We blinked and 2023 arrived! If you’re anything like us, January started with good intentions around food, drink and exercise.
January, with its dark mornings and gloomy evenings, and the long slog through until the next holiday, can get us down. It’s only natural.
It can be tempting to stay home and hibernate, mopping up the last of the festive chocolate and alcohol.
But actually, it does us all good to get out. Our suggestion is to wrap up warm and enjoy a bracing walk. Then, treat yourself to a drink (non-alcoholic if your resolutions were that way inclined), cwtch by a real fire, some hearty pub fayre and, most importantly, good old-fashioned Welsh hospitality!
We’ve spent some time compiling the very best pubs and Inns in North Wales. Enjoy!
Black Boy Inn, Caernarfon
Almost five centuries old and set within the walls of Caernarfon town, close to the Castle, if you are looking for an old hostelry with character, then look no further than the Black Boy Inn.
There’s a bar with plenty of cosy nooks and crannies and real fires. Not only are there an impressive 20 taps with cask and keg beers from independent breweries, but beer lovers will also enjoy the fabulous beer-related memorabilia bedecking the walls.
Good meals are served, including breakfast – and if you fancy exploring the area, there are even rooms available.
The Boat Inn, Erbistock
Close to the English border, and on the banks of the River Dee, The Boat is set in a glorious location. The pub prides itself on remembering that ‘proper pubs are always about people and atmosphere’, but offering the very best food, drink, service and facilities. There are five cask beers and a range of gins, including their own small batch ‘The Lady Dee’.
Offering a whole range of small rooms with open fires, there’s something for everyone here. Meals are served daily and there’s a focus on game and fish as well as pub classics and some spicy world food for good measure.
We must just mention that we’re not the only ones who rate the place. The Boat’s Sunday lunch was named by The Guardian as one of the 30 of the best UK pubs for Sunday lunch in late 2022, where it was noted for affordability, too.
The Felin Fach Griffin, Felin Fach
Close to the popular book town of Hay-on-Wye, The Felin Fach Griffin promises to offer us a slice of a slower pace of life. That sounds good to us after the busy festive season!
Sitting peacefully between the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons, The Felin Fach is always high on the recommendation list for food (lunch and supper), drink and accommodation.
Enjoy food from the kitchen garden, good well-kept beer from local Welsh breweries, great wine – and proper Welsh hospitality. And, it goes without saying, the place is cosy with roaring fires!
Groes Inn, Conwy
Claiming to be the oldest licensed pub in Wales, The Groes Inn sits close to the town of Conwy and offers stunning views and a warm welcome.
Good hearty pub grub is on offer, with plenty of allergen-friendly options for those with dietary requirements. We particularly like the Cosy Lunch menu which at the time of writing offers two courses for £13.45, 3 for £16.45 Monday to Friday 12-5 pm.
You’ll also find local ale, fine wine and all the usual spirits to enjoy by the fire in the rustic yet cosy and clean surroundings. Perfect after a day exploring Conwy Castle and the local area.
The Red Lion, Penderyn
Set on a hill above the Brecon Beacons National Park, The Red Lion Inn is steeped in tradition.
This charming, family-run hostelry serves a wide range of traditional Real Ales and Cask Ciders – straight from the barrel! Of course, if you fancy something stronger, the locally distilled Penderyn Whisky is on offer.
Food wise you’ll find locally-sourced, seasonal dishes and a good Sunday Lunch. Booking is recommended as the Red Lion is limited space-wise, although this just adds to the cosy
The Clytha Arms, Abergavenny
Last but not least, The Clytha Arms offers everything you could ask for in a cosy pub! Open fires, plenty of tables and even some sofas.
Food-wise, enjoy elevated pub favourites, steak and delicious puddings. For something lighter try the range of tapas. Wash it down with a pint or three from the well-stocked bar which has plenty of traditional ales on offer.
It’s also worth considering the Clytha Arms for a night or two away. Generously proportioned yet cosy rooms await the weary traveller!
Shake off the January blues and warm up in a Welsh pub
So here’s our quick rundown of the best Nort Wales cosy pubs for a winter pint. If we’ve missed your favourite, do drop us a line and tell us why we should include it.
As we’ve said before, it’s important we support our local establishments to keep the hospitality industry alive at this difficult time. But, please do remember to check opening times before travelling as these are subject to change for all kinds of reasons.
Enjoy!
