Boat Inn, Monmouth

As Welsh pubs go, you won't find much better than this one. It's situated right on the border with England. In fact, the pub's car park is a good 20 minutes drive away by road in Redbrook in England, but easily reached by way of a footbridge (an old railway line) over the River Wye. We drove down a narrow lane on the Welsh side deep into the Wye Valley to get to the pub. But there is limited parking on the Welsh side. Inside is a two-roomed affair with stone floors and a real traditional rural feel. Outdoor areas include seating directly in front of the pub and a further undercover area on the opposite side of the lane that I guess emerged during Covid times. Wye Valley Butty Bach & HPA are the regular real ales. The guest beer was the local Kingstone Llandogo Trow Ale. Ciders are a strongpoint here, with 10 available - Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Happy Daze, Dabinett, Two Trees Perry, Welsh Warrior & Drew's Wild Cider, Monnow Valley Hillbilly Hiccup & Do The Fandango & Penallt Cider & Perry Wine. My Do The Fandango was very much on the dry side. The friendly barman was doing his best to sell the Penallt Perry Wine, with varying success. The samples he gave us were certainly interesting, but not interesting enough for me to purchase one! I do love pubs with a little character like this one. It's an easy 8/10 that could arguably be a 9/10, especially with a slightly more varied ale range.

Over the footbridge from Redbrook on the R.Wye. An old style country pub. Two ales on gravity plus numerous ciders, wood fires. stone flagged floors, nicely scruffy. Two rooms and plenty seating outside. Does food and live music , appreciated by locals and tourists alike. A gem.

Official site of the Boat Inn with menu and beer details - www.theboatpenallt.co.uk

Official site of the Boat Inn with menu and beer details - www.theboatpenallt.co.uk