Aqueduct Inn, Llangollen

Depending on which way you started it's a good pub to congratulate yourself in after you've walked over the aquaduct. Especially if don't have a particular head for heights. Excellent view from the pub too.

The Aquaduct, resplendent in vibrant yellow, really does stand out. Should you take the train between Ruabon and Gobowen, when crossing the viaduct you can look down the picturesque Dee Valley and there, clinging to the hillside like a pustule on a supermodel, is The Aquaduct. This is useful as it's a place worth visiting on a number of counts. Entry is into a small and cosy bar where we were greeted by the friendly landlord. To the left is the lounge, which does feel like a comfortable front room complete with log burner and large windows giving out to a small terrace from which the views of the valley and canal are spectacular. To the right is the games room. Food is home coooked pub grub and very good value with my scampi, chips and peas coming in at a smidge under a fiver. Three handpumps had all Stonehouse beers on: Station Bitter, which went down well, Cambrian Gold and Sunlander. The landlord told us that he's very keen to keep his beers well and would like to maintain the 3 handpumps and feels that sticking with the one, local, brewery is probably the best way for him to achieve that throughout the year. He's probably right given the seasonal nature of the trade here and on our experience he's succeeding so good luck to him. Well worth a visit if you're in this lovely part of the world.

The bright yellow exterior can be seen from miles away given the pubs location high above the Dee Valley with great views over the canal and beyond,it backs onto the A5 and has a decent car park.Entering through the front door leads to the bar lobby with three handpumps ,all serving different ales from Stonehouse on my trip.The Station House Bitter (£2.90) was in fine form.To the left ,the lounge has large golden velour covered banquettes and a log burner,the food specials board , picture windows looking over the valley and there is access here to the terrace,a fine spot for outside drinking in good weather.The games room to the right has darker leather furniture and a darts board,but has the feel of a lounge as well. There was a friendly ,chatty welcome behind the bar which settled any concerns after seeing all the notices on the front door about "Dont get banned",it all seemed very calm on a midweek lunchtime.The pub grub food was well cooked and very keenly priced with several options below £4. Well done to the new team here,I would be very happy to pop back again whenever in the area.