Three Tuns Inn, Bishops Castle

The Three Tuns was established as a pub in 1625 and a brewery added in 1642 which makes it one of the oldest continuous breweries in the country. The interior is divided into 4 interconnecting rooms around a central bar. One half of the pub contains a pair of old world rooms with superb inglenook fireplaces, bare squeaky floorboards, settles and low beamed ceilings. There are several old pictures of the pub and some more unusual displays including a share certificate for the quaintly named Bishops Castle Gas Light & Coke Company and an 1896 Valuation Certificate showing the value of the Pub, Brewery and Store Room as £30, £13 and £4 respectively. The other side of the pub incorporates a restaurant/dining area and a conservatory and whilst it appears to be a later structure, it doesn’t detract fronm the feel of the pub. Oddments found here include an old work clocking in machine. The pub attracts a varied selection of community groups that range from film clubs to line dancing as well as occasional live music. Some of the customers may appear to be a bit oddball (I think the local witch was wandering around when were there) but it all seemed quite friendly and relaxed. I didn’t note any TVs or background music but there was a selection of traditional board games if that takes your fancy. It’s a steep hill from the town centre to the pub so good beers are essential and the 4 home brewed ales on my visit (XXX, Clerics Cure, Old Scrooge and 1642) didn’t disappoint. Prices were very reasonable, especially within happy hour (5-7pm Mon to Fri) which luckily coincided with my visit. 4 pint jugs are also available for groups or individuals with an exceptional thirst. For a small and relatively obscure town, there is a good selection of interesting pubs in Bishops Castle but for my money the Three Tuns was the pick of them and is highly recommended.

Official site of the Three Tuns, includes menus and events listing - www.thethreetunsinn.co.uk

Official site of the Three Tuns, includes menus and events listing - www.thethreetunsinn.co.uk

If you are in the area this place is a must visit. Excellent real ale, good food & convivial surroundings. Car parking poor. The village has two breweries, this one is (near the top of the town), for my money, the best, it is also the oldest.

If you are in the area this place is a must visit. Excellent real ale, good food & convivial surroundings. Car parking poor. The village has two breweries, this one is (near the top of the town), for my money, the best, it is also the oldest.

Brew pub that has recently been refurbished. The brewery and pub are now separately owned. Beer is always excellent and the food is good too. A "concert hall" out back features regular jazz and classical music