Plas y Brenin, Betws-Y-Coed

Situated a little way out of Capel Curig, this is a strange entry in the 2024 Good Beer Guide. Plas y Brenin is a massive complex with accommodation geared towards outdoor enthusiasts, primarily mountaineering. There are numerous vans parked outside which take guests into the mountains, whilst there are also outlets selling outdoor/mountaineering gear and equipment. Amidst all of the high-rise buildings which presumably house the accommodation, there is a bar/cafe/restaurant at the rear of the building which seemed quite popular with outdoor types and also perhaps some people just there for a coffee or Sunday lunch. The single, modern room has nice views over some lakes in a valley and towards the mountains, including Snowdon itself. On the cask ale front, only Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale was on. It seemed strange that the local CAMRA branch choose this place for its Capel Curig entry over the Tyn-y-Coed Inn given that place had 4 cask ales, which were in perfectly good condition. However, perhaps I have missed something. For me, whilst Plas y Brenin deserves credit for serving a cask ale and it has fabulous views, the bar feels much more like a cafeteria for a outdoor adventure centre, which essentially it is! As far as atmosphere goes, there is little to none.

A slate-built hotel which specialises in outdoor sports holidays. The bar is not immediately apparent when entering, but can be accessed either through the dining room or by walking through to the balcony walkway which overlooks the garden and has a view of Snowdon with the Mymbyr lakes in the foreground. The bar itself, once I had found the right door, was very smart and the service was friendly and helpful. There were three hand pumps, but only one real ale available (on a Wednesday in low season), though two local breweries (Purple Moose and Snowdon) were represented on the keg fonts. I had a very good pint of Vale of Glamorgan Paradigm Shift - what a good beer this was, and in very good condition. I went back out to the balcony to drink it while taking in the view and enjoying the early spring sunshine. Date of visit: 27th March 2019