25 pubs with a great spot to enjoy the view
With the hope of further Covid-19 restrictions being eased soon, Nathan Bevan finds the best beer gardens in Wales
AFTER months of being unable to meet up with mates for a pint, people are thirsty for coronavirus restrictions to finally lift and allow Wales’ pubs to reopen again. But, while propping up the bar might be off the cards for a little while longer, a gradual easing in regulations means that, should all go according to plan, outdoor hospitality will be back up and running from Monday, April 26.
So, provided the sun is also shining – fingers crossed – here are some amazing places in which to sink a cold one and enjoy the brilliant scenery as soon as they reopen.
Just be sure to check with the watering hole of your choice before heading out for any updates on reopening dates – some may open from April 26 while others may not open until later this summer – as well as opening times and any new measures in place.
1. The Albany, Cardiff
The Albany’s garden has long been considered a bit of a secret treasure and is the last thing you might expect to find in a residential part of Cardiff.
The pub describes it as a “hidden garden which is truly delightful” – and, to be fair, it is.
■ www.sabrain.com/pubs-andhotels/south-wales/cardiff/albany
2. The Ferry Inn, St Dogmaels
Selected as one of Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Winners in 2020, the Ferry Inn is situated in the picturesque village of St Dogmaels in Pembrokeshire and sits on the bank of the River Teifi.
With its multiple waterfront terraces and specially adapted “Cabin on the Deck”, this a great place to enjoy a tipple outside – there’s even a jetty for customers planning on arriving by boat.
■ www.theferryinn.co.uk
3. The Plymouth Arms, St Fagans
Expect rural charm and rustic character at this Grade II-listed pub overlooking the River Ely.
The recently revamped beer garden should serve as a perfectly safe and sunny place to enjoy a cold drink.
■ www.vintageinn.co.uk/ restaurants/wales/theplymoutharms saintfagans
4. Rose and Crown, Nottage
This is a traditional stone-built inn in an idyllic setting.
There’s seating right outside, as well as an adjoining walled garden.
The village green opposite has also been known to provide extra drinking space in the past.
■ www.sabrain.com
5. Tafarn Sinc, Rosebush
In the heart of the Preseli Hills and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, you’ll find Tafarn Sinc in the small rural hamlet of Rosebush.
It’s known as Tafarn Sinc because of the tin sheets used in its construction, its outdoor seating area has been expanded but hasn’t lost any of the great countryside views.
■ tafarnsinc.co.uk
6. The Worm’s Head Hotel, Rhossili
The view from this beer garden in Rhossili has got to be a contender for one of the best spots in the world to savour a tipple.
To the left you can see Worm’s Head point, which becomes an island when the tide comes in. And to the right, the breathtaking vista is completed by a long stretch of golden sand.
The beer garden is simple with picnic tables, but this place is all about the view – especially the sunsets.
■ thewormshead.co.uk.
7. Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen
Nestled in the beautiful fishing village of Porthdinllaen, the beer garden is just a stone’s throw from the sandy beach and has plenty of space to enjoy the stunning views.
Once named Wales’ best pub according to a WalesOnline poll, the pub’s success down to its location – not to mention good beer, great food and friendly staff.
■ tycoch.co.uk
8. The Ship Inn, Tresaith
This pub sits neatly in the sheltered sandy bay named after the River Saith, which cascades as a waterfall over the cliffs to the beach.
Inside you will find traditional brick features and low wooden beams.
The heated terrace is a good size, and the perfect place to enjoy summer days or evenings overlooking Tresaith’s sands.
■ www.sabrain.com/pubs-andhotels/mid-west-wales/ceredigion/ the-ship-inn
9. The Old Sailors, Newport (Pembrokeshire)
Formerly called the Sailors Safety because of the light it once kept burning as a guide to ships, this pub is nestled away behind Pwllgwaelod beach.
The setting consists of a very large garden area which can seat 80 to 100 with a two-metre distance between tables, while the fresh locally sourced seafood on the daily menu is a must.
■ theoldsailors.co.uk
10. King’s Head Inn, Llangennith
It’s just a short journey to the shore from the King’s Head, so you’ll find plenty of beach-goers stopping off for a drink here.
You’ll also usually find up to seven real ales on offer, nearly all produced at The Gower Brewery, and there’s seating at the front of the pub looking across to the oldest church in area.
■ www.facebook.com/Kingshead gower
11. Snowdonia Parc Brewpub
You can choose from a selection of real ales which are brewed on the premises from Snowdonia water.
