Posted on 20/09/2017 by David
In recent blogs we've recommended our favourite dog walks along beaches, through woodland and beside riverbanks... well, it would be nice to finished one of those walks with a well-earned drink and a bite to eat, wouldn't it?
There's nothing better after a long walk than rocking up to a country pub. Picture the whitewashed, ye-olde, muddy-boots kind of place with a big fireplace and small, yet packed, bar. If you've brought your four-legged friend with you, you need someplace where muddy paws are welcome too. In the era of gastro-pubs, though, dog-welcoming hostelries can be a little hard to find.
Don't worry. The micro-brewery revival has reached North Wales and brought a traditional pub renaissance with it. So let's not hang around outside any longer. Take the weight off your feet and enjoy a swift half at one of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in North Wales.
1. The Albion, Conwy
How do you get more dog-friendly than a pub with a menu for dogs? Not strictly a country pub as such, but handily placed in the heart of medieval Conwy. If you've been exploring the castle ramparts or wandering the town's walls, the Albion makes the perfect retreat.
Boasting traditional features, not least the lovingly restored "back bar", the Albion is a spit-and-sawdust kind of place run by a consortium of local breweries - so great local ales are a key feature. Dogs and muddy boots aren't just welcomed, they're expected!
2. The King's Head, Llandudno
At the foot of the Great Orme (right next to the tram station) the King's Head is the place to head to after you've explored this spectacular limestone headland. The beauty of this place is that although it's in Llandudno, it's on the edge of town and retains a great country vibe.
It's the oldest hostelry in town and has an authentic atmosphere to match. Serves cask conditioned ales and traditional pub grub if you've worked up an appetite.
3. George & Dragon, Beaumaris
Refurbished a little over a year ago, the George & Dragon is a Grade II-listed treasure with exposed trusses and beams, oak panels and an original salvaged bar. The building dates back more than 600 years making it one of the oldest in town.
Like all places in Beaumaris it can busy at the weekends, especially through the summer and the numerous events that take place here, so you may want to consider that before taking your four-legged friend. If he (or she) is happy to flop in the corner regardless, go for it!
4. Ty Gwyn, Rowen, Conwy Valley
Any walk up Tal-y-Fan mountain behind Conwy, along the old Roman Road (Bwlch y Ddeufaen) or to charming Llangelynnin Church deserves a final stop at Ty Gwyn. Not to be confused with the pub of the same name by Waterloo Bridge in Betws-y-Coed, this is the archetypal country pub, with thick whitewashed walls and a traditional interior.
Benches outside are great in better weather but you're more than welcome to bring the dog inside when the Snowdonian rains set in. Follow on Facebook to find out when the next Welsh singing evening is.
5. Vaynol Arms, Pentir
Easily missed off the fast A4244 bringing the A55 traffic to Llanberis, the Vaynol Arms is a terrific country pub and restaurant. Dogs are allowed in the public bar but if the weather's nice you might prefer to sit out in the beer garden overlooking fields.
Your pooch may not be the only animal hoping for a few tasty treats - be careful that the nosy ponies don't peek over the fence and try to steal your food!
What's your favourite dog-friendly pub in North Wales?
Images courtesy of: Ty Gwyn by Phil Thomas. Kings Head by David Dixon, 2011, via Wikimedia Commons.