Vale of Clwyd

Pub & Brewery News

After each monthly branch meeting, we add a summary of recent news affecting local pubs and breweries:

  • Pub & Brewery News Wednesday 20 May 2026
    • Plans are in for the closed Colomendy - change of use from Public House to Domestic Property with the removal of existing bar and toilets, new internal walls and doors
    • The Conwy Brewery in Llysfaen doubled up in CAMRA's Champion Bottled Beer of Wales competition, winning both Gold and Bronze medals in the 4.4 per cent and above category. The Brewery's Telford Porter (5.6 per cent) was crowned overall winner after fighting off competition from beers across Britain. Silver went to the refreshing hazy yellow smooth gold Hefeweizen (5.2 per cent) by Geipel Brewing in Denbighshire. Conwy took bronze for it's nutty, sessionable Rampart Brown Ale (4.8 per cent). Telford Porter has the chance to fight for the overall Champion Bottled Beer of Britain title
    • The UK's first micropub, the Butchers' Arms in Herne has been sold by it's it's present owner to a customer
    • Cob and Pen in Rhyl has no cask since take over. Recently had on Boddingtons and Black Sheep
    • The Nelson is a newly opened and renovated pub in Rhyl, previously know as the North Wales and run by Abby Nelson who used to have The Cove, Rhyl. No real ale yet
    • Denbigh - The Hand has Tetley's, Castle Arms (old Cons Club) has no real ales, the Vaults too has no real ale, but Brook house Mill has five cask ales and Rosie's cider
    • The Ruthin Caste in Mold has reopened
    • Park Place in Ruthin has London Pride as their permanent ale and guest Facer's
    • The Big Hand Brewery went into administration early this week
    • That Beer Place, Chester, which previously has won Cider Pub of the Year, is curating the cider selection at Chester Beer Festival 5-6 June
    • In CAMRA's Champion Beers competition, the session bitter Gold award went to Purple Moose for their Cwrw Glaslyn/Glaslyn Ale, beating 22's Dancing Duck and Ludlow's Ludlow Best. It is 19 years since the Glaslyn Ale won Gold in the same competition and the recipe has not changed
  • Pub & Brewery News Wednesday 15 April 2026
    • The Sun Inn, Eryrys, has been taken over as a Community pub and reopened its doors on the 1st of April
    • New Inn, Rhuddlan, has reopened
    • Swan Inn, Rhyl, has 3 cask ales available
    • The Boot Inn, Northop, is under new management with 3 cask ales available
    • Rhyl Golf Club serves regular cask ale
    • A fire at the Llindir, Henllan was limited to the kitchen
    • Hope & Anchor, Denbigh, is serving cask ale
    • Renovations at the Brookhouse Mill, Denbigh, continue with an opening date expected in May
  • Pub & Brewery News Tuesday 17 March 2026
    • The Griffin in Mynydd Isa has now reopened for drinks only.
    • No ales available when a VoC member visited The Marsh in Rhyl. There is a lot of information on Facebook about the various ales they sell including Old Speckled Hen. It appears to be run by the same person from the Cob & Pen.
    • Mold Alehouse was featured in the Sunday Times ‘8 Best UK Micropubs’ and has also received a mention during Senedd business.
    • It is understood that Ruthin Castle, Mold has closed.
    • It was reported that the refurbishment at Brookhouse Mill, Denbigh, has been delayed by otters. It was further reported that the owners are believed to have purchased the Myddleton Grill on the Square, Ruthin.
    • The Masons Arms, Denbigh, is reportedly for sale.
    • Facers brewery, Flint, has been brewing for 23 years as of February 2026. Their current range consists of 9 ales.
    • The Conservative Club, Denbigh, has reopened although no news on whether real ale is served.
    • The Plough, St Asaph, has reopened but it is also unclear whether real ale is served.
    • The Rose & Crown, Graianrhyd, recently raised £500 for Macmillan by hosting a continuous dart throwing event over the course of 10 hours.
    • There has been a management change at the Boot Inn, Northop.
  • Pub & Brewery News Wednesday 18 February 2026
    • Home Bargains, Buckley, is selling locally brewed Welsh Sparkle from Treboom brewery, Bagillt.
    • The Plough Inn, St Asaph, is closed for refurbishment and there is uncertainty regarding the identity of the new owners.
    • Reported that the New Inn, Rhuddlan, is still closed.
    • The Red Lion, Meliden, is closed and is believed to be for sale.
    • The White Lion, Glan yr Afon, has reopened.
    • The Old Blacksmiths Tavern Inn, Mostyn, is understood to be under new management.
    • The Griffin, Mynydd Isa, is currently closed.
  • Pub & Brewery News Tuesday 20 January 2026
    • Reports that the Crown Inn, Llandegla, is reopening on the 21st of January.
    • The Druid Inn, Pontblyddyn, is confirmed to be opening as an eye clinic.
    • The Talacre Arms, Holywell, is reportedly up for auction at the end of March.
    • It is understood that the Esplanade Club, Rhyl, is for sale with its continuation as a Club uncertain.