Prince of Wales, Criccieth

Left what I assumed to be the best bet until last, and I was right. This is a comfy traditional pub over what initially looks like an L shaped interior but actually the bar is an island as there's a raised rear area behind and there’s plenty of different seating areas to choose from. Décor done to a high standard circa 1988; fabric banquettes, pub carpet, dark varnished wood trim and kept very well. Of interest are the selection of mounted shields on the lower part of the servery alongside a leaded glass upper. Also a ship's beam is on display, WhatPub says “probably from the schooner Owen Morris, wrecked near Criccieth in 1907”. One cask on (sensible for a Wednesday night) and it paid dividends as my Brains SA was in great shape (NBSS4) aided, no doubt, by the presence of a local folk group having a sing-a-long which created a super atmosphere. Easily the best pub in town based on this visit and worth getting off the train for. 8.5

Traditional pub inside and out, located right in the centre of town near the long stay parking. Central bar with open plan rooms running around its perimiter - pool room, nice alcove with a glorious log burner (choice place in winter), leading to a mezzanine floor setup for dining. Food is home cooked. We were in on a Sunday lunch - where the choice was more extensive than just roasts. Beer wise, I only noticed the one real ale - Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale. For the 2nd time in two locations, it wasn't in the best condition. I imagine its lack of throughput in the first week of Jan.