George IV Hotel, Criccieth

Stuffy hotel bar in a big imposing building that looks like it’s been beamed-down from central Oxford and is very out-of-place in context. Appeared to me like a lot of money was spent in the early 80s here and it has stayed that way ever since, various shades of blush pink and a general 1985 feel – I’m not complaining, just observing, as I liked the retro middle class feel. That said, the upholstery and carpet are of a more recent vintage and it was certainly well-maintained. Just me and a couple of pension-age Brummies who were clearly guests. Five mainstream kegs, the Guinness font was revealed by the barman to be a can-only con, so a half of Tetley Smooth it was. I suspect that if they made more of an effort they’d likely pick up substantial extra trade but the vibe was of it being a fiercely ancillary operation to the hotel. 4.5