Ale and Cider Fair for Merthyr

The historic town of Merthyr Tydfil plays host to an ale and cider fair this Saturday in the Redhouse, the former council offices which were recently refurbished and reopened to the public after years of lying derelict. Looking at their website it does seem like this place is trying to establish itself as the Chapter Arts Centre of the Valleys, which , of course, is a welcome development.
Expect beers from Grey Trees, Pipes and Tudor Breweries together with ciders from Brecon Beacons Cidery and Halletts, hopefully without their mouse infection this time!

There's a Beer Revolution in Hay!

Popped into Hay-on-Wye the other morning, not somewhere I visit often, the last time I was there was June last year, according to Swarm. A lot has changed since then with a new manager in Kilverts who is eager to bring in the changes with different ales and local cider hitting the pumps shortly.

The biggest surprise was the new off-licence, Beer Revolution, based on the cobbled yard of the castle, a bit difficult to find at first but well worth the effort. This shop is packed with beers from the best breweries from Wales and beyond, Waen, Tiny Rebel, Celt Experience, Mad Dog to name just a few. A couple of surprises were two new Welsh breweries Radnorshire Ales from New Radnor and the Lucky 7 Beer Co who are based in Hay-on-Wye,
Local ciders and perries from Gwatkins are also available
A welcome outlet for good and unusual beers in this part of the world!

Mumbles Ale House

Whilst down the Mumbles the other day, we popped into the Mumbles Ale House, the newest addition to the Mumbles Mile and just a short walk off the main road. The pub opened last year in what was an art studio.

 Certainly it's one of the smallest micro-pubs I've been into but size does not matter here when you look at the range of real ales and ciders they have on sale.

 Although whether or not if it's the first micropub in Wales is debatable as the Waen-brewery owned Gravity Station opened in Cardiff earlier in the year. First micropub that's a freehouse in Wales to be more exact.

A visit to the Pilot in Mumbles

Popped into the CAMRA award-winning pub The Pilot in the Mumbles the other day to do some filming with Simon Martin



We got to review their Black Storm Stout with Richard the brewer


One of their beers I particularly enjoyed was Revolver which features the same recipe every time it is brewed with the only difference being a change in the hops used.

Best pubs in Wales

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, have announced their list of the best pubs in Wales.

North Wales

 

Abercolwyn Branch

Albion Ale House

Conwy 

Chester & South Clwyd  Branch

Bridge End

Ruabon

Gwynedd a Mon  Branch

Snowdonia Parc

Waenfawr

Vale of Clwyd  Branch

Blue Bell

Halkyn

West Wales

Bae Ceredigion

Y Talbot

Tregaron

Camathenshire

Royal Oak

Rhandirmwyn

Pembrokeshire

Cresselly Arms 

Cresswell Quay

South Wales

Brecknockshire 

Star Inn

Talybont-on-Usk

Cardiff (City)

Urban Tap House

Cardiff (Country)

Lansdowne

Canton

Gwent (City)

Lamb

Newport

Gwent (Country)

Clytha Arms

Abergavenny

Mid Glamorgan

Bunch of Grapes

Pontypridd

Neath Port Talbot

Pontardawe Inn

Pontardawe

Swansea 
No Sign Bar

Swansea

Vale of Glamorgan & Bridgend

Cross Inn

Cwmfelin