Penwig Hotel, New Quay

Prime position in the centre of town, overlooking the harbour. Yes, its a tourist pub. And a Marstons Pub. But I tried two out of the three hand pulls - Brains Gold and SA, with Rev James saved for another day - and they were in excellent shape. Nice patio and dog friendly inside. I liked this pub a lot more than expected.

Very much a seaside pub in all respects, from the bright coloured furnishings to the sun terrace overlooking the bay. The fairly large interior is mainly tabled for eating but features usual pub entertainments also. Beers from Brains, with bitter, Rev James and a summer beer on offer - Cask Marque accredited.

During a recent Monday afternoon visit the raised front seating area of the Penwig Hotel was busy with holidaymakers who were enjoying the vista across New Quay Bay. In contrast the L shaped interior was empty except for a couple who were checking into the hotel and my good self. This gave me the opportunity to have a nose around whilst noting the presence of two plasma screens with the facility to air Sky Sports and a dartboard in a seating area in the right rear away from the open plan front bar area. Muted cycling from the European Championships was the sport of choice as some background music played. Available from the bar was a range of standard keg alongside cask Brains Brewery’s Rev James, SA Gold and Original Cask Bitter. Breakfast is available from 9:00 until 11:30 and lunch/dinner from noon until 21:00 (21:30 Sundays). This is from the Brains pub co menu which I did not peruse, although I can report that all mains on the specials board were priced under a tenner.