The Dyffryn Arms, Pontfaen

We chanced upon the Dyffryn Arms while lost on the road near Pontfaen on, of course, a "dark and stormy night". After groping around to find my way in the correct entry and not being sure if it was even a pub at all, I was warmly greeted by Bessie and a small gathering of folks who all were more than happy to give their own special slant on the directions I needed to find my nearby Bed and Breakfast. Of course, by the time I walked out to the car, I was completely twisted as to which way to go, as all their directions were just a bit different, one from the other. The next day awaking at our B and B, I was determined to return to the Dyffryn Arms to have a Bass from Bessie as I was sure that the place wouldn't even be there - that it had all been a misstep into a time warp the night before...that the place was part of some dream world that I had wandered into. The furnishings and decor have not been altered with in years, giving the place one of the most charming atmospheres of any pub I have had the pleasure visit. The place was really going off when we returned for our pint the following evening as a local women's group was there to share a potluck meal and have a go at darts - warm and inviting in the way that only the Welsh can welcome you. Chancing upon this place was a real treat and will remain as a very fond memory of my journey through Wales.

17 Oct 2010 16:41