The Great Inns of Britain has unveiled its latest list – with the top four all being in Wales.
Led by The Bear in Crickhowell, the prestigious list of 22 UK properties also has a new entry from Wales – Y Talbot in Tragaron – which means there are now six Welsh pubs on the roster of independently owned country and coastal inns.
Simon Heaton, Chairman of The Great Inns of Britain, said: “Following the appointment of five new members in 2015, The Great Inns of Britain is delighted to announce two more new members for 2016, our 20th anniversary year.
“The aim of The Great Inns of Britain has always been to bring together Inn Keepers with a strong and proven commitment to upholding the best traditions of Inn-keeping through continuous investment and improvement and our newest members fit that bill perfectly. They are of an exceptionally high standard and come with big reputations – they’re great additions to the Great Inns collection.”
The list now features these Welsh inns…
The Bear, Crickhowell
Position: No 1
On the eastern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Bear Hotel is an idyllic hideaway for a weary traveller. With some of the finest Welsh countryside walks starting from the doorstep, the Bear is the perfect base for walkers, while its welcoming atmosphere, fantastic food and intimate interior make any stay a memorable one.
This historic former coaching inn dates back to 1432, and has a delightful cobbled forecourt, an archway into the inner courtyard and 19th century stagecoach timetable in the bar, as reminders of its significant past.
Where: High Street, Crickhowell, NP8 1BW.
Castle Hotel, Conwy
Position: No 2
This old coaching inn is situated on the site of a Cistercian abbey and the owners say it used to consist of two famous hostelries, The Castle and the 15th Century King’s Head.
It’s one of Conwy’s most photographed buildings, thanks to its Victorian facelift of local granite and Ruabon brick.
There’s a choice of 27 beautiful rooms available, including the stunning suite- which comes complete with a resplendent two people Jacuzzi bath, or the Historical Four Poster- where you can sleep in a 16th century Oak four poster.
Where: High Street, Conwy, LL32 8DB.
The West Arms, Llanarmon Dyffryn-Ceiriog
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Position: No 3
Firmly immersed in local history, the West Arms Hotel nestles in the sleepy Welsh village of Llanarmon Dyffren Ceirog. This 16th century Drover’s Inn has been welcoming weary travellers in for centuries, and guarantees a warm welcome with its beautiful Inglenook fireplace, fantastic food and stunning bedrooms.
With its low ceilings, flagstone floors and wooden beams the restaurant and bar channel style and comfort – retaining the old world charm of a country inn.
There’s the option of casual dining by the fireplace in the cosy lounge, or a more formal eating experience in the dining room. With head chef, Grant Williams focusing on using fresh locally sourced produce, the menu has a modern British dynamic, and his delicious lunch and dinner menus are designed using the finest meats, fish and vegetables of the season.
Where: LLangollen, Clwyd, LL20 7LD.
Wolfscastle Country Hotel
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Position: No 4
Sitting in the heart of Pembrokeshire’s countryside, the Wolfscastle Country Hotel is a world away from the every day. With its beautiful sheltered grounds surrounded by trees, the Pembrokeshire National Park on the hotel’s doorstep, and the western Welsh coast just eight miles away, the Wolfscastle is a haven for relaxation.
Wolfscastle Hotel sits on a historic site, overlooking the Cleddau and Anghof rivers, and is next to the Norman castle from which the village and hotel take their names. During the 19th century, a local coaching inn, known as the Sealyham Arms, sat on the promontory, and there are still some traces of the original building in the hotel today.
The Bull of Beaumaris, Anglesey
Position: No 11
Built in the 15th century, this traditional townhouse inn is located near the sea and is adorned with ancient timbers and antique furniture.
Some rooms have oak-beamed ceilings, 4-poster beds and courtyard views, while suites add separate living areas.
Complimentary full Welsh breakfast is provided, and amenities include a contemporary brasserie restaurant and an upscale restaurant serving modern British cuisine, as well as a traditional pub serving light snacks.
Y Talbot, Tregaron
Position: No 21
Located in the historic market town of Tregaron in Ceredigion, Y Talbot is a 17th Century Grade II listed Drovers’ Inn that owes its origins to Tregaron being the starting point for cattle droving over the Cambrian mountains on to the Midlands and Smithfield Market in London.
There is charm and character in abundance at Y Talbot, with ancient wooden beams, slate flagged floors and inglenook fireplaces as well as a rich history; a travelling circus called Batty’s Menagerie stayed in Tregaron in July 1848 and whilst there one of the elephants fell ill and died, and it is said to be buried behind Y Talbot.
Nine superior bedrooms have all been tastefully renovated to offer style and comfort. Each bedroom boasts a generous sized bathroom, original features and Welsh wool blankets. The Inn also has four standard twin and single rooms.
Guests can choose to enjoy Head Chef Dafydd’s modern British menu either relaxing in the bar, or in the more formal dining room. Having trained with Marco Pierre White and held the position of Premier Sous Chef at The Ritz before coming to Y Talbot in 2010, Dafydd is passionate about preparing excellent quality food and is committed to sourcing the best local produce.
The 22 Great Inns of Britain
1. The Bear, Crickhowell, Wales
2. Castle Hotel, Conwy, Wales
3. The West Arms, Llanarmon Dyffryn-Ceiriog, Wales
4. Wolfscastle Country Hotel, Haverfordwest, Wales
5. The Bell Inn, Horndon-on-the-Hill, Essex
6. The King’s Head Inn, Bledington, Oxfordshire
7. Castle House Hotel, Hereford, Herefordshire
8. The Hundred House Hotel, Norton, Shropshire
9. The Victoria Inn, Holkham, North Norfolk
10. The Peacock at Rowsley, Derbyshire
11. The Bull, Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey, Wales
12. The Inn at Whitewell, Forest of Bowland, Lancashire
13. Shibden Mill Inn, near Halifax, West Yorkshire
14. The Boar’s Head, Ripley, North Yorkshire
15. The Blue Lion, East Witton, North Yorkshire
16. The White Horse and Griffin, Whitby, North Yorkshire
17. The Wild Boar, Windermere, Cumbria
18. The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria
19. The Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk, County Durham
20. The Lamb Inn, Wartling, East Sussex
21. Y Talbot, Tregaron, Wales
22. The Castle Hotel, Bishops Castle, Shropshire
credit: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/best-inns-britain-been-named-11201122