Skinners Arms, Machynlleth

A traditional-looking Marston's pub, both inside and out, retaining two separate bars (with the larger one having a busy pool table at the back). Although no doubt remodelled a few times, it does still have some character. On the beer front, Banks's Amber (excellent value at just £2.25) and Sunbeam were available from a pair of handpumps on each counter.

Don’t be fooled by the large frontage, the two-room interior is actually quite small. Usually a couple of ales from the Marstons list in decent nick. The left hand room is for the likes of me, nice and cosy with a large fireplace (the fire itself is a stove) and is a cracking spot in the winter (which, in Mach is long). The other room is for the younger punters and has, if I recall pool and darts. The best all-round pub in Mach for my money and I usually default to this one between trains.