south clwyd area news and reports

 Hand Improvement (7 February 2010)
Pleasing news from Chirk where the grandiose red brick Hand Hotel in the centre of the town is now selling, rather in keeping with most of the Ceiriog Valley, Stonehouse ales. A recent visit saw Station Bitter, Cambrian Gold and KPA on the pumps both in the lounge and in the bar. The manager claims the Bitter (highly acceptable) sells particularly well though this wasn't evident on a Saturday afternoon amongst the motley crowd gathered around the pool table.

The Hand recently underwent a change of ownership hence the improved ale range (previously Tetleys). It comprises two distinctly separate areas - a dining room and refined lounge (with sofas and irritating Commodores background music) to one side and a games room and bar with stools and large TV screen. Well worth bearing in mind if you're in the area. It's about a half mile walk from Chirk station.

 Cross Keys Saved ... For Now (3 February 2010)
We're pleased to report that the application for planning permission from the licencee (and owner) of the Cross Keys at Llanfynydd, to convert the pub and car park into dwellings, has been refused. A vigorous anti-closure campaign by locals, lead by Phil Stanton, with a little help from CAMRA seems to have done the trick. Flintshire CC cited several reasons for rejecting the submission but significantly, the lead reason for refusal was to do with the need for the village to retain a community asset.

Now wouldn't it be nice if the locals put this disagreement behind them and start supporting the Cross Keys more often? The landlord is, self-evidently, struggling to make a living. It's all very well opposing the application if you actually use the 'facility'. One suspects however that several of the objectors like the pub purely from an aesthetic perspective as well as enjoying the occasional seasonal family drinkies. Get down there!

 Penley Pub Fire (22 January 2010)
Alas an arsonist has struck with devastating effect at the Grade II listed Dymock Arms in Penley near Overton. The crime took place in the early hours of Thursday 21st and, frankly, the damage is so extreme there looks desperately little hope of the pub surviving. The latest in a series of rumours was that a local man had been charged over the incident.

The Dymock had long been an under performing pub. It had been closed for several years before it re-opened a couple of years ago after a major refit. Trade was slow however to the extent that it was currently only open at weekends having also ceased to sell food. It was also on the market at £800,000 as potential for residential development. It's easy to criticise but, in the right hands, this should have been a successful establishment. What a waste.

Llangollen Railway Real Ale Trains (10 January 2010)
Llangollen Railway have launched a seasonal-based programme of real ale trains scheduled for 2010 with the first taking place on January 30th in the form of a Winter Warmer Special. Click on the link below for further details.

► Llangollen Rail & Ale Excursions

Rhos & Ponciau (19 December 2009)
Hitherto little was known amongst CAMRA cognoscenti about what the pubs of Rhos and Ponciau had in store. Was there cask ale at all? An intrepid foursome boarded the Arriva No.3 Penycae bus to find out. First pub to be blessed with our presence was the Royal Oak which features an excellent inn sign of Cromwell and Charles I. No ale inside but it was cosy and friendly enough. After a game of pool and a few records on the juke-box it was the short walk to Chapel Street and the Colliers Arms (pictured). In truth, we were not expected any real ale at all on this voyage of discovery so were startled to see a handpump in this modernised bar dispatching Old Speckled Hen at £2.50. Very good it was too necessitating a second round. The ale was obviously not a one-off either as a blackboard proclaimed Everards Sleighbells was waiting in the cellar. A chat with the locals told us that the Coach & Horses on Vinegar Hill (known to have sold Jolly Brewer ales in the past) was closing permanently on January 1st. A last chance to visit it was scuppered with the news it didn't open until 7pm - too late for our last bus. 

Onwards then to the Sun which is now the home base for Rhos rugby club. A cracking fire was compensation for the lack of cask ale whilst there was more fun on the juke-box. Once again, all very friendly. Onwards to Rhos centre and, after a quick visit to the bookies, it was down a side street and into an externally unprepossessing Railway (pictured). Shock horror. Hydes Jeckylls Gold was on offer at £1.50 in the busy bar and perfectly palatable it was too. We retired to the quieter rear pool room to put some more 1970's classics on yet another juke-box (Floaters, Baccara, Pussycat). A few boisterous lads and a menacing hoodie moved in for a go on the fruit machine but soon cleared off bored by the tedium of our pool play.

