The Black Cock Inn, Blaengwynlais, Caerphilly

This was certainly the most peculiar pub we visited in South Wales on Tuesday, but oddly enough was my favourite overall. It is located down a country lane below the local beauty spot of Caerphilly Mountain. Looking at the map before arriving, I had contemplated walking here from Caerphilly. Luckily I was driving, as the Mountain actually separates the town from the pub and I think the walk would have killed me. The pub enjoys a scenic location with views of both fields and woodland. There is a small stream running alongside and you cross a bridge to get to it from the car park. Our welcome was decidedly frosty. The barmaid/landlady initially stated that two of us could not come in at the same time. Whilst Wales seems a little behind in the relaxing of Covid rules, we weren't aware of this particular rule after already visiting 6 pubs in the northern Cardiff suburbs. She eventually decided that it was ok for us to come in and took our order at the bar which is split over two rooms. Handpulls are located in a second room. We enquired as to what they had. Tribute & Proper Job was the response. It seems this part of South Wales has more Cornish beers than Welsh ones. I then asked about cider and was told about Stowford Press and another fizzy cider. A local recommended the former, but as I'd chosen the driving option of getting to the pub, I elected for a soft drink. As this had been dispensed, I then noticed two boxes of real cider in the fridge. There may not been any Welsh beer, but they did have 2 Gwynt y Ddraig ciders after all - Black Dragon & Farmhouse Scrumpy. The barmaid/landlady had become a little less defensive now and all credit to her, she did offer to replace the soft drink with a cider. This pub was busier than most. Although, the post-work crowd were starting to arrive and take up spaces on an outdoor terrace. Despite the strange service, I quite enjoyed my visit here. It's a lovely pub in a picturesque location. But please advertise the real cider, as it's a major plus point for many of us!

Official site of the Black Cock Inn, contains menus and wine list - www.blackcock-inn.com

Official site of the Black Cock Inn, contains menus and wine list - www.blackcock-inn.com