A Timeless Sunday Lunch Experience
A Living Piece of Swansea History
To visit No Sign Wine Bar Swansea is to step into the rich and memorable history of the city. Established in 1690, it is widely regarded as Swansea’s oldest bar. The wine cellars date back to the 1400s and were later featured in Dylan Thomas’s 1930 short story The Followers.
Formerly known as Munday’s Wine Merchants, the name “No Sign” originated from historic licensing legislation. At the time, public houses were legally required to display a recognisable sign. However, as this building operated as a bar rather than a public house, no sign was allocated. As a result, the premises became known simply as “No Sign.”
The Grade II listed building also holds civic importance, having once housed Swansea’s first Chamber of Commerce and one of the city’s earliest recorded libraries.
Dylan Thomas and the Bohemian Years
During the 1930s, Swansea experienced a cultural golden era. Writers, musicians, and artists gathered regularly, making No Sign Wine Bar Swansea an important creative hub. Dylan Thomas and his contemporaries, known as the “Kardomah gang,” were among its most famous patrons. Consequently, the bar remains a key stop on the Dylan Thomas literary pub crawl today.
Proudly Independent and Family Owned
Today, No Sign Wine Bar Swansea remains proudly family-owned and independent. Whether enjoying a quiet drink in the historic front bar, dining in the modern back bar, hosting a private gathering in Munday’s Lounge, or listening to live music, the venue caters for a wide range of tastes.
A Cozy Sunday Lunch Visit
On a wet and windy Sunday in January, a friend and I met for Sunday lunch at No Sign Wine Bar Swansea. Despite the weather, the pub felt warm and welcoming. We were seated near one of the fireplaces, which added to the cosy atmosphere and enhanced the sense of history throughout the space.
Sunday Lunch at No Sign Wine Bar Swansea
Starter: Whitebait with Lemon Pepper Aioli
The whitebait was beautifully cooked and, pleasingly, not heavily coated in batter. This allowed the delicate flavour of the fish to shine through. Although the portion was generous—perhaps slightly large for a starter—it was thoroughly enjoyable and paired well with the lemon pepper aioli.
Main Course: Slow-Roasted Silverside of Beef with Homemade Yorkshire Pudding
The slow-roasted silverside of beef was the standout element of the meal. The meat was tender, well cooked, and full of flavour. The homemade Yorkshire pudding was light and well risen. However, while the roast components were executed well, a greater focus on the accompanying vegetables would have improved the overall balance of the dish.
Dessert: White Chocolate Cheesecake with Mixed Fruit Compote
The white chocolate cheesecake was rich and indulgently creamy. Although it was slightly too creamy for my personal taste, it was clearly well made. The mixed fruit compote added a welcome contrast and helped balance the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Overall, No Sign Wine Bar Swansea offers a Sunday lunch experience that blends comforting food with a strong sense of history and character. The welcoming atmosphere, combined with the warmth of the open fire and the charm of the historic setting, makes it an inviting place to relax on a winter’s afternoon.
The food was well prepared and satisfying, with the slow-roasted beef and Yorkshire pudding standing out in particular. While a little more attention to the vegetables would have elevated the main course further, the meal as a whole felt thoughtful and enjoyable. The dessert, though rich, rounded off the experience nicely.
Taken together, No Sign Wine Bar Swansea is not just a place to eat, but a place to linger. It is an excellent choice for a leisurely Sunday lunch, especially for those who appreciate good food served within one of Swansea’s most iconic and historic venues.
Website: nosignwinebar.com
Facebook: No Sign Wine Bar
Instagram: @nosignbar
Food Hygiene Rating: https://ratings.food.gov.uk/business/107515