Pubs Galore - the UK pub guide

This is a late Georgian pub, probably built for Charrington’s. Having gone through too many names to mention, it closed as a strip club around 1996 to become a shop, reopening under its original name in 2016.
There are now exposed sea green tiles to the exterior which are probably original. The interior is small, being very narrow and not long, where at the end there are just two unisex loo cubicles. There are though some elements which are probably original, namely the bar structure which displays slender carved fluted columns. There are similar such structures to either side of the pub, both featuring etched and cut-glass panels, one including a clock; as mentioned, it’s possible that these have been repositioned, but are attractive nonetheless; the gold Corinthian-capitalled column is a striking feature in so small a space. The ceiling has been clad in black felt, perhaps to improve acoustics. Thereafter, here’s an Aladdin’s cave of knickknacks, too many and varied to mention, but from where I was seated, I found myself being looked down on by a rocking horse, baby doll and crystal encrusted skull (see photo). Furniture is low and mismatched with some peripheral pew seating; lighting is low and the music played at a decent level, a medley of ‘80s’ hits from the likes of New Order and Siouxie and the Banshees. The pub was doing a good trade and is open 1.00 am minimum, to 3.00 am Fri/Sat, serving a young crowd.
There’s nothing close to real ale here, with two banks of four taps (most off) dispensing the likes of Estrella (£6.00), Kirin, Young’s London Stout and Hobgoblin IPA.
This is an interesting place, making for a decent change, but the beer choice – not to mention prices – lets it down a bit and the place would do itself a favour in updating its website to show the removal of plague screens. Having been I doubt I’d return, though I imagine it would find favour with Harry Potter.

The Albion was my first stop in Conwy, being just a few minutes walk from the B & B I was staying at. As anticipated, it was also my favourite pub in this quaint seaside town.

There are 3 characterful rooms, with traditional interiors. Listen to others' stories, it seems the pub was rescued from its previous guise, when all of the period features had been covered up. It is now back in its original glory.

It was reasonably quiet on my weekday lunchtime visit and I chose to sit in the main front bar, which had an opening to the street, possibly used for off sales at one time. A handful of locals and tourists were in to sample the ale choice. Bar staff were friendly and knowledgeable.

Conwy Welsh Pride & Clogwyn Gold, Purple Moose Madog's Ale & Dark Side of the Moose, Facer's Abbey Red, Big Bog Peat Bog Porter, Cwrw Llyn Brenin Enlli & Snowdon Craft Bitter was the beer choice.

In addition, a blackboard listed a good choice of ciders - Gwynt y Ddraig Dog Dancer, Black Dragon & Two Trees Perry, Broadoak Pear & Chilli Cider & Strawberry Cider, Snail's Bank Raspberry Ripple & Lilley's Crazy Goat & Apple & Blackberry Cider.

Later in the evening, with my tour of Conwy deteriorating rapidly, there was no way I was going to walk past the Albion to my bed. So, I paid a second visit for a nightcap, this time choosing to sit in the rear bar, which has a serving hatch for the bar. The third room has no access to the bar, but does have the imposing wood and brick archway to admire.

A really good pub that is clearly the best you will find in Conwy.

A traditional roadside boozer which is currently not doing food, neither was there any real ale when we visited. As described below it’s formed from knocking through a couple of cottages, and has three separate bar areas as well as a garden terrace. There is a games area with pool table and dart board. It is clearly a strong local – the regulars weren’t that friendly, although the barmaid did try to be helpful. Given the lack of ale I am unlikely to visit again in the near future.

Brewpub in a new and modish building in the upmarket Swansea marina redevelopment. Not immediately obvious how to enter (round the back and up the stairs) but once you get there you’re presented with a fairly straightforward modern open-plan room with some decent views across the water if you can grab a window seat. No cask here but there are 15 keg lines and a fridge by the green-lit servery, on my visit offering a small amount of the brewery’s own wares. I sampled their Double Espresso (rather good) and Citra Pop (meh), Tenby’s No Way Gose (superb) and Verdant’s 300 Laps (meh). They also do basic food, our pizza was perfectly acceptable for the price. If you’re doing the Queen’s, this one is worth a trot over to check out.

As OB says below, very friendly and excellent service at this good looking pub. The two bar staff said hello and goodbye to everyone. Fantastic bar and a decent bar back as well. Apparently this is one of only 14 ceramic bars left in the country. Looks like a couple of handpumps have been removed since 2018 as there's only 4 now, but there's still a good selection of styles available. The rear room has a dartboard and a pool table along with some big screens which were showing a grand prix rerun during our stay, but I didn't see a shuffleboard. I tried a pint and a half of two different beers, both were in good nick. We'll definitely be coming back here next time we're in Hull.