A comfortable and convivial pub situated bang on the Welsh border. Cross the road to visit the Dolphin across the way, and you've negotiated the frontier and you're in a Welsh pub!
As with the Bradford Arms in nearby Knockin, the pub's name stems from the fact that the Earl of Bradford owned much of the land hereabouts. The front room splits into a bar and lounge area, whilst to the rear, a large conservatory becomes the dining room. The old photographs of the locality and the wallpaper give a rather retro feel to the bar. And a touch of eccentricity is added by the large collection of dragon figures of all shapes and sizes which are to be seen throughout. The very orderly collection of pumpclips on the walls of the bar are testament to the 800 or so guest beers this pub has had on since the current owner took over in 2007. There's a set of old-fashioned bedroom bells in the lounge, but it's not clear whether they're used to provide service. A thoughtful touch is the tray of 3 one third pint tasters. And Llanymynech? It's Welsh for "church of the monks"!
Historic Interest
The fact that the road and both pavements are in Wales has historically had financial implications for the pub. Although rates were paid to Shropshire County Council, the publican was also charged a nominal sum by Montgomeryshire County Council because the columns of the front porch rest on their territory (the fee was £1 per annum in 1949). Worse than that, during the dark days of no Sunday openings for Welsh pubs, he was forbidden to use this door for 52 days of the year. However his customers could be legally served on Sundays provided they entered via the English side entrance, so presumably he recouped the extra charge at the expense of his Welsh competitors across the road!
This Pub serves 2 changing beers and 1 regular beer.
Bradford Arms Hotel, Llanymynech
Source: National