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Serving Chester, Wrexham, Llangollen and Ellesmere Port areas

East Clwyd Survey Trip (14 January 2011)

Another foray into the Welsh part of our branch area, this time the east Clwyd section, took us to the Ffrwd at Cefyn-Y-Bedd.  A cosy main bar with log fire burner, old beams and adjoining dining areas.  About a dozen locals were drinking with a few eating meals that included tempting looking chunky chips!  

Some branch reprobates at the Ffrwd

 

Four handpumps adorned the bar dispensing: Pontypridd Otley 01, 4%; Old Hookey; and Old Rosie cider with one spare pump.  Most of us tried the Otley 01, a light, hoppy bitter fairly easy on the palette.

 

Next stop was Graianrhyd and the Rose & Crown, however we did a quick visit to the Tyn-Y-Capel in Minera only to find no beer!  We could only assume a problem with either the cellar or beer delivery since at least one beer should be available.  The Rose & Crown was a 2-roomed pub with main bar and adjacent snug featuring a fireplace adorned with hops.  Beers available were: Three Kings Christmas Ale, 6%; Flowers IPA; and Station House KPA which was just on the way out but the landlord tilted the barrel to complete the order.  The Christmas Ale was popular with the group.

 

Onwards to the Raven at Llanarmen-Yn-Lal, a community owned pub and well supported on this Friday evening.  Stone walls, low beams and divided into several rooms but not isolated from each other.  3 beers were available: Frodsham 800, 4.7%; Purple Moose Volunteer, 3.6%; North Star Porter all priced at a reasonable £2-75.

 

The Sun at Eryrys was our next stop. Another cosy old pub with low beams and interesting arches.  Beers on were : Woodlands Holly Days, 4.8%  - a malty refreshing beer; Theakstons Bitter plus a spare pump.  Our final stop was the Colomendey Arms at Cadole.  Main bar featured a real fire, beams and brasses, side room was a traditional parlour bar with ancient fireplace from former living quarters.  Old B&W photos on the walls depicted local scenes.  A good selection of beers were available: Brimstage Trappers Hat, 3.8%; Gertie Sweet Ambush, 4.8%; Lomond Gold 5%; Old Cock 4.4%; and Plassey Dusky Maiden Stout 4.4%.  A longer stop here enabled us to sample more than one beer so I tried the Ambush and Old Cock, I believe the Dusky Maiden was popular with others - enough said!

A quick straw poll at the end of the evening revealed the best beer was Purple Moose Volunteer - strangely the weakest beer of the trip!

 

 

Deeside Round-up (17 January 2010)

Reports from the recently opened Wetherspoons in Shotton are enouraging.  The manager is continuing  to supply local ales and the initial staff problems with serving of the beers seems to have been sorted out.  Beer sales are going well with many of the local brews  selling out very quickly.

 

Jut down the road ,the Castle Inn (known locally as "Hendies" ), continues to provide two ales on the bar, but like other pubs in the area has felt the competition from Wetherspoons. .  Many local pubs have now had to alter their pricing since the ‘spoons arrived in Town but thankfully they seem to be holding up.

 

Unfortunately we have been told of troubles at the Fox and Grapes in "Royal Hawarden".  It has apparently been put up for sale as a going concern.  During a last visit the ale was in fine condition so hopefully it will continue as a pub under new management.

Thankfully we have since had confirmation from the management that the pub is not for sale.  Great news and sorry for any confusion!

 

The Halfway House in Connahs Quay still has real ale, but seems to have a cellar problem as the beer is often served being far too warm.  Hopefully this can be rectified soon!

 

South Clwyd Survey Trip (10 December 2010)

  Another venture into North Wales but on this occasion the snow and ice of previous weeks had thawed so we all felt much safer!  First stop was The Boat at Erbistock, a charming old pub in a picturesque setting by the river Dee, pity we were visiting in winter but must be a great venue in the summer.  Inside we were glad to see a log fire roaring away in the large inglenook fireplace, there were also 2 other real fires in the other bars/dining area.  Two beers were available on handpumps: Hydes 'Original' and Spitting Feathers 'Thirstquencher.'  Opinion of the group was that the Hydes was the preferred drink.  A refurbishment is planned before the summer season to update electrical wiring and provide disabled access. A few locals were drinking but otherwise trade was quiet, not surprising considering recent bad weather and remote location of the pub.  