Lastly we headed on to the keg-only Black Lion where they were showing Hull versus Arsenal in a back bar full of Rhos's younger drinkers while the front lounge (with fire) was more or less deserted. By now we'd missed the last Arriva bus so a taxi was summoned (care of an obliging punter's mobile) for a bargain £6 fare back into town. En route we passed the unvisited Horse & Jockey and the Grapes on the edge of Johnstown. Throw in the Penycae Two and another thrilling adventure has to be in the offing.

Winter Pub of the Season (12 December 2009)
Well done to landlord Terry Bryan (pictured) and his staff on their pub, the Black Lion in Bersham, being chosen as our Winter 2010 Pub of the Season. Also known as the Hole in the Wall, this is a cosy three-roomed local which has been serving up Hydes beers in a warm, convivial atmosphere for many moons now. A long-standing entry in the Good Beer Guide, it also hosted a mini-beer festival in early autumn.

Friday night witnessed a gathering of CAMRA members arrive at the pub to present a delighted Terry with his award. Afterwards he invited several of the party to have a go at some tapping and venting in the cellar. Informative stuff for the novices present! For those of you unfamiliar with this fine hostelry, why not call in these winter months and treat yourself to a pint, sat by the fire?
 
Arriva No. One Bus Crawl (1 December 2009)
A last Friday evening in November witnessed a surprisingly large gathering of drinkers (including some welcome new faces) assembled on Foregate Street in Chester. The mission, using a day rover ticket, was to catch the 18.27 Arriva No 1 bus to Wrexham and then head back calling in on as many real ale pubs as possible en route.

Like naughty boys everyone sat at the back discussing the burning ale and pub issues of the day before we were disgorged in Wrexham. A short walk later and we were in the newly opened Royal Oak on High Street for a rendez-vous with our Welsh area chums. A touch disappointing the selection here (Bass, Black Sheep) but the landlady expressed great interest in joining the LocAle initiative and took a leaflet on the subject for further perusal. We'll keep working on the place. Our first bus back was late departing; bad news as we'd got barely 20 minutes allocated to visit the Griffin in Gresford even if everything were punctual. A couple opted to remain on board for Rossett but the majority made the five minute mad dash from bus stop to this super friendly old school feel pub for an embarrassingly quick pint of either Adnams Bitter or Brains SA. Great little place; shame the charming chatty landlady can't stock a more local / exotic ale. 

A sprint back to the bus stop and we were soon embarked on the 20.29 before alighting in Rossett for a comparatively leisurely one hour sojourn. Staff at a busy, heavily food-led Alyn looked somewhat bemused to see a posse of drinkers enter their smart abode but they happily served us up a choice of Marstons Bitter and Jennings World's Biggest Liar. (Sexist observation: Barmaid of the Night.) Next up was the attractive white-washed Golden Lion (pictured) opposite Churtons wine-bar. With decor and rambling interior akin to a Brunning & Price pub, this was also doing good trade foodwise albeit with the added bonus of a healthy mix of humble drinkers. Timmy Taylors on the hand pumps but most agreed the Deuchars IPA was in very good form. A restless duo then made an abortive attempt to call in at the Butchers Arms to sample an espied Ringwood Bitter. Sadly they we were beaten back from the threshold as the customers suddenly spilled out onto the streets. 'Dean' then landed two hefty blows on someone. The victim, now in foetal position on the pavement, was advised, 'along with his Scouse mates', not to come back. Probably best of friends really.

The 21.35 duly showed up and the driver proceeded to deposit us right outside the Nags Head in Lavister. Belying the credit crunch another vibrant establishment was encountered as an eclectic mix of customers enjoyed the atmosphere, facilities, pub games, TV, fire and, of course, ale. The Nags is a Good Beer Guide stalwart and didn't disappoint as it offered, amongst others, two micro beers on the wickets - Weetwood Eastgate (personal Beer of the Day) and Gertie Sweet (now brewed by Jack Hanby using the Plassey plant). There was still time for a stroll over the border to Pulford and the multifarious complex known as the Grosvenor Arms where Weetwood Eastgate reappeared once more alongside Spitting Feathers Thirstquencher. High time they were signed up for LocAle. 

When the final 22.58 service honed into view a highly enjoyable alternative evening's entertainment drew to a close (well, for some it did). Highly recommended but don't forget a timetable.

Overton and Ruabon (12 November 2009)
A rare dry and wind-free day meant it was the ideal time to get the cycle out and hit the road to take in some pubs. The destination was the Bridge End in Ruabon before hopping wearily on the train back to Chester. I wanted to get a good few miles under my belt before stopping off so it meant forsaking some good pubs along the way - wheezily passing the GBG listed Grosvenor Arms in Aldford was particularly difficult!
 
