The Crown Inn, Abergavenny

The only pub in Panygelli village, this is another Welsh hostelry that is more geared to diners than it is to drinkers. It was quite busy on our Thursday lunchtime visit. Most tables inside were taken and there were a few occupying a terrace at the front of the pub. You're instructed to wait at the entrance to be seated. This took quite a while. Despite there being a table suited to us near the entrance, we were directed to another outdoor terraced area up a flight of steps to the rear of the pub, where there were no other customers. After about 10 minutes of waiting, we went back inside to try to get somebody's attention. The landlord and landlady were both rushed off their feet, with only a young waitress to help them. They eventually agreed to come out and take our order. Wye Valley HPA is the regular ale here. The guest was Rhymney Hobby Horse, which I chose. When the drinks arrived, we were asked to fill out track and trace. There seems little point in this when we're sat in an outdoor area completely on our own. The Hobby Horse was disappointing and in fact the whole experience here was disappointing. They really need more staff and to be able to accommodate drinkers as well as diners.

Official site of the Crown Inn, contains menu and real ale details - www.thecrownatpantygelli.com

Official site of the Crown Inn, contains menu and real ale details - www.thecrownatpantygelli.com