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I started the day in Llandudno on the North Wales coast. It is known for its 19th Century Pier and the cliffs of Great Orme headland with the 1902 tramway that travels to the summit. There is a great selection of Micropubs alongside a brewery tap here. Onto nearby Conwy, a walled market town. A complete castle stands here and is home to Britain’s smallest house. 4 visits here ranging from a converted bank, Micropub, traditional ale house and wine shop.
Llandudno
Wild Horse Brewing Co
My day commenced in Llandudno, my first call was to Wild Horse Brewing Co to explore their taproom, which opened its doors in March of this year. The establishment is approximately a seven-minute walk from the Railway Station. I first visited the shop, where I engaged in conversation with sales manager Chris, before making my way to the brewery tap next door. The venue boasts a remarkable space with generous seating both indoors and outdoors, complemented by an impressive bar. I received a warm and friendly welcome from Callum and Millie at the bar today.
The variety of keg beers offered is quite extensive, featuring a selection of 10, along with cans and additional options. I sampled four of their beers, beginning with the two sour varieties: “Ffrwyth! Watermelon, Hibiscus and Lime” and “Ffrwyth! Pineapple and Grapefruit,” both of which were excellent, showcasing fruity and tart flavours. Next, I tried “Tramcar,” a flavorful and robust IPA that pays homage to the Llandudno Tram. I concluded my tasting with “Nokota,” their most popular session pale ale, which proved to be a delightful and highly enjoyable beer.
TAPPS
My second visit today in Llandudno is to TAPPS, which opened its doors in 2017. I had the opportunity to visit this establishment once several years ago. It features a remarkable open-plan bar, complemented by ample seating options, including additional space in a small room at the back and outdoor seating at the front. Today, I received a very warm welcome from John, who was tending the bar.
The bar offers an excellent selection today, featuring five cask beers alongside eleven keg beers and ciders. The diverse assortment of ciders, complemented by a refrigerator stocked with cans and bottles, enhances the draft offerings. I began my experience with a cask beer from Purple Moose Brewery, located in Porthmadog; “Whakahari” is a light and invigorating New Zealand Pale Ale. Subsequently, I sampled a sour beer from Tenby Brewing Co.; “Illemonati” presents a sharp, tangy profile reminiscent of Lemon Sherbet.
The Ascot Tapproom
Onto the Craig-Y-Don area of Llandudno. The first call here was The Ascot Tapproom, the fourth establishment operated by Tapps, which I had yet to visit. This charming single-room micropub opened its doors in November 2018. Today, I received a warm welcome from Sean. It was also a pleasant surprise to encounter several guys from Lymestone Brewery during my visit.
Today at the bar, patrons can select from a variety of 4 keg beers, 3 cask beers, and a few ciders. Additionally, there is a refrigerator stocked with an assortment of cans and bottles. I opted for “Dolly,” a remarkable and robust blonde ale produced by Conwy Brewery in Llysfaen. It is both delightful and refreshing.
Cask & Apple
I next headed to Cask and Apple, located just across the street. This establishment opened its doors in December 2023, having been transformed from a previous clothing store. The bar, constructed from repurposed wooden scaffolding timber, presents an appealing aesthetic. Inside, the atmosphere is cosy and inviting, complemented by a small seating area at the front. A great warm reception from John and Sharon today.
Today, the bar features a selection of four cask ales, three of which originate from Wales, complemented by one from Buxton. Additionally, two ciders are available on handpull, along with a broader assortment offered in Bag in Box. I opted for “Pabo,” a delightful light and smooth copper session ale produced by Bragdy Mona Brewery, located in Anglesey. The name honours St. Pabo, who was exiled to Anglesey.
Conwy
Bank of Conwy
My initial destination in Conwy was the Bank of Conwy. This establishment, a remarkably refurbished bar housed in a former bank, has held Grade II listed status since 2005, with the bar itself opening its doors in 2015. The venue features impressive high ceilings and walls adorned with banking memorabilia, and patrons even have the unique opportunity to sit in the vault located on the lower level. Today, I received a genuinely warm welcome.
A great assortment of cask and keg beers is available, showcasing a variety of Welsh breweries. The selection includes three cask beers and a cider, alongside an extensive range of keg beers. I chose the “Mosaic Pale Ale” from Grey Trees Brewery, which is located in Aberdare. It is a delightful pale ale, characterized by its hoppy flavour and overall deliciousness.
TAPPS
A brief stroll along the street leads me to TAPPS Conwy. After visiting their locations in Llandudno and Rhos-On-Sea, I was excited to see their latest venue, which opened in May 2024. Nestled in a quaint alley, this Micropub occupies a former ice cream factory and boasts a wonderful interior that exudes a cosy atmosphere, featuring wooden tables and an array of framed artwork adorning the walls. I received a warm and friendly welcome during my visit today.
The establishment boasts an extensive array of 24 taps, featuring cask, keg, and cider options, along with a diverse selection of cans and bottles. A significant portion of these offerings showcases Welsh breweries. I began my experience with “Loggerheads Bitter,” crafted by Hafod Brewery in Mold, which is a remarkably smooth amber bitter. Subsequently, I chose “Into the Valley” from Grey Trees Brewery, which is located in Aberdare. This option is light, refreshing, and rich in flavour.
Albion Ale House
A brief stroll leads me to the Albion Ale House, an exceptional multi-room pub that has held Grade II listed status since 2005. It preserves several features from the 1920s, and certain rooms boast intriguing fireplaces. This lively establishment provides a warm and friendly atmosphere for its patrons.
The establishment provides a wide array of cask and keg beers, with a significant emphasis on various Welsh breweries. There are eight cask options available alongside a diverse selection of keg beers. I began my experience with the “IPA” from Snowdon Craft Beer, located in Colwyn Bay, which is a delightful hoppy golden pale ale. Subsequently, I sampled the “Pale” from Lamb Brewing Company, based in Litton, Yorkshire, which is characterized by its easy drinkability and very session-able.
Vinomondo
My final visit in Conwy was to Vinomondo, located within a Grade II listed building that has held this designation since 1981. This exceptional wine shop offers a diverse selection of wines, spirits, craft beers, and much more. The charming beer garden at the rear enhances the overall experience. Today, I received a delightful and warm welcome from Tracey and Julie.
They feature four keg beers available on tap for on-site consumption, but anything else in the shop can be drunk there as well. I went with Môr-Ish from Holyhead based Bragdy Cybi. A beer made with Welsh seaweed. A dark ale with hints of caramel, coconut and herbs. Môr is the Welsh for Sea.
Micropub Adventures 