Seminarians have been refused service in a Cardiff pub – because the staff thought they were on a stag do. The group had gone to the City Arms in Cardiff following the ordination of Fr Peter McClaren at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St David. But they were told it was policy not to grant entry to fancy dress parties or stag dos. “We thought originally that it was just a joke and he was playing around with us,” deacon Nicholas Williams said. “We said ‘very funny’ and went further towards the bar, and he said: ‘No, sorry it is our policy.’ ” After turning to leave, they were then approached by the assistant manager, who said he believed they were who they claimed to be and invited them back in. “By way of apology, he then very graciously provided us with a round of drinks, at which point the group decided to stay, provoking an outburst of applause from the locals casually enjoying a pint.” To add to the fun, one of the bar staff realised that one of the party, a deacon, was called Reverend Robert James – and the name of a popular beer served there, made by the Brains brewery, is The Rev James. Encouraged by the positive reaction of the local community to the clerical collar, the seminarians plan to return to the pub. A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Cardiff said: “We’d like to thank the City Arms for being good sports through all of this and their kind gesture to our seminarians – and please note that a number of our clergy, including the Archbishop of Cardiff, frequent your bar, so don’t turf any more out please.”