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Cheers! A guide to the best pubs in North Wales

No holiday to North Wales is complete without having a tipple of your choice in a few local pubs. From roaring fries to beach side bars, here is a selection of the best pubs in North Wales.


The Albion, Conwy

An incredible collaborative effort by 4 North Wales breweries has seen Conwy, Nant, Great Orme and Purple Moose run this pub since 2012. It has since won Wales Pub of The Year once and North Wales Pub of The Year on several occasions. The old 1920’s interior has been resurrected, making it a good old-fashioned pub again, complete with roaring open fires in the winter months – great to warm yourself in front of after a bracing sea-front walk! No music, no televisions, no sport (apart from Wales’ rugby games). Just a place for a good chat and a fantastic pint of course! The Albion has become the cornerstone for real ale drinkers not just in Conwy but across North Wales. Groups from far and wide regularly make their pilgrimage to this North Wales real ale ‘Mecca’.

A tasting tray at The Albion


The Bridge, Conwy

Following on from the success of The Albion, The Bridge was taken over by the same 4 breweries and re-opened in 2015. But don’t expect a carbon copy of The Albion. Situated opposite Conwy castle, with a fantastic view of the castle walls, expect excellent home cooked food but with the a focus on lovely, local real ale. There are 5 different rotating ales and a real cider always available. The Bridge holds lots of events such as a vinyl club, gin tastings and a weekly quiz. A cosy, friendly pub in North Wales. Perfect for when the weather isn’t at it’s best.


The Ship Inn, Red Wharf Bay

The Ship Inn is situated overlooking Red Wharf Bay on the eastern side of Anglesey. ’Picturesque’ is the word that immediately springs to mind. The Ship is a traditional 19th Century inn with original period features…there’s a certain charm about the place. Another pub with fantastic home cooked food available and local real ales, plus it’s one of the most popular dog friendly pubs on Anglesey. There are fantastic walks from here to Benllech and Moelfre along the beach and across the beautiful Anglesey countryside. Or you could just sit in the beer garden at the front overlooking the bay with a pint!


Nicole, enjoying a pint at The Ship Inn


Ye Olde Bull’s Head, Beaumaris

There is an elegance and sophistication about the Bull’s Head and the Townhouse opposite that sums up Beaumaris nicely. A Grade II listed 15th Century inn that has been modernised respectfully and offers the option of pub fayre or fine dining in the loft brasserie. A large amount of the original features remain, including the back gate which happens to be the largest single hinged door in the world! There is also plenty to do in Beaumaris with the Edwardian Beaumaris castle and the pier a short walk away.


The Australia, Porthmadog

The most recent acquisition by the Albion Ale House group, this pub has been restored to its original name after some years as the Gestiana. The sign for the pub features a 19th century wooden ship but quizzically there was no ship named this locally and the ships that carried local quarried slate did not travel to Australia! The pub is located right in the middle of the popular tourist town of Porthmadog with attractions such as Black Rock Sands and Portmeirion village only a short drive away. The Australia boasts 8 hand pulled ales and 2 ciders as well as offering home cooked meals. This ale house is more akin to the Albion in style. CAMRA Gwynedd a Mon Pub of the Year 2016.

Looking for some restaurant inspiration? Check out our favourite places to eat in North Wales.


Snowdonia Parc, Waunfawr

A unique entry to this list as this country pub has a microbrewery on site. All the real ale on sale here has been brewed on the brew kit upstairs and some 10 different ales are produced. Unsurprisingly, the Snowdonia Parc won CAMRA Gwynedd a Mon Pub of the Year between 2012-2015. The pub is on the narrow gauge Welsh Highland Railway line and the stop is a short distance away. The pub takes part in the annual Rail Ale festival held in May in nearby Dinas and is accessible using the railway. There is also a campsite linked to the pub a short walk away.


Ty Coch, Porthdinllaen

The Ty Coch (meaning Red House in Welsh) has been rated one of the top 10 beach bars in the world. Only accessible by walking along the beach, across Nefyn golf course or by boat, this pub is like no other. It couldn’t be closer to the beach if it tried and gets incredibly busy in the peak season. The view of the Llŷn Peninsula from the benches outside is absolutely stunning and there is no surprise it is rated so highly. The walk along the beach from Morfa Nefyn is a fantastic way to get to the pub, especially on a sunny day.

The view from the Ty Coch Inn

If these pubs have whet your appetite to come and explore North Wales why not make a weekend of it and stay in one of our lovely holiday cottages in either Snowdonia, the Llŷn Peninsula or Anglesey.

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