I also restisted a pint and a new pub 'tick' at the Nags Head in delightfully rural Ridleywood as I was going pretty well at that stage and still thought it was a little too early to stop. I had meant to try Kagan's at Cross Lanes, another GBG stalwart, but didn't dare stop when I got to the crossroads on green and hemmed in on all sides by huge articulated lorries. Just down the lane was the sad sight of the neglected and forlorn-looking Kiln up for sale. Hard to believe this was once a branch Pub of the Year. Come on, sombody buy it as a pub!
 
With hindsight I should have stopped at one of the pubs as I approached the Ruabon turn-off with hours to spare before the Bridge End opened. I decided to head instead to Overton and the excellent White Horse (pictured), a decision I soon regretted whilst climbing up the killer hill from the river! Thankfully a superb pint of Shropshire Gold revived my spirits and allowed me to get my breath back. Flying down the hill I was soon at the Cross Foxes in Overton Bridge . Jointly owned by Brunning & Price and Marstons, there was a very nice pint of Marston's Ploughmans here, a little stronger than average but a nice warming brew.
 
The last stretch was a little undulating for my fast-stiffening muscles but it wasn't long before I arrived at my destination in Ruabon. Soon after opening time the pub was awash with punters drinking the good stuff. There is always a nice atmosphere in here. Shardlow Golden Hop went down a treat followed by a final rich chocolatey Fernandes Malt Shovel Mild prior to the train home.
 
Wrexham Meander (7 November 2009)
A Saturday late afternoon stroll around Wrexham centre revealed things are not all doom and gloom on the ale front. Certainly better than about ten years ago when a speculative visit around ten or so bars found only keg.

First stop was the Elihu Yale for a pint of York Coppergate at a Wetherspoons voucher reduced price of just £1.19. Bargain and very tasty to boot. Busy in here as Wrexham fans prepared to face the might of Lowestoft in the FA Cup.

Next was the newly opened Royal Oak on High Street (pictured). This promised to be Wrexham's premier real ale house and it certainly delivered. Woods Bonfire Brew and Shropshire Lad were backed up by Black Sheep and Bass on handpump. The Lad was superb. Too good for just the one. Beer of the Day! The barmaid reports a 50:50 split between lager and cask sales which they're highly encouraged about considering the lack of promotion. When you pop in expect lots of wood-panelling, frosted Joules brewery mirrors and stained glass windows. A fine refit and a truly welcome addition to town.

Over the road is the other 'Spoons - the blandly named North & South Wales Bank. There were more festival ales to be sampled as the final scores rolled in the big TV screens. Again more high marks for quality - this time for Butcombe Old Vic. Shame most of the punters were on the lager. As heavy rain descended, it was round the corner to the Nags Head. The one time Border Brewery tap, with its central bar, was packed, wedged, heaving, with folk in to watch Wales v the All Blacks. Three ales were available. Ringwood Old Thumper, Marston's Pedigree and Bitter. Latter was good; rugby union all stop-start as ever.

Time was limited so it was just a quick half in the Old Swan where the rumoured Hydes real ale was finally discovered to be on tap. The one offering - Hydes 1863 (OK) - was necked but still with sufficient time to chat to the pub's only two customers - one of whom claimed to be (seriously) a vibrator sales and repairman. Chuckling but sceptical, it was onto the olde worlde thatched Horse & Jockey, with its rambling interior, for a perfectly acceptable pre-bus half of Black Sheep Bitter. Tetleys and Youngs Special were also available though there was no sign of the local Plassey beers which do make the odd guest appearance.

An enjoyable sojourn then. Proof positive that real ale lovers need no longer panic if they're abandoned in Wrexham for a few hours.  
 
Deeside Desert (1 November 2009)
From a real ale loving Airbus UK fan's perspective, an away draw to Connah's Quay in the Welsh Cup is not the most enticing. Our colleague, who never has a half, tried to make the most of it with little reward as we publish his unexpurgated diary of the day's pub events... 

