The Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells

Although this is only a short distance West from the Rail Station it's outside the old town and is tucked down a small lane giving the impression of a country pub. As I approached it at around midday on a January Thursday I wondered if it was actually going to be open but thankfully it was. Once through the door there is a carpeted corridor with a tiny bar area at the end and a door on the right that leads into the main bar. This is a smallish L shaped wooden floored room with a curved servery to the immediate left. There is a door opposite the bar that is marked "Games Room" which I didn't venture into but I understand has darts, pool and a TV. There is an empty wall bracket for a TV in the bar area which I suspect is utilised for the Wales Six Nations matches. There is live weekend music advertised in the corridor. The five hand pumps across the bar had two unused, Evan Evans WPA & Warrior and Rhymney Export. I went for the Rhymney Export (£3.40) and stuck to it. I also ate here as the town micropub's opening was a long way off. I'm used to eating in Spoons so this wasn't cheap but was very tasty and I certainly didn't regard it as a rip off. I really enjoyed my fairly extended stay in this one and find it baffling how the local CAMRA branch can overlook it for the GBG and recommend a political club selling just boring Pedigree and one other national beer. I also noticed that they haven't yet posted on What Pub the new Knighton micropub.

I'm glad I had a chance to have a drink here before catching my train, as the previous review clearly refers to long since departed owners of this pub, which is now in very good hands. Attractively situated in a surprising cul de sac of semi-countryside a stone's throw from the station, the pub is advertised by a sign at the roadside just before the big Tesco supermarket comes into view. There's a pleasant area of garden and trees to one side, and a car park just in front of the pub. Once inside there's a decent sized bar with five hand pumps spread around a curve in groups of one, three and one, which makes it difficult to take in at a glance what is on (see photos). I went for the Rhymney Export, which was good, though not as good as Double Dragon Export, and in very good condition. The other four were all from the Evan Evans brewery. I'd have liked to stay to try a couple of others but the trains run approximately every four hours, so I didn't want to miss mine. I wouldn't mind coming back some time though. Date of visit: 3rd August 2017