   A short drive took us to the Cross Foxes at Overton Bridge.  In sharp contrast to the Boat this pub was packed with diners and Christmas Party people, resulting in very little space for drinkers!  Beers available were: Mansfield 'Old Bailey' 4.8%; Jennings 'Cumberland Ale'; Brakespear's Bitter and Wranghams 'Christmas Cracker', 3.8%.  The Old Bailey was a good strong bitter but a bit wallet straining at £3-20/pint, which probably reflected the Brunning & Price ownership!

  Onwards to the Cross Lanes Hotel, part of the Best Western chain, which had a small bar area for drinkers the remaining space allocated for dining.  Plassey Bitter was the only beer available, the Running Rudolph having just 'run out' Ho! Ho!  A well kept beer but nothing exciting.  

   Next stop was another Best Western hotel, this time The Buck House at Bangor-on-Dee.  Most impressed with the display of teapots hanging from the ceiling in the main bar.  A more cosy pub feel to this establishment compared to the previous one.  Beers available: Stonehouse 'Cambrian Gold' and 'Station Bitter'; Plassey 'Cask Border Mild'; Tetley Bitter.  All beers were actually dispensed in the 'public bar' so I went round to that to order a 2nd beer and chatted to one of the locals who drinks Manns Brown over Mild!  I remember serving that when I was a barman very many years ago - didn't think Manns Brown had still survived.  Beers were well kept and a reasonable price.

  Our final stop was the White Horse Inn at Overton-on-Dee, owned by the Joules Brewery.  This was a very comfortable pub with lots of etched glass panels bearing the 'Jools' logo, wood panelling and real log fires.  All contributed to that warm cosy feeling needed on a cold winter's night.  There were 3 bars areas divided by wood and glass panels giving an open aspect to the pub, plus dining areas to the rear.

Beers on were : Joules 'Pale Ale' 4.1%; and Adnams 'Old Ale' also 4.1% both very well kept.

So back on the bus to Chester with memo to self to return to the Boat in Erbistock during the heady days of summer!

 

Llangollen Social (26 November 2010)

  'Twas on a cold and frosty night that Brian & Bryan Tours chose to travel to Llangollen to visit the Abbey Grange brewery and also some warming hostelries en-route.  10 hardy souls gathered at the Ship Victory in Chester and we collected 2 more in Ruabon, thence off into the dark, cold night we sped.  Our first call was The Mill at Cefn Mawr, a traditional, unspoilt locals pub, who appeared somewhat bemused to see 12 people streaming into their pub in procession.  Facers ales were on offer, at only £2-00 a pint!  The Clwyd Gold had just run out so most of us had the Splendid, but those willing to wait a few minutes were rewarded with the Gold.  Quicker drinkers managed to sample both!  General opinion was the beers lacked exciting flavour but were well kept.  Gents WC was outside - of course!

On the bus again directly to the Abbey Grange Hotel in Llangollen (pictured below).

  We gladly hurried into the comfortable lounge bar to warm ourselves at the real fire.  Abbey Grange No.1 Bitter, 3.2% and Llangollen Bitter, 4.2% were available, both at a more familiar price of £2-95/pint, and they hit the mark this time with flavour.  These beers were produced at the on-site brewery along with Welsh Black, a dark porter at 5.5%.

   Once we all had full glasses we were invite to tour the brewery located in an adjacent building, formerly a farm shop.  It has a 21/2  barrel plant brewing twice a week, although more often in summer.  Water source is local tap water but they hope to have a bore-hole by next summer.  A remarkable fact is that the brewery has only been open for 6 months but they have already covered the costs of the building and brewing equipment.  Main outlets are local pubs plus lots of bottled trade and gift packs.  We headed back into the cosy lounge and given samples of the Welsh Black which had a distinctive burnt coffee flavour.

