one night of a week...