"1.  The Clwyd. NRA (no real ale). - Good choice of keg, L-shaped lounge with pool and separate bar. Early opening and enthusiastic  locals. Good, entertaining boozer. Watch out for Colin the Elvis impersonator.
"2. Hare & Hounds. NRA. - Bar and lounge (latter shut at quieter times) showing Sky football. Bare boarded with cream painted tongue and groove half-panelling. Good -figured barmaid in high-heeled boots features. Look for the rude photo.
"3. Albion . NRA. - Gloomy social club showing Attheraces. Various functions at various times enliven the place. Two full size snooker tables at rear. The front consists of two corrals of bench seating, tables & stools.
"4. Cross Keys. NRA. - Horribly-modernised two-room pub showing Sky football. Painted in sickly cream with bench seating, tongue & groove bar panelling and a raised window area. Minimalist decor and a bit too cafe bar-ish for Deeside.
"5.  Y Celstryn. NRA. - One room social club at the college, to the rear of Deeside Stadium. Sky Sports News on post-match for the scores as they come in.
"6. Sir Gawain & The Green Knight. Sam Smith's OBB. - Single winding lounge with knight pictures.
"7. Halfway House.  Greene King IPA. - Heavily-renovated 30s roadhouse, rambling about its cream painted, sanitised brick and panelling without any real character. The fantastic traditional rear public bar area was scandalously ripped away to be replaced by a cafe bar 'experience'.
"8. Ship. Brains SA. - Three room boozer with a dog (you have to throw the tyre), table football and Sky Sports. No frills local. Excellent.
"9. Custom House. NRA. - Dark pub playing thumping music & showing Serie A on Sky. Mainly standing bar with raised seating and side tables. Quite thriving when it gets going.
"10. Boathouse. NRA. - Backroom dive featuring youngsters & loud music.
"11. Castle . Too drunk to write anything other than 'Beer'. - Fine, one room pub in two halves."

Airbus lost by the way while the Old Quay House was closed indefinitely. By the sound of it, the proposed Wetherspoons in Shotton can't come soon enough.

Royal Oak Opens At Last (22 October 2009)
After much speculation the Royal Oak, on Wrexham's High Street which, in its previous incarnation, was the Ambassadar Polish Bar, has re-opened after a refit.

On entry you find a mirrored wood-panelled lounge with comfortable seating. This leads on to the bar and then to an area at the rear for smokers. Considering it was a first night, when teething problems can occur, the Black Sheep Bitter was superb and at the correct temperature for drinking. Other ales available were Draught Bass and Old Speckled Hen while an additional handpump was unused.

After a couple of sips the very enthusiastic landlady talked about the pub and the plans she has for taking it forward. As they see it, there's a gap in Wrexham for a pub with real ales (too right - Web Ed). Consequently, they are keen to attract ale drinkers and will gladly, where possible, bring in any customer requested guest beer. The pub is now owned by Joules Brewery (formerly Tuns Taverns) and based in Market Drayton. They hope to supply the Royal Oak with their own ale in April next year. This presumably will also apply to the similarly owned White Horse at Overton.

On the food front due to logistical reasons they're not yet doing grub but this will be rectified. In the meantime, if you are peckish, you can bring in your own food while crockery and cutlery will be provided. Also they will get a pie oven so you will be able to grab an oggie or such like from behind the bar.

A great first impression. If, as is sincerely hoped, the plans come off, this could easily be Wrexham's premier watering hole.

Ewloe Pubs By Day (21 October 2009)
Diary extracts from work lunchtime visits to the pubs around Ewloe ... 

"My first visit to the White Bear, Mancot and first impressions were good with spartan dining tables and a nice corner with some comfy leather sofas. There were just the two handpumps with Jennings Snecklifter (£2.60) the sole offering. At least there was no need to choose! The landlord appeared with a phone wedged between shoulder and ear. Conversation was skipped as he cleared the bar of letters and bills to find a spot for the proffered pint on the desk  bar. I settled into a comfy armchair to read my paper in peace and quiet... In theory it’s nice to see a pub with separate lounge and bar areas, unfortunately though the sounds permeating through from the bar of Sky Sports news (very loud) and a school girl playing the quiz machine (sporadic shrieking) did not sit with the mood music piped into the lounge. Then there was the barman walking round on the phone and tradesman deliveries through the front door and ... I think you get the idea. Oh, and the beer was very average.

