About Bar Saint James

Bar Saint James is situated in a beautiful Edwardian era building that was originally a detached house. Designed circa 1890 by Glendinning Moxham, Head of the Architectural School at Swansea School of Art and President of the South Wales Institute of Architects. His other notable works in Swansea that survived the blitz of World War II include the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, the YMCA building and many of Swansea’s churches.

Located in The Uplands area of Swansea, Bar Saint James finds itself in the heart of the cultural centre of the city. Best selling author and illustrator James Norbury is a current resident of the area. Actor and comedian Rob Brydon was born at the maternity home located in the Uplands; the name of the maternity home? The Bryn! Kingsley Amis, the Booker Prize winning author lived at 24 The Grove, where you can can find a blue plaque dedicated to him. Of course, The Uplands was also home to Dylan Thomas who was born at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, which also features a blue plaque.

Celebrating this rich history of local art and creativity, Bar Saint James has a poem by the late local poet David ‘Ollie’ Ward on a plaque sited on our outside terrace area where he regularly relaxed with friends. Ollie’s poetry can also be found on the Dylan Thomas Trail in the Uplands.

Bar Saint James retains many of he original features like its beautiful winding staircase, where a large stained glass window is cited in the stairwell. Bars were installed both downstairs and upstairs which matched the original woods used in the rest of the building and placed to carefully enhance the atmosphere of the building. Wallpaper has been used which compliments the Edwardian design of the bar.

Bar Saint James prides itself on being the best bar in not just the Uplands, but in Swansea. With our professionally trained staff we intend to expand what we offer in terms of cocktails, events and services allowing us to build upon the solid foundations we have created.