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Today, I visited several locations in North Wales, including Colwyn Bay, Rhos-on-Sea, Penrhyn Bay, and Llysfaen. These areas are renowned for their beautiful beaches and various attractions. I explored a selection of micropubs, craft beer shops, and brewery taps situated along this coastal region.
Penrhyn Bay
Craft Beer Cave
A brief bus ride from Llandudno leads me to Penrhyn Bay, home to the “Craft Beer Cave”. This excellent Bottle & Can shop features indoor seating, allowing patrons the option to enjoy their beverages on-site or take them to go. All cans are stored in a remarkable temperature-controlled room, ensuring they are chilled upon selection. The shop offers a wide variety of beers from local and national breweries, as well as a selection of German and Belgian options. This afternoon, I received a delightful and warm welcome from Bev and Roli.
I opted for one of Vault City’s latest sour beers, titled “Lemon Drizzleberry Cupcake.” It is characterized as evoking the essence of freshly baked lemon cupcakes, adorned with blackberries and finished with a drizzle of vanilla icing. This description is indeed accurate.
Rhos-on-Sea
TAPPS at Rhos
Once again aboard the bus, I embarked on a brief journey to Rhos-on-Sea. My destination was Tapps at Rhos, which commenced operations in February 2023 and has locations in Llandudno and Conwy. Upon entering, one is greeted by a wonderfully bright and inviting space, adorned with wooden tables and chairs, complemented by half-wooden panelling on the walls.
The pub features an impressive array of beers offered in both cask and keg formats. Today, you can choose from 6 keg options, 3 cask selections, and a few ciders. I opted for “Bits,” an IPA from the Cardiff-based Flowerhorn Brewery. This exceptional orange juice IPA is notably juicy and brimming with flavour.
Colwyn Bay
The Bay Hop
A brief bus ride once more, this time leading to Colwyn Bay. My initial destination was “The Bay Hop”, situated just a short walk from the Railway Station. This excellent micropub and bottle shop, which opened its doors in August 2016, has garnered several awards. The interior offers a warm and inviting ambience, complemented by outdoor seating at the front, ideal for pleasant weather. It was a pleasure to meet and chat with Chris.
The pub features an extensive array of both cask and keg beers. Today’s offerings include four cask beers, seven keg beers, and an excellent variety of ciders. I began with “Rear View,” crafted by Stonehouse Brewery located in Oswestry, Shropshire. This brew, utilizing Dragon and Cashmere hops, presents delightful notes of passionfruit, lemon, and melon. Subsequently, I sampled “Golden Gate” from Geipel Brewing in Llangwm. This locally produced Californian-style lager was quite enjoyable, despite not being my typical selection.
Black Cloak Brewery & Taproom
A brief seven-minute walk leads me to Black Cloak Brewery & Taproom. The brewery was situated at this location until this past summer when it relocated to Denbigh; however, it continues to function as a taproom.. The interior boasts a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, with ample seating available, as well as a quaint beer garden at the back. I received a warm welcome from Andy, and it was a pleasure engaging in conversation with him.
The bar presents a selection of both cask and keg beers, in addition to several guest options. Currently, you can choose from three cask ales and thirteen keg beers, as well as a variety of ciders. I began my experience with “Take it Easy,” a keg offering of their own super pale ale, which showcased an impressive hoppy flavour. Subsequently, I opted for “Pale” on cask, a delightful and easy-drinking super session pale ale.
The Crafty Fox
A brief bus ride to Old Colwyn leads me to “The Crafty Fox” pub, the first micropub in Old Colwyn, which commenced operations in 2018 by merging two previous retail spaces. It is a charming and inviting establishment. I particularly appreciate the tables crafted from repurposed Singer sewing machines that serve as their bases. It was a pleasure to meet Gordon and have a chat.
The bar features an impressive array of cask ales, complemented by a locally brewed lager. Today, you can choose from three distinct cask ales, along with a cider option. I opted for the “Farriers” from Coach House Brewing Co., located in Warrington. This beer is exceptionally rich and hoppy, offering a robust flavour profile that is highly enjoyable.
Llysfaen
Mash @ Conwy Brewery
A brief bus journey ascending the hill to Llysfaen, followed by a stroll along a farmer’s path, brings me to Mash at Conwy Brewery, at the heart of Conwy Brewery. This establishment features an impressive arrangement, including a quaint taproom and micropub that exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. Outside, there are several seating options, complemented by street food offerings (Thai food today) and breathtaking views from this elevated location.
The assortment of cask and keg beers is outstanding, featuring a diverse array of craft offerings branded as “Convoke.” The bar presents a selection of three cask ales, an extensive range of keg beers, and a refrigerator stocked with cans and bottles. I began with “28 Mangoes Later,” crafted under the Convoke label. This sour, tangy, and fruity mango beer is truly delightful. Subsequently, I sampled “Dolly” from Conwy Brewery, which is a flavorful and robust blonde ale.
Micropub Adventures 