The Fox Inn, Ysceifiog

Local CAMRA POTY for 2013, two beers from Thwaites and two guests from local breweries, all very well-kept. Outstanding nationally-listed interior with tiny front bar with bench built into pub counter, lobby with tiny off-sales hatch, snug off to one side with access through to toilets and back room with closed-off opening to back of bar. Private room beyond the snug on the right and steps to large cellar directly opposite entrance door. Friendly and welcoming landlord, chatty locals, good-looking menu. Attractive building from outside as well, set on the village green opposite the church.

Not easy to find and Mrs Satnav can send you down lanes you'd rather not be driving on, but well worth the time and effort to seek this absolute gem of a pub out.

10 Jun 2014 13:35

The Packhorse Inn, Crowdicote

Although living in the area for three years now and having driven past two or three times on various jaunts, this was our first visit to the Packhorse and I'm very glad to say it will become a regular fixture for us now. Although normally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, this was open on the Bank Holiday Monday. We arrived at about 9pm, food had just finished being served, although no problem for us as we weren't looking for it anyway. We were greeted by the extremely welcoming landlord (Mick) who promptly ran through all the beers on offer with strengths, tastes and colourings etc. He offers four local independent ales, all at £3.10 and was at p[ains to point out he doesn't carry any of the national brands at all, only the independents. All were sampled and all were in extremely good nick, so much so that we took a two-pint carryout of the Cheshire Brewhouse Galaxy Blues home with us. The setting for this pub is stunning, with what is really just a hamlet cut into a very steep-sided valley sitting on the border of Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
The pub has finally been allocated into a CAMRA branch after a long spell of not knowing which area it fell into, so it is now part of the Matlock sub-branch of the Chesterfield area, which seems a slight anomaly given its distance from Chesterfield, although it is only six miles from Matlock.
Very much worth your time seeking this out - easiest approach is from the A515 at the Hurdlow/Monyash crossroads, and this will also give you the best view of the magnificent scenery as you approach the village from on high before sweeping down a couple of hairpin bends to the valley floor.

7 May 2013 10:57

The Green Man, Ashbourne

Sold! Finally...as yet mystery buyer has promised heavy investment and secure long-term future for the building, though in what format remains to be seen. Projected to take up to 18 months to complete...has the ball finally been picked up and running with it again?

8 Jan 2013 16:36