ReviewThis old coaching inn dates back to the 1640's and graces the central square in this historic and interesting town. It has been given a sympathetic makeover by Wetherspoons who have added its own usual touches without compromising the building's character and traditional values. The interior is expansive consisting of several rooms that are tailor made to cater for varying tastes and requirements. The entrance hall contains some fine tiling and this leads to 2 small rooms on the left and a larger room on the right. The first of the smaller rooms is very much in the style of a Gentleman's club with its sofa's and well stocked bookcases. It does not take much to visualize well off Victorian gentlemen sitting by the tiled fireplace puffing away on their pipes reading newspapers. The next room contains a magnificent fireplace with a17th century plaster over mantle, the story of which can be found on a display board in the entrance hall. This appears to have been designated as a children's room and has a small stage at the rear for entertainment. It is perhaps a bit of a shame that a room with such wonderful features is done up like a nursery. On the other side of the entrance is the main drinking area overlooking the historic Shire Hall and statue of famous local, Charles Rolls (of Rolls Royce fame). It is quite spacious with paneled walls and what appears to be a fairly small fireplace considering the size of the room. A smaller room leads off to the side but I didn't venture this far. To get round the whole pub is a task in itself. Up the main stairs is the bar and dining area. The Bar area has a few fruit machines and high tables and the usual good selection of Ales at the affordable prices normally associated with Wetherspoons. The large spacious non smoking dining area has an air of grandeur with its high ceiling, portraits and huge book case that includes displays of various relics from the pubs past, reproduction price lists, old drawings etc. A potted history of a perhaps not so famous local, early 19th century countryside author William Cobbett can be found on the wall. Note also the recesses at the rear with its lifelike (at least from a distance) painted vases. The menu has a good selection of Welsh specialties for those like me who fancy something a bit different to the standard ‘Spoons menu that we are used to on the other side of the border. An entrance at the side leads to the hotel area – decently priced rooms available. Returning back down the central stairs towards the toilets, this leads to a courtyard with sheltered seating for the summer months.
This is a terrific pub and one of the best Wetherspoons I have visited. If it is not busy, it is well worth taking some time in here to explore the pub and read various historical display boards before having a wander round the town.
