Cosy corners and roaring fires, low ceilings, and a homely feel just add something more to a pub to complement a crisp pint and tidy grub
The Red Lion pub(Image: Kathryn Williams)
There are few things better to do at this time of year than settle down in the cosy corner of a pub. Those that have roaring fires, a healthily-stocked bar of real ales, hand-picked wines, or even a cheeky cocktail or two help you just escape from reality for a couple of hours.
An ideal weekend right now is a brisk mountain walk followed by a warming pint by the fire (or a coffee since most pubs serve hot drinks these days). While I’ve not been to every pub in Wales – a near-impossible task unless you have bottomless annual leave and an endless bank balance – these 13 are wonderful boltholes to give you a jump-off point for when you’re next out and about. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
1. The Griffin, Monmouth
It’s a lot more than just a pub(Image: )
A little microbar in the heart of Monmouth that also doubles as a bike repair shop, arts, shop, and loads more.
It’s a lovely little space on a site that’s been a thriving public house for more than 200 years and where you can get a bottle of local ale as well as wine and more at the bar and relax after a wander around town.
Find out more here.
2. The Red Lion, Penderyn
It boasts a long history(Image: Kathryn Williams)
Think decor of horse brasses and whiskey jugs, roaring fires, and low wood-beam ceilings – The Red Lion in Penderyn has those and lots more besides.
A 12th-century drover’s inn The Red Lion, or Tafarn Llew Coch, is up on the side of Moel Penderyn just a few miles from the much-loved waterfall country from Ystradfellte to Sgwd y Eira and is the ideal walker’s stop off for a pint, lunch, or, if you’re less of a hiker, a beautiful country drive with the treat of a three-course meal of traditional Welsh fare.
3. The Farmer’s, Church Village
I love this pub local to me that’s been a frequent pop-in on evening or weekend walks. In the summer it has a great beer garden but in the colder months its proper low-ceiling pub feel hits different – but just as good. The 300-odd-year-old pub has different nooks to set up shop for an afternoon in, colourful but not over-the-top decor, and streetfood pop-ups visiting too.
It’s the kind of place you walk past and can look in the window and be jealous of how cosy it looks inside.
There’s no website but its Instagram is here.
4. Felin Fach Griffin, Brecon
The Felin Fach Griffin works on two levels for me. On one it’s a really warm and welcoming stop-off when travelling north or south along the A470 with its roaring fire and hearty food menu. Or the second it’s a real destination spot and base for exploring the southern reaches of Bannau Brycheiniog and indulging a bit more from their restaurant and bar that features ales from local breweries including Brecon Brewing, Antur Brew Co., Wye Valley, Rhymney Brewery, Monty’s, and Waen.
5. Black Boy Inn, Caernarfon
Built in 1522, The Black Boy Inn is the oldest pub in Caernarfon(Image: WalesOnline)
Set just inside the town walls this huge pub has been around since the 16th century. Its interiors are a picture postcard image of what you’d expect a proper pub to look like – lots of wood panelling and blackboards plus a great line in tasty pub grub (a pie is a good shout here.)
6. Amroth Inn, Amroth
A seaside pub that pulls me in during most visits to the Pembrokeshire village of Amroth. Its fire is right in the centre of the big bar/restaurant room and if you’re lucky then you can get the window seat to watch the dusk roll round. It does coffees and teas, a decent food menu (the cawl here is the the one) and a good bar line-up.
7. Bunch of Grapes, Pontypridd
No surprise this one is on the list as it’s one of the best pubs in Rhondda Cynon Taf for food, has its own microbrewery, but also it’s got a cosy bar and a corner nook with comfy chairs. The Bunch of Grapes which has won awards for its own cask and keg ales, roast dinners, and is a favourite in the Good Pub Guide too. It has been a feature of Pontypridd’s hospitality scene since 1851. Catch up with the full story here.
8. The Brynffynon, Llanwonno
A great pub, kind of in the middle of nowhere in the heart of valleys countryside between Ynysybwl and Tylorstown but worth a visit for its beautiful setting, which you can also make the most of on a walk around the forestry. Click here for that walk’s route. The Brynffynon is dog-friendly, has a cosy bar with a fire, and plenty of real ale and homemade pub grub.
9. Blue Anchor, Aberthaw
There’s a proper feel of history(Image: )
I always seem to visit Aberthaw on gloomy cold days where the coastal village is enveloped by a glug of mist. And so what better to do other than hide in a pub. The Blue Anchor is a 14th-century thatched haven nestled in the heart of the Vale with a hearth and flagstones making it feel like you’ve stepped into another time.
10. Old House 1147, Llangynwyd
Another historical pub – said to be the oldest in Wales – the Old House underwent a massive transformation in 2021 from tired 12th-century pub to modern-day wedding venue and hotel that has retained the age-old character with original parts of the building.
The restaurant is stunning with huge windows opening out on the rolling scenery of the Llynfi Valley around it but the old-school pub quarter is still cosy and has corners to hide away in as well as seats by the fire.
11. The Hunters Moon, Abergavenny
For another atmospheric pub The Hunters Moon has it all – including a graveyard behind it. But that’s by the by. A warm, welcoming country inn, it’s found of the Offa’s Dyke path and has long sated the thirsts and appetites of walkers and travellers who pass.
A wonderful escape from the cold outdoors.
12. The Fountain, Trellech Grange
There are so many things to love about this pub. Having originally been built in the 17th century it burned down in the 1960s and was rebuilt to be almost exactly the same. It has a stream running underneath it and it has not one but two fires going while local ales take pride of place at the bar. A real pubby pub.
13. Nighthawks, Cardiff
Okay it’s not technically a pub but I love this slim-looking welcoming bar with a cosy area and basement seating that keeps you out of the cold.
One more thing that keeps away the chill is Nighthawks’ ever-revolving wine specials. By the glass or a whole bottle escape here after a must-visit into town to return that unsuitable Christmas gift or after a decent bash at some sales bargains.
It can be found in the Castle Arcade with views over the city’s castle.