Back on the bus to the Sun at Rhewyl, a delightful olde worlde pub with low beams offering Facers Splendid & Flintshire beers.  Sadly only time for a quick half here but beer was well kept.  Next stop was the Corn Mill, situated right next to a (very) fast flowing River Dee. This is an old flour mill building built of flint stone walls, oak beams, flagstone floors and still having an original millstone hidden beneath trapdoors on the first floor.  Refurbished to a very high standard by Brunning & Price, it retains many original features and a large external decked terrace overlooking the river - a delight in the summer, but not for tonight!  Beers on offer were: Brunning & Price bitter; Ossett Silver King; Plassey Exhibition and Black Bee Porter (4.5%); Facers DHB.  Firey Fox cider also available on handpump.  I tried the porter which was good but ran out shortly afterwards.  Clientele was of mixed aged groups and spread throughout the several bars.  Upstairs was mainly for diners.

    Our next port of call was the Wynnstay Arms which comprised several separate rooms, each with its own theme, and another outside loo!  Beers on offer were: Reverend James, Green King IPA and Black Sheep bitter.  I think most of us opted for the Rev James.  Our final stop was the Sun Inn, which has a large open bar area with small snug tucked away in a corner and door leading out to a courtyard.  A live music venue popular with young people but also a mixed age-group clientele.  6 real beers available so I tried the Dark Side of the Moose, a most enjoyable pint.  Very modern indoor loos, which automatically flush when you move away!  Very lively, vibrant pub with good atmosphere, sadly we had to leave just as the band were starting to play.

   A most enjoyable trip to the pubs in and around Llangollen, we arrived back at the Ship Vic just after midnight, all safe and sound!

 

Black Lion buffet evening (5 November 2010)

On Wednesday Nov 24th the Black Lion in Bersham will be hosting an open evening billed as a trip down memory lane.  More info on the event and how you can get involved can be found in this document.

 

Lavister news (20 September 2010)

Sadly we’ve recently heard that the landlord of the Nags Head in Lavister, Ken Smith, has been suffering from ill health and has now decided to put the pub up for sale.  Ken has done a sterling job at the Nags for many years and we all hope he can make a speedy recovery - get well soon Ken.  

 

Ceiriog Social Report (16 September 2010)

A surprisingly sunny September evening found a number of eager members waiting at the Ship Victory for the minibus to take us on a tour of the Ceiriog Valley.  We set off just after 6.30pm to the farthest point of the valley; a village called Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog.  This is literally the 'end of the road' as the main road turns into narrow, steep tracks heading up the hills.  Our chairman informed us we were on a tight schedule in order to arrive at our final stop (the Bridge End Inn at Ruabon), before 11pm.  There was a choice of two pubs so we split our forces and I headed to the West Arms Hotel with about half of the group where a pint of Stonehouse Gold was enjoyed in the delightful garden setting surrounded by hills.  A marquee had been erected and staff were busy preparing for an important event - today happened to be our chairman's birthday, but we don't think the marquee was for him!

 

At half-time we changed over and headed across the road to The Hand Hotel.  Another delightful old pub with a reputation for good food, confirmed by a quick glance at the plates in front of a fair number of diners.  Weetwood Eastgate beer was on offer, the Cheshire Cat had just run out, and a good pint it was too.  The pub had a very warm, welcoming atmosphere, shame it's not on a public transport route!

 

Onwards to Glyn Ceiriog and The Oak.  This had a 'recently refurbished' look about it - all smooth plastered walls, modern furniture and lots of eating space.  Stonehouse Station Bitter was the only beer available.  Some others ventured into the Glyn Ceiriog Hotel to sample more Stonehouse and the well-received Bass.

