The Glengower, Aberystwyth

The Glengower along with the Ship & Castle were the standout pubs the last time I visited Aberystwyth in 2016. With our accommodation just a few doors up from the Glengower, we made this our first port of call this time around. It looked busy from the outside, with plenty of people enjoying the evening sunshine on the front patio and spilling out onto the pavement. Inside, there is a small bar at the front, with a dining area off to the left. Another larger dining room can be found to the rear. There are 3 regular beers - Mantle Moho & Rock Steady & Wye Valley Butty Bach. The guest beer was Timothy Taylor Landlord, whilst Lilley's Peach Cider was also available on handpull. However, Gwynt y Ddraig ciders seem to have disappeared and whilst the huge array of pumpclips attest to a constantly revolving real ale choice, I wasn't quite as impressed as on my last visit. We decided to stay for a meal, as there were tables available inside. Food was ok, but nothing special. A CAMRA discount is given on request. I forgot to ask with my first round, but did benefit on the second round of drinks. Aberystwyth has a decent set of pubs and bars these days and there are a few newcomers that I now prefer to either the Glengower or the Ship & Castle. This is still a place worthy of a visit when in town, especially with its excellent views over Cardigan Bay.

Initially looks little different to most of the seafront hotels, but is an excellent food-led pub. The narrow front terrace is popular with those just looking for a drink, with many of the tables inside occupied by (but not restricted to) those dining. There is also a more basic bar with further seating and a couple of pool tables down a few stairs at the back. Good food (although not exactly cheap). Decent selection of mostly local real ales - including the Bragdy Mantle Cwrw Teifi - from five handpumps on the front counter, plus another five ciders and perries from a second bank on the other side. Definitely worth a stop if in the area.

Having only done a limited amount of research before my visit to Aber, I was surprised to find a proper pub here among the very smart hotels and guest houses on Victoria Terrace. Before our walk up Constitution Hill the doors had not been open, but I was looking forward to a pint on our return. The main bar in the front has five hand pumps, with four beers on and another on the way at the time of our visit. Purple Moose's Dark Side of the Moose was on, a favourite of mine and in fine shape. There's another bar around the corner in this multi-room hotel, this one with five ciders on hand pumps. Beside the other set in the front was displayed a Camra Pub of the Year award, which seems to have been well-deserved. We observed others enjoying their food and even passing their compliments to the kitchen, which brought a friendly response from the waiter - whether these were regulars or once-a-years, they'll remember this place with a smile. Date of visit: 20th December 2016