Plough & Harrow
Off Heol Las, Monknash, Vale Of Glamorgan
My favourite country pub, for many reasons: the beer, the food, the location, the people, the music, the Sunday lunches. It’s dog-friendly and has regular beer festivals, is a CAMRA-recognised pub and, of course, has a lovely beer garden with plenty of bird feeders. Perfect to sit and watch the wildlife at work.
Info: 01656 890209 / theploughmonknash.com
Pen & Wig
1 Park Grove, Cardiff
Priding themselves on their real ale sourced from numerous local breweries, the Pen & Wig is a city pub with a traditional country atmosphere. Their charming beer garden is in use all year round with the kitchen open till 10pm.
Info: 029 2037 1217 / www.classicinns.co.uk/penandwigcardiff
Llanthony Priory Hotel
Llanthony, nr Abergavenny
The tiny bar underneath the Priory Hotel, is small but perfectly formed – positioned in part of what was once the Llanthony Monastery and dating back to the 12th century. Probably best you stay overnight, as the various ciders and ales on offer are particularly strong, and you may well not make it to your car let alone home. An ideal base to explore the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside, and it’s only a couple of fields away from the haunted Skirrid Inn.
Info: 01873 890487 / www.llanthonyprioryhotel.co.uk
Hanbury Arms
Uskside, Caerleon, Newport
With an enormous beer garden displaying a front row view over Caerleon Bridge, this is a quintessential spot to de-stress in the sunshine. Located along the banks of the River Usk, the pub was a favourite of Lord Tennyson, who wrote some of his poetry there.
Info: 01633 420361 / www.sabrain.com/hanbury
The Plymouth Arms
St Fagans
One of the Vintage Inns in a small chain, which includes The Captains Wife (also a good beer garden next to the sea), the Plymouth fluctuates in its popularity but is often packed outside in the summer months. It nestles on the outskirts of Cardiff and is semi-rural in its location. Opposite St Fagans Museum, it’s a post-historic walk stopoff for a beer and a snack.
Info: 029 2056 9173 / www.vintageinn.co.uk