 

Our next destination was the Golden Pheasant Hotel at Llwynmawr.  A very Olde Worlde feel to this pub with low beams and display case of stuffed pheasants.  Stonehouse Station Bitter again!

 

Forever onwards to Pontfadog and The Swan, a cosy bar serving Stonehouse KPA and St. Austell Tribute.  Missed the latter in rush to get a pint in quick as time was pressing.  Quite a large dining area so must try the food sometime.

 

Back onto the bus to our final pub: the Bridge End Inn at Ruabon, arriving on schedule at 10.30pm.  Vague memories of a couple of good pints here while we reflected on a visit to the beer festival the previous week - very good!  By this time our chairman appeared to be imitating a Wobbly Bob, but don't remember that beer on offer anywhere!

 

Marston’s new Ewloe pub (7 September 2010)

Marstons new "Superpub" - The Running Hare - opened the first week in September on St David’s Park in Ewloe . The place is very nicely done , and the emphasis is definitely food orientated as opposed to being purely a watering hole. There is a large "kiddie play area " (always a bad sign in my opinion) ....and rug rats eat free, so the place was more akin to Disneyworld than a Pub.

I did ask upon arrival to speak to the Manager, stating that I was doing a review for the CAMRA website, but sadly the Manager was either to busy, or not bothered, and I was told by an "underling" that it was in order to take some photos.

 

 

There were four real ales on the Bar, Marstons Pedigree, Hobgoblin,Jennings Bitter and Banks Bitter. I did not actually try any of the beer, as I was getting some very funny looks from the "eating Brigade" as I walked around taking Photos.

 It was very busy at the time of my visit, and there was an area outside where one can sit and have a Beer (amongst the fag smoke of course).

 

So, not great initial impressions, let’s see how it develops over time.

 

New ‘Spoons opens in Shotton (22 August 2010)

Friday night saw the grand opening of the new Wetherspoons pub in Shotton.  The Central Hotel has been completely refurbished inside and out and offers all the usual Wetherspoons comforts.

 

The beer choice is initially being limited while the pub gets started but the aim is to introduce a wider range of ales shortly.  Four beers were on offer on Friday, two from Spitting Feathers plus Plassey Fusilier and Abbot Ale.  It’s very handy for the train lines from Chester and Wrexham, not to mention the scenic Greenway from Chester so no excuse for not checking it out!

 

Deeside drinks (13 July 2010)

Still making the most of the long summer evenings meant getting the bikes out again for a ride around a couple of Deeside pubs.  The excellent Millennium Greenway had us across the River Dee in no time and a first stop at the Castle in Shotton.  As usual for Friday night it was karaoke evening so we wisely decided to stay outside with the bikes.  Jennings Cumberland and Sneck Lifter were on the bar, we opted for the former and it was very good indeed.

Next came the painful long climb from the back of the Castle up to Ewloe and the Boar’s Head.   A bit of a limbo dance was required to get into the side garden with the bikes but it was worth it for the nice outside seating area.  The beer choice was a little disappointing with Greene King, Adnams and Black Sheep on the wickets, but the Black Sheep was very well kept, certainly cold enough for us hot cyclists!

An easy flat section took us into Hawarden and we decided to park up in the beer garden between the Blue Bell and the Fox & Grapes.  It was quite a surprise to see the huge numbers of trendy punters thronging around outside so we felt a tad conspicuous pedalling through them.  Nice to see both pubs doing well though with more and more people arriving all the time.  We opted for beers from the Fox & Grapes but sadly the Deuchars had the distinctive whiff of vinegar.  It was changed easily enough but it wasn’t good to see that they continued to sell it to other unsuspecting customers whilst I was still at the bar.  Sadly the Waggledance it was changed for was pretty bland, a shame really as we feel this pub has great potential.

A fast descent from Hawarden took us through Sandycroft then over Ferry Bridge and along the river path back to Chester.  The intention was to have a snifter at Telfords but seeing hundreds of people outside meant we had to give it a wide birth - we’d forgotten it was race day!  Avoiding town we headed out to Hoole instead to the Lodge Bar at Bawn Lodge.  The Thwaites seasonal beer F.A.B went down a treat, especially at a bargain £2.20 a pint and we made the most of the late license to ensure we were fully refreshed after the long ride.

