Black Boy Inn, Caernarfon

Visited September 2009 Splendid traditional olde-worlde pub/hotel situated in a pedestrianised side street just inside the town walls. The exterior has quite an imposing look to it and, inside, we learn that it's a 16th century building dating back to 1522. Dark low beams and criss-cross leaded windows help contribute towards quite a cosy rather upmarket establishment. There's also some fine old chairs and settles. There's one entrance for a lounge bar and restaurant and a separate entrance for a public bar, which is still quite well appointed and cosy. We learn from an information board inside the pub that the un -PC pub name relates to"Black Jack", who was captured as a young man in Africa and transported to Wales in the mid 1700's. He worked as a gardener, married a Welsh girl and fathered 7 children. He is said to have been probably the first black man seen in Wales. 2 real ales were on during my recent early evening visit - Bass and Snowdonia Ale from the Purple Moose Brewery, this being an enjoyable pint, but at £ 2.80p for an ABV of 3.6%, probably reflecting the pub's emphasis on providing food for tourists / visitors. There's only 2 handpumps, so the beer range will always be limited. My quick walk round the town centre did not reveal any other pubs that I was irresistibly drawn towards, so , despite the limited beer range, you might want to seek this one out when in Caernarfon if you're looking for a pint in fine traditional surroundings.