The Nag’s Head has become more than a pub in this part of the world thanks to its reputation and history – not to mention delightful food and great service in a tranquil location
Welcome to the Nag’s Head in Abercych (Image: Media Wales)
Celebrated for its stunning beaches, dramatic coastline, abundant wildlife, and proximity to unspoilt nature, west Wales consistently ranks among Britain’s most-coveted destinations for a holiday, a short break, a long walk, or a trip into the country for a bite to eat or a relaxing drink.
And a short drive from the famous Cenarth falls you’ll find a very special pub filled with history, legend, and a beautiful ambience both inside and out. Whether basking in the summer sun or cosying up beside the fire as autumn turns to winter you’ll always have a wonderful Welsh welcome at the brilliantly named Nag’s Head.
The ancient pub is located in the tiny village of Abercych. It’s a Pembrokeshire pub – although it lies less than half a mile from the tripoint of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion. So no matter where you are in west Wales this gorgeous spot never seems that far away. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
The historic pub is well worth a visit (Image: Media Wales)
Boasting a heritage stretching back to the 1700s the pub is an award-winning family-run riverside gastropub that also offers accommodation. Positioned within the picturesque Cych Valley and merely 10 miles from both the Preseli Hills and Cardigan Bay the Nag’s Head represents the ideal base for those seeking to discover the coastal wilderness.
The pub was actually used as a courthouse for more than half a century between 1850 and 1908. Now owned and run by Dewi and Jacqui Davies they have maintained and enhanced the pub’s reputation as one of the best places to eat and drink in Wales.
But as well as its marvellous food and array of beers the pub is known for something else.
Fancy a drink?(Image: Media Wales)
As the tale (or should that be tail?) goes previous owner David Morris cornered and killed a “giant rat” one evening in 1950. There had been reports of this huge rodent wandering around the village and it was Mr Morris who finally caught up with it while digging up some potatoes.
As it turned out the creature was a coypu – a large semi-aquatic rodent native to South America. How it got to a tiny village a couple of miles from Cenarth nobody seems to know.
‘Rhodri Fawr’, the iconic rodent from Abercych (Image: Media Wales)
‘Rhodri Fawr’, as he would become known, weighed more than 10lbs and was killed and stuffed by Mr Morris. The rodent was mounted and displayed inside the pub for more than 60 years before it was removed. However current owners Dewi and Jacqui tracked it down again when they took over the pub in 2018 and ‘Rhodri’ is now back on display.
But the Nag’s Head is more than just an old pub with a fascinating history – it’s a tranquil spot opposite the Afon Cych. It has covered outdoor seating across the road and beside the river while inside the beautifully-lit and decorated bar and restaurant really does make you feel like you’re in the perfect country pub.
The cosy interior will make you want to stay and have a pudding no matter how full you are (Image: Media Wales)
During a recent visit the weather was lovely enough to sit outside in the busy garden area that sits alongside the flowing Cych. Before deciding on a main meal the menu entices you with nibbles including roasted carrot hummus, crispy red shrimps, and Spanish broccoli and cauliflower fritters, all priced at £4, or if you’re particularly peckish or just indecisive you can pick three dishes for £10.
There are also small plate starters on offer in the shape of Thai fish cakes, slow-roasted Korean beef bao buns, antipasti, and barbecue chicken nachos, which are priced from £7.
The pub offers covered seating across the road so diners can sit and relax next to the trickle of the river (Image: Media Wales)
I chose the bao buns – a dish I had only ever had once before. Why that is I don’t know as each time I have been blown away with the taste and texture of both the buns and the Korean beef that accompanies them. I could have easily had three portions of this dish and ignored the rest of the menu.
As for mains there was plenty on offer including Welsh lamb rump, a Cylch Valley Honey roasted pork fillet, a fillet of hake, a pulled beef burrito, and a crispy katsu chicken breast all priced between £17 and £24. You could also plump for the chargrilled sirloin steak for £32.
Slow-roasted Korean beef bao buns(Image: Media Wales)
I opted for the katsu chicken breast which was served atop a bed of jasmine rice with katsu curry sauce – a warm and tasty dish which whet the appetite for a dessert (more on that below).
There is also an array of vegetarian and vegan options to choose from and on Sundays a traditional roast dinner is available from £18.
If you’re still hungry after your nibbles, starters, and main dish you can order a cookie and cream sundae, a lemon and vanilla cheesecake, a tiramisu, or a chocolate and Biscoff brownie for dessert with all priced between £7 and £9.
The chocolate and Biscoff brownie(Image: Media Wales)
I went for the brownie and, believe me, it was as delightful as it was plentiful. I could easily have not finished it and shared it with another. But it’s not often one comes to Abercych so I had it all for myself.
We’re lucky in west Wales to have such a large choice of beautiful country pubs and restaurants to chose from throughout Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire. But you’ll be hard pressed to find a cosier pub with better service in a more relaxing environment than what you will discover here at the Nag’s Head.