In a mountain setting on the banks of the River Gwyrfai, the beer garden has views aplenty and is near the station for the Welsh Highland Railway with its narrow gauge steam hauled locomotives – so you can watch the trains while enjoying lunch or a drink. ■ snowdonia-park.co.uk
12. Pen-y-Bryn, Colwyn Bay
While the inside – with its oak floors, open fires and bookcases, totally belies the more modern looking exterior – the real draw here is the stunning garden and terrace with panoramic views out over the sea and the Great Orme. ■ brunningandprice.co.uk
13. Plough & Harrow, Monknash Having reopened after a minor refit and lick of paint last year, the Plough and Harrow has barely changed in the many hundreds of years that it’s been standing with most of its original features remaining.
Selling itself as a proper pub with real ale and real food, its garden is surrounded by beautiful countryside in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan.
■ www.facebook.com/ploughand harrowmonknash
14. Oxwich Bay Hotel, Gower
Enjoy sweeping views of Oxwich Bay as you take a tipple at the hotel’s beer garden, which is within 10 metres of the beach.
The hotel itself is set in eight acres of private grounds at the western end of the shoreline, and there’s a good choice of beers and wines and food on offer.
■ oxwichbayhotel.co.uk
15. Ty Mawr, Cardiff
Ty Mawr is a traditional pub which has a rural feel in its location on the outskirts of Cardiff.
There are great views of the surrounding countryside.
One recent review read: “One of the best beer gardens around, excellent food and service, social distancing measures in place are spot on.”
■ www.sabrain.com
16. The White Eagle, Rhoscolyn
Previously named in the Michelin Guide to eating out in pubs, expect seasonal menus and a good range of drinks, as well as fantastic views.
It’s a much loved Anglesey landmark in an area steeped in history – legend has it Rhoscolyn’s patron saint Gwenfaen was chased away from the village by druids and escaped by climbing the rock stack off Rhoscolyn
head. The tide then came in and she was carried away by angels.
■ white-eagle.co.uk
17. Dyffryn Arms, Bryncoch
Nestled in the beautiful countryside near Brynoch in the Neath Valley, the establishment aims to balance cosy old country pub style charm with clean, modern features.
It’s the beer garden though that’s the best spot to relax and unwind on a nice afternoon.
■ thedyffrynarms.com
18. St Julians Inn, Newport
Sitting alongside the River Usk, there is a balcony and loads of outdoor tables spread around the gardens and lawn which make for a lovely spot to while away hours drinking in the sunshine. ■ stjulian.co.uk
19. The Dolaucothi Arms, Pumsaint
A pretty Grade II listed coach house, the Dolaucothi Arms is tucked away in the Carmarthenshire countryside.
Popular with walkers and cyclists, there’s plenty of great scenery to look at and lots of picnic tables on offer.
■ Visit the Dolaucothi Arms Facebook page.
20. Britannia Inn, Llanmadoc
Enjoy the stunning views over the Loughor Estuary with beer gardens to the front and back of the building.
Outside tables are allocated on a first come first served basis, with covers provided if the weather turns. ■ britanniainngower.co.uk
21. The Corn Mill, Llangollen
Set alongside the River Dee, this provides the perfect setting. Steeped in history, the Corn Mill has been grinding flour at this site for at least 700 years – owing its foundation to the Cistercian monks of Valle Crucis – and it reopened as a pub and restaurant in June 2000. The decks outside are perfectly positioned, built directly over the rapids, while, on the opposite bank of the river, steam trains arrive and leave from the restored station.
■ brunningandprice.co.uk
22. Groes Inn, Conwy
You’ll find real ales on tap and seats and tables at both the front and the back of the pub. For food and drink it’s best to book in advance, though walkins will be available when there’s room. ■ groesinn.com
23. Fox & Hounds, Llancarfan
This AA four star-rated inn is set in the idyllic, tranquil village of Llancarfan where it overlooks St Cadoc’s Church – famed for its recently unearthed medieval wall paintings. It’s bound to be popular as summer approaches, so be sure to check they can accommodate you before setting off.
■ fandhllancarfan.co.uk
24. The Castle, Little Haven
Another Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Winner for 2020, the food looks amazing and the location can’t be beaten. The pub can be found right next to a small shale beach and we can’t think of a better place to sit and sink a tall cool one when the sun is shining down.
■ www.facebook.com/castlelittlehaven
25. The Pelican, Ogmore
Or, to give it its full, more interesting name, The Pelican in her Piety, this gastro pub has been around for at least 250 years.
Set in beautiful countryside, it offers the likes of tapas and game on its menu, so it’s the ideal choice if you want something a bit different.
■ www.facebook.com/ThePelicanWales