"Boars Head, Ewloe – A return to my closest pub to work following a mysterious spell of being closed at lunchtimes for a few months. This 2009 GBG has always been consistent in offering four ales including Tetley’s Mild, Bass, Black Sheep and a guest. My only gripe is that the beer is always too cold and hence pretty tame on the palate. Having spotted a new sign flagging up its lunchtime opening hours for the first time I decided a return was overdue... The first change I noticed was the disappearance of the mild handpump, ripped from the bar by an irate customer frustrated by years of supping insipid Tetley mild no doubt... Of the three remaining pumps only two were live with Bass and Black Sheep being the selection with no guest beer. The barman has assured me that Bass has always been the bestseller here but on the occasions I’ve imbibed it has always been a pale ghost of a great beer. The Black Sheep (£2.70) was cold and inoffensive. Not GBG material. I also discovered the reason for the mysterious lunchtime closure. It was not due to the fact that it was usually empty but caused by the arrival of a new baby to the landlord! I can fully appreciate the stresses of breaking in a new baby and the long hours of running a pub can bring. I just wish that they wouldn’t dump the little one in a car-seat and leave it in the bar with me as the sole drinker / free babysitter. Very difficult reading the sports section when a baby is crying out for its next feed! At least Sky Sports News was on mute (mustn’t wake baby!)

"This brings me on nicely to the gem I have discovered a few months back. The Crown & Liver in Ewloe was for years another down market pub drifting towards inevitable lager-fuelled closure. The transformation to gastropub was astonishing to say the least. The proximity of the huge Unilever office has proved a good catchment for its new clientele who regularly frequent and pack the place out on Friday’s. It is easy to escape the diners though by virtue of its bar and outdoor area. The latter’s fountain, reclining chairs and huge parasols in its sun-trapped yard make for a positive oasis on sunny days. Throw in a Jennings Snecklifter (£2.65), usually on top form, and you can close your eyes and imagine you’re in the Lakes (almost). Jennings Cumberland (£2.40) and a Marston’s “guest” are the other regulars of the trio. The food is popular though the prices are at the upper end, though they now do some hot specials starting from £6-7. And isn’t it nice to have a lunchtime pint and not feel like you’ve walked into someone’s front room. ..."

Change at the Crown (23 September 2009)
Whilst delivering the Good Beer Guide 2010 licencee pack to the Crown at Summerhill the other day it was discovered that landlord and expert cellarman Noel Croot left the pub in early August. He disappears over the horizon with our sincerest best wishes. Welcome then from CAMRA to new custodian Matthew Watts who is a first time pub landlord. The Cask Marque affiliated Crown is one of seven Hydes brewery tied-houses in the Wrexham area.
 
Festival at the Black Lion (20 September 2009)
A bit short notice but we've just heard that the Black Lion (aka the Hole in the Wall) at Bersham, a regular in the Good Beer Guide, will be hosting a beer festival on Friday 9th of October through to the following Monday. 

As they say "Come and join us for a great range of cask ales plus a choice of Hydes finest real ales, available at discount prices, including Hole in the Wall Ale at 6.5 abv. Live bands throughout the evening."
 
Wrexham News  (25 August 2009)
Another pub loss. The Malthouse, formerly known as the Caia, has closed and been converted into a veterinary surgeons. The Red Dragon, arguably the uber-rough pub in Wrexham, is rumoured to have re-opened and will be a must for connoiseurs of hard-drinking, xenophobic intimidating locals ... unless it's been converted to an upmarket chic wine-bar. On a much more positive note the Fat Cat by the bus station has started selling real ale again.

Raven Re-Opens  (25 August 2009)
After lots of conflicting stories that the Raven at llanarmon-yn-Ial had either re-opened or re-shut (both true) it is now back in business and run by the local community under supervision by a millionaire landlord with events being recorded for a future TV programme. It's a strange story which didn't look like having a happy ending when no-one bought the pub at auction back in July. Then along came TV company TwoFour more of which you can read all about here on the Evening Leader website. 

Now the Raven's staging it's "grand opening bash" on August 29th with Great Orme beers amongst those promised for all who attend. Best wishes to everyone involved in this project and, if you live locally or walk the area, get down there soon to make sure this is no flash in the pan. More details on the website below.

► Raven Inn

Pub Closure in Ffrith (19 August 2009)
More worrying news from near Llanfynydd (see article below). The Poachers Cottage in Ffrith has shut and there's a sign outside saying that it is up for sale. A quick blimp on Christie & Co's website says the freehold is yours for £225,000.

Hopefully someone else can make a go of this place. On previous visits it had seemed a happy vibrant pub serving good ale (Speckled Hen) that did brisk Sunday food trade.

Cross Keys Under Threat (12 August 2009)
Time soon for some serious campaigning? Reports have reached us that the landlord of the Cross Keys at Llanfynydd is considering submitting controversial plans to convert the pub and pub car park into five private dwellings.

Locals are co-ordinating a fight to keep the pub open should the worst come to the worst. For help / advice / support etc contact Phil Stanton at phstanton@hotmail.com. The Cross Keys is currently in the Good Beer Guide and was recently host to a branch meeting.

