Wales

Penrhyn Arms

Penrhynside, Conwy

Ex-grave digger John Sumbland brought a "dead" pub to life when he and wife Sharon bought the Penrhyn Arms. It was a pub they knew well: John had worked in it one day a week since he was old enough to drink, and care worker Sharon regularly had a drink with him on the other side of the bar.

But when John was left in charge of the pub for two weeks' holiday relief, the experience convinced him and Sharon that it was the place to spend their future together.

Goodbye karaoke, hello more ales

Out went the karaoke, in came four more cask ales to supplement the standard fare of Banks's and Marston's Pedigree. Local ciders and a perry were also introduced.

The result? Beer barrelage up from three to six barrels a week and a wide-ranging clientele. Customers include "beer tickers" from the local Camra, holidaymakers, sports fanatics lured by big screen rugby and soccer coverage, and also the local chief of police.

Going for the unusual

John comments: "The beers and ciders are the big pulling points, and we try to feature some of the more unusual beers from both Welsh and English breweries. We normally have a couple of dark beers on and a strong one in the winter, plus a lighter beer and also beers brewed with honey or heather.

"We also have at least three ciders on and as many as five sