The Welsh pubs that have been named among the ‘cosiest’ in the country
THERE’S nothing nicer than enjoying a drink in a cwtchy pub during the autumn and winter months and now six Welsh venues have been named among the top 100 cosiest pubs in Britain in 2021.
The list was chosen by Mail on Sunday food critic Tom Parker Bowles and drinks columnist Olly Smith.
The duo used a number of criteria to make their selection, including pubs which are dog friendly, serve delicious food, have a good selection of ales and wines, have comfy nooks to hunker down in and roaring fire places too.
Tom chose two Welsh pubs, The Golden Lion in Newport, Pembrokeshire, and The King’s Arms in Pentyrch. Olly, meanwhile, picked four – The Felin Fach Griffin in Brecon, the Harbourmaster in Aberaeron,
The Golden Lion, Newport
“Crackling fires, local ales, Welsh ciders and whiskies, home-made pork pies, Scotch eggs and soups.
“The Golden Lion is the perfect base from which to explore this stunning part of the world. They allow dogs too.”
East St, Newport, Pembrokeshire SA42 0SY
The Felin Fach Griffin, Felinfach, Brecon
“Always book ahead! This is a peach of a pub where fab food is a fanfare for local producers.
“Beer is impeccably kept and the excellent wines are carefully picked from beyond the beaten track – you can even buy them to take away at retail price. Feast to the brink before being subsumed by the ample sofas.”
Felinfach, Brecon LD3 0UB
The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell
“A fabulous example of unpretentious Welsh hospitality. The menu is that of a traditional boozer – from fish and chips to chicken curry – but it’s done superbly well.
“Settle in next to the roaring fire for a pint of local beer after your meal.”
High St, Crickhowell NP8 1BW
The Bear Hotel in Crickhowell and The Bush Inn in St Hilary.
Tom celebrated The Golden Lion as a “perfect base from which to explore this stunning part of the world” whilst The Kings Arms on the edge of Cardiff was selected for its “flag-stoned snug, open fires, lime-washed walls and beautiful gardens”.
Olly said The Felin Fach Griffin is “a peach of a pub where fab food is a fanfare for local producers” and the Harbourmaster, which is located on the Ceredigion coast, features “excellent local seaside produce cooked superbly”.
About The Bear in Crickhowell, he said it’s “a fabulous example of unpretentious Welsh hospitality” and a visit to The Bush Inn isn’t “complete without sampling one of their famous pies”.
The King’s Arms, Pentyrch, Cardiff
“A traditional longhouse pub in a pretty village on the outskirts of Cardiff. There’s local ale from Brains, a flag-stoned snug, open fires, lime-washed walls and beautiful gardens.
“Welsh seasonal produce is at the heart of an everchanging menu. A cosy cracker.”
Church Road, Pentyrch, Cardiff CF15 9QF
Harbourmaster, Aberaeron, Ceredigion
“I stayed here while filming The Secret Supper Club for Channel 4, and its enduring charm as an oasis of good taste with a warm welcome has not been forgotten.
“A decent wine list as well as excellent local seaside produce cooked superbly secures its ongoing reputation.”
1 Quay Parade, Aberaeron SA46 0BT
The Bush Inn, St Hilary
“Built in the 16th century, this inn is a charming place to spend a chilly afternoon.
“Owners Liz and Andy pride themselves on the home-cooked feel of their menu – and no visit is complete without sampling one of their famous pies.”
The Bush Inn, Cowbridge CF71 7DP