Clytha Arms, Clytha

Award winning pub is a former dower house that, since re-opening in the early ‘90s, has become a serial award winner having been recognised by CAMRA and several other organisations. Note the pub sign is different on either side: one bears a contrived Clytha Arms, the other a Swan, the name of the pub which licence it took over when the latter collapsed into the nearby River Usk. With an owner being a reputable chef, it has built an excellent reputation for innovative good food. As this same owner has a long-held love of real ale, you can expect an interesting choice of local beers plus some from further afield. A range of ciders and/or perries are mainly sourced from local producers. The pub has its own perry pear tree and occasionally its produce is bottled and sold here. The interior is perhaps what many people’s vision of what a country inn should look like. There is a pleasant bar with a fireplace and traditional pub games where bar snacks may be savoured; a small charming lounge with a high back settle with another fireplace; and a cosy dining room that leads to a small function room (the “Cricketers Room”). Booking is advisable for meals as space is limited. No bar snacks available on Saturday night or Sunday lunchtime. Top class accommodation and a big outdoor area with camping available for big occasions such as the Welsh Cider festival held every May, a Beer 'n' Cheese festival in August and a German Oktoberfest. In recent years, January has been the month of a winter ale and dumplings festival. Local CAMRA Country Pub of the Year 2011 and 2014, the Clytha Arms has to date appeared in over 25 consecutive editions of this Guide. The regular bus stop is 15 minutes walk away but the last service passes in front of the pub and can be waved down.