The New Inn, Rhyl

With the nearby Red Lion currently closed, this is the only pub at the bottom of the village that remains open. It is near to a popular tourist spot (a waterfall) and as such, the car park was at capacity when we arrived shortly after opening time on a Wednesday. After a short walk from further along the main road, we arrived to complete the check-in formalities still required in Wales. That usual annoying question "have you booked" was asked of us. Straight away we knew that the pub was more geared up for diners than drinkers. There is a large outdoor drinking area here, with tables overlooking the car park and the main street, in addition to another area to the rear of the pub. However, despite the nice weather, I often prefer a seat inside. So, we were given a table in the main dining area, set out for lunch. Beyond the main room are another couple of smaller rooms, which you pass through on the way to the toilets. The pub certainly has much more space than you would initially imagine. Pedigree is the regular beer here. Wainwright was a guest. Neither particularly appealed to me. Being a tourist trap, drinks are also predictably overpriced too. We then settled up, drank up and indulged in a bit of tourism ourselves, with a visit to the waterfall.

Saturday early evening party of 12 pre-booked. We were shown to a lovely set of tables in the light and airy conservatory after obtaining out drinks at the bar. Because it was a bank holiday weekend we were asked to vacate the table by 7:30 and so they were keen to get our orders sorted. The place was quite busy and so the wait for food was around 35 minutes but when it arrived it was piping hot, well presented, tasty and plentiful. We had a wide variety of the food groups but I didn't hear one grumble or complaint and there were a lot of empty plates by the time we finished. The Fish and Chips were very large portions but I thought the lamb dishes seemed good value for the portions. Some of the party struggled to fir in deserts as well and I'm happy to say they were very accommodating (with extra custard when requested). So food was fantastic, evenly priced for this part of Wales (if a little more expensive than some other areas of the country) but the food portions and taste made the price worthwhile. Service was exceptional, attentive and courteous from all the ladies who waited on us. All in all a very pleasureable experience and one we would not hesitate to repeat.

One of two right by the waterfall and by some distance the better of the two. Compared to the other this is positively grand and it is a nice pub. Traditional cottage style with various inside areas and a beer garden out front and back. Likes its food and cask ales available.

Official site of the New Inn, contains menu - www.thenewinndyserth.co.uk

Official site of the New Inn, contains menu - www.thenewinndyserth.co.uk