Kings Arms, Holyhead

Fine-looking old inn overlooking the Old Harbour. Unfortunately, though, the refurbished main bar is a disappointment with no real character left - just plain, semi-modern furniture and limited decor. The second bar is more traditional, but now just houses the pool table. Also has a few wooden benches out in the little front square. The two handpumps on the main counter are sadly disused too, so I consoled myself with a keg Worthingtons (just £2.00) which was a relatively welcome alternative to the John Smith's also on offer.

Following a change of ownership, this pub reopened and now stocks real ale. A couple of A-boards on the pavement advertise this and other services, but when I went in what appeared to be the only open door, there was no sign of any hand pumps. Fortunately the landlord appeared and directed me to the main bar where there are two hand pumps (and a further door out onto the street, which had been open all the time). He told me he'd been selling real ale for about five weeks by the time of my visit, usually one at a time, but putting the next barrel on when the first was expected shortly to run dry. He said he was pleased with the response, and it was noticeable that it was bringing in new trade. Both the beers at the time of my visit were from local Bragdy Mws Piws (or Purple Moose Brewery in English). Their elderflower beer was getting towards the end but still drinkable, while Dark Side of the Moose was in very good nick. Another pub on Holyhead's improving real ale scene. Date of visit: 3rd September 2015

This pub is currently closed and up for sale.