Ceiriog Tour (3 August 2009)
The Ceiriog Valley social is coming up soon (Aug 15th). What can people expect to find in the six pubs down this quiet rural spot? Your correspondent, armed with a train ticket to Chirk and his trusty Fondriest racing bike pedalled forth to find out. Getting the legwork out of the way it was non-stop to the head of the valley 11 miles away at Llanarmon DC and straight into the Wayfarers Bar, annexed to the West Arms, where the only beer was Ceiriog Ale. Who contract brews this is a mystery and the Spanish (at a guess) barmaid didn't know. Some say Facers some say it's Tetleys rebadged. Tasted OK whatever it was. Across the road the GBG listed Hand Hotel had Weetwood Best Bitter, except it wasn't. It came out very pale indeed and tasted suspiciously like Weetwood Cheshire Cat. This was then admitted by the landlady. Tut tut but the ale was excellent.

After a long descent back led to Glyn Ceiriog, there was a familiar face to the new owner of the Glyn Valley Hotel - Swiss chef Marcus Imfeld. Marcus wont be too popular with some folk having previously taken over the one time marvellous Kiln at Cross Lanes and then converted it into a pub-cum-Swiss bistro. Trade dropped off until it shut, After another abortive attempt at reopening it closed permanently late last year. Hopefully lessons have been learned. Anyway beer at the hotel was Stonehouse Station Bitter, Plassey Fusilier and Bass - the former getting nods of approval. A short uphill walk away, and too easily overlooked, is the Oak (pictured). Good to report then of a pub busy with people enjoying the food with the one ale (Stonehouse Cambrian Gold) in fine condition. 

Next up, just off the main road along the valley, was the attractive Golden Pheasant in Llwynmawr. A weekly changing guest beer is advertised behind the bar and on this occasion it was Stonehouse Off the Rails which overall probably won 'Beer of the Day'. Alas it was only a quick half to squeeze in a visit to the Swan at Pontfadog where rumour had it Sunday last orders were 3pm. Again one changing ale - Thomas Watkins Old Style Bitter. After a pleasant chat with landlady and locals about Ceiriog life, sheep dog trials and vintage car rallies, it was time to saddle up to catch a train home.

A splendid little valley. 

Wetherspoons Set for Deeside (8 July 2009)
Work on a £1m+ conversion of the Central Hotel in Shotton into a new Wetherspoons outlet is scheduled to commence next month. The pub chain hopes to open the place on November 6th and create 35 jobs in the process.

This is good news for any real ale loving residents of Deeside as the pubs in this area, stretching from Queensferry to Flint, are so appalling for proper beer it's been dubbed the "street of shame" by one CAMRA branch member. (Honourable exceptions being the Castle, the Sir Gawain & the Green Knight and the Halfway House). 

The Central, next to Shotton station and boarded up for eons, used to be regarded by aficionados of rough pubs as one of the most 'characterful' in that genre. It will be interesting to see how things develop.  

Mold Real Ale Gain (7 July 2009)
It's always been a source of frustration that the excellent, atmospheric Y Delyn wine-bar in Mold hasn't served real ale. Puzzlement in euqal measure too seeing as the place stocks an excellent range of imported draught and bottled beers. 

Happily that's all been rectified with the installation of a handpump. So far Facers beers and a drop of Conwy Golden Delicious have been sampled. Excellent they were too. Fingers crossed this is a permanent addition to a splendid little establishment.

White Horse Wins Award (2 July 2009)
Coincidental to the report below, we've just discovered that the White Horse at Overton has been recorded as "Highly Commended" in CAMRA's Pub Design Awards in the refurbished category. It has effectively come third in the country for pub refits of 2008.

The judges comments were:- 'This was a run-down town-centre [sic] hotel which appeared ripe for redevelopment for residential or retail use. Instead, it's been saved in a manner that's spirited and individual. The enthusiastic provision of bright new stained glass, pristine wooden partitions and salvaged fireplaces is at times a bit over-eager, and occasionally the new elements compete rather than blend. But the original plan form has been largely retained, and a fine building, very much at Overton's cultural as well as geographical heart, has been successfully revitalised.'

Village centre more like surely. Whatever, congratulations to Joules Brewery (formerly Tuns Taverns) based in Market Drayton who own the pub. We eagerly await the opening on Wrexham's High Street of another of their pubs - the Royal Oak, - which we're being promised will be 'the' character ale-house in town.

► CAMRA pub design awards

That's all folks. Anything over six months old is entered into our archived records and not available on the website.