 

Golden Pheasant reopens (13 July 2010)

News reaches us that the Golden Pheasant in Llwynmawr has reopened for business.  The new owners are keen to have Stonehouse Station Bitter on regularly if there is sufficient demand.  Let’s hope the drinkers step up to the mark to make sure this happens.  Any more news of how they are getting along would be most welcome.

 

Cross Keys beer festival (5 July 2010)

The Cross Keys at Llanfynydd held a 3-day beer festival from 18th -20th June 2010.  Since this pub is under threat of closure and redevelopment into residential use I thought I'd show support for the drinking cause and try their beer festival. So on a sunny Saturday afternoon I set forth on an adventurous bus journey from Chester to Mold, then changed buses for a Mold to Wrexham service (only every 2 hours so timing was critical) which conveniently stopped outside the pub!

I've never been to the Cross Keys before and it is a delightful, traditional pub with a small central bar serving the lounge, a lobby area directly off the entrance, and public bar with TV and pool table. Beyond this bar is a good sized dining room which can also be used for live entertainment, as it was set up with PA gear for guitarist/singer in the evening.

The lounge had a couple of very old and unusual pieces of furniture used for seating and the presence of a fireplace must mean a welcoming real fire in the winter.  There was also a quirky set of stairs leading to another dining area seating about 10 people - handy for a family gathering or small private function.

 

On the bar were 4 handpumps serving Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale, Great Orme, Brains Reverend James and Plassey Fusilier.  All of these were found to be in excellent condition.  According to Paul the landlord, barrels are stored vertically in the cellar with long pipes used to feed the handpumps, so no chance of a sneaky preview of the next beer to go on!

 

Of the 12 beers on the festival list,  Plassey Dark Lager and Spitting Feathers Solstice had sold out, leaving Facers Landslide, Weetwood Ambush, 2 brews from Conwy plus Sandstone Edge and a Cottage brew to come.  Overall a most pleasant experience with good selection of beers, only hope the pub is open next year for a repeat performance!  

 

Hand Improvement (7 February 2010)

Pleasing news from Chirk where the grandiose red brick Hand Hotel in the centre of the town is now selling, rather in keeping with most of the Ceiriog Valley, Stonehouse ales. A recent visit saw Station Bitter, Cambrian Gold and KPA on the pumps both in the lounge and in the bar. The manager claims the Bitter (highly acceptable) sells particularly well though this wasn't evident on a Saturday afternoon amongst the motley crowd gathered around the pool table.

 

The Hand recently underwent a change of ownership hence the improved ale range (previously Tetleys). It comprises two distinctly separate areas - a dining room and refined lounge (with sofas and irritating Commodores background music) to one side and a games room and bar with stools and large TV screen. Well worth bearing in mind if you're in the area. It's about a half mile walk from Chirk station.

 

Cross Keys Saved ... For Now (3 February 2010)

We're pleased to report that the application for planning permission from the licencee (and owner) of the Cross Keys at Llanfynydd, to convert the pub and car park into dwellings, has been refused. A vigorous anti-closure campaign by locals, lead by Phil Stanton, with a little help from CAMRA seems to have done the trick. Flintshire CC cited several reasons for rejecting the submission but significantly, the lead reason for refusal was to do with the need for the village to retain a community asset.

 

Now wouldn't it be nice if the locals put this disagreement behind them and start supporting the Cross Keys more often? The landlord is, self-evidently, struggling to make a living. It's all very well opposing the application if you actually use the 'facility'. One suspects however that several of the objectors like the pub purely from an aesthetic perspective as well as enjoying the occasional seasonal family drinkies. Get down there!

 

 

Please help us to keep the news up to date.  If you have any pub news or have an article for the branch to publish then please send it in to webmaster@chestercamra.co.uk.  Thanks.