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 16 July 2025
    • Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth, Cumbria (dating back to 1874) has started brewing again. It was closed in November 2022 by the then owners Carlsberg Marston Brewing Company, but in February the site was bought by local couple Kust and Rebecca Canfield, who say they are delighted to keep the Brewery going. Their tap room is now selling Cumberland ales.
    • The Leader has been accepting nominations for best pub in Wrexham and Flintshire 2025. Voting is from 21 July to 1 August.
    • After 16 months of running the Ruthin Castle in Mold, they have now taken on the lease and reopened on Thursday the 17 July.
    • New owners of the Grade II listed Red Lion at Llanasa, which closed down five years ago, may soon reopen the pub if plans are approved. Originally a house built in the 19th century, it was converted into a pub between 1839/1871. It lies within the Llanasa Conservation Area, which is made up of 18 buildings of varying historical importance.
    • The Royal Oak between Holywell and Greenfield will reopen next week. The team behind the pub's reopening thanked residents for their "encouragement and support."
    • Polly's "Floret" has been ranked amongst UK best 50 best beers in the UK list for 2025, gaining 40th spot and ahead of well known beers like BrewDog's Punk IPA and Theakston's Old Peculier
    • The Three Pigeons in Graigfechan, Ruthin, had on Flintshire Bitter earlier this month.
    • Mold's Y Pentan has been shortlisted by Proper Pubs for Sales Performance Pub of the Year.
    • Facers are serving Abbey Blonde in the House of Commons' bar.
    • The Queens Market hub has opened in Rhyl and Bragdy Conwy Brewery has beers for sale both in their shop unit and on draft behind the bar.
    • The Royal Victoria pub in Prestatyn, now known as the White Lady (Admiral Taverns) has reopened under new ownership of Ali who has nearly 30 years of experience in the pub industry. The pub is aiming to be a lively community hub and according to the Rhyl Journal is serving "a range of real ales and lagers."
    • Theatre Clwyd is serving local cider, Hafod bottles and Polly’s will be serving keg beers.
  • Pub & Brewery News Wednesday 18 June 2025
    • The Druid Inn at Gorsedd is winner of the Pub Design Awards Refurbishment category
    • There is currently a Planning Application to change the Sun Inn in Eryrys into a private dwelling
    • The Brook House Mill in Denbigh are due to open in October/November with five hand pumps
    • Alyn Ashworth's Bragdy Dinbych, has ceased brewing
    • The Dudley Arms at Llandrillo could be turned into a house after being empty for 18 months. Cynwyd Enterprises has applied for permission to convert the pub, a listed building in the centre of the village, into a private home
    • Treboom Brewery send their used grain straight to local farmers as food for their cows
  • Pub & Brewery News Wednesday 21 May 2025
    • The Gwesty Owain Glyndwr Hotel, Corwen has recently been awarded Tavern of the Month by HENO programme on S4C.
    • The Market Cross in Holywell has been awarded an Official Food Rating of 5.
    • The Black Horse in Buckley, which closed its doors in March is facing demolition, as plans for a convenience store with parking have been submitted. Built in 1800, it has a number of original features including decorative external brickwork and original open fire hearths, but the structure is not a listed building.
    • Treboom Brewery has a list on their Facebook page showing where their beers are being served.
    • Guildhall Tavern in Denbigh have recently been serving two beers from Facers Brewery.
    • The Mold Alehouse have been nominated in the National Pub and Beer Awards, which will take place soon.
    • Hafod Brewery have started Brewery tours again from Saturday 21 June between 3-5pm.
    • Black Cloak Brewery is having an open day on the Sunday 15 June and tickets are available now.
    • The Star at Ruthin has reopened, unsure if real ale is served.
    • The Drovers Arms on Denbigh Road,Mold, has ceased trading
  • Pub & Brewery News Wednesday 16 April 2025
    • The Old Blacksmith's Tavern, Mostyn, is selling cask with one pub at present offering Wainwright's Amber.
    • Polly's Social opened recently in Mold.
    • The new Chester Station Tap Room (Spitting Feathers) opened on the 11 April with eight hand pulled and 28 keg beers. Also serves food and hot and cold drinks.
    • The HQ at Prestatyn celebrated its two years on the 12 April with bands, food and snacks.
    • Gareth of the Mold Alehouse had a "fantastic day" brewing a collaboration beer at Reaction Brewery with Clwyd. Beer to be served soon.
  • Pub & Brewery News Tuesday 18 March 2025
    • Pollys Social, Mold, is opening on Wednesday 2nd April.
    • Plas Hafod Hotel, Gwernymynydd, is reportedly in liquidation.
    • World’s strongest beer, Snake Venom by Brewmeister, was available at a recent Scottish Festival with an abv of 67.5%.
    • The Old ‘Blacksmiths’ Tavern, Mostyn has re-opened but it is not known if real ale is served.
    • Bad Dragon brewery, Greenfield, has brewed its first ale in cask - Ickle Bit Bitter.