Liverpool Arms, Conwy

Refurbished and reopened August 2015 after a two month closure.

The pub has an enviable location on the quayside, facing the estuary and with views of the suspension bridge. Naturally, advantage is taken of this with some outside seating but be warned that plastic glasses only are allowed outside, you will be asked when ordering where you intend to sit. Inside there is a small L-shaped single room with wood panelling and some exposed stonework including the fireplaces. There is a lowish beamed ceiling and the floor is of small terracotta tiles. Decor is generally nautical with a ships wheel, lamps, framed knots and pictures of boats but there are a couple of framed signed rugby teams, the British Lions of 1971 and the Welsh Grand Slam side of 2008. Additionally I noticed a Bass mirror and clock. Despite the small size, the lower windows are marked "Smoke Room" and "Bar" suggesting once separate rooms. Seating is at perimeter benches and small stools. Two handpumps were serving Draught Bass and Brains SA, both sparklered but topped up without a prompt being needed. I'm not sure if food is offered, I didn't notice any indication. I thought the pub may turn out to be tourist hell given the location but it was comfortable and friendly inside and with a proper local feel, perhaps due to the lack of signs of food maybe. Only one gripe, the TV in the corner was playing Radio 1, a bit too loud for me, being the grumpy sod I am.