The Grouse, Corwen

Visited in September 2009 The Grouse Inn is a nicely situated pub in the small village of Carrog, overlooking the River Dee and the picturesque 17th century stone bridge. The restored railway station at Carrog, a 5 minute walk away from the pub, is the westerly terminus of the steam train line which runs from Llangollen and is a popular tourist attraction. In order to benefit from passengers, the pub is open all day for food and drink. Perhaps not surprisingly, there is a strong food emphasis, with most tables set up for dining. A standard pub menu is offered. It's a three roomed smallish traditionally furnished pub, but with a large outside terrace at the side which affords fine views of the river and bridge, plus the distant hills. An information panel lower down the hill by the bridge tells us that Carrog used to have 4 pubs and that The Grouse Inn is now the sole survivor. It was apparently once a farm and a brewhouse. It's a J W Lees of Oldham pub and my recent mid-September visit found 3 real ales on - Lees Bitter, Willie Lees Premium Bitter and Coronation Street Premium Ale, the latter being rather naffly described as "Gripping Drama in a glass" by a poster near the bar. Both the Lees Bitter and the Coronation Street Premium Ale were in good condition, as befits a current GBG - listed pub. In fact, the pub proudly displays a certificate from the local CAMRA branch in recognition of 20 consecutive years in the GBG from 1989-2009. It's a pleasant enough pub, not worth going out of your way to visit as a pub in itself, but if you're travelling on the steam train, it's well worth the short walk from the Carrog railway terminus if you're feeling either peckish or thirsty.

JW Lees Passport Trail

A Lees pub with views over the Dee to the Steam Railway. Food available and a large ourdoor terrace for when the sun shines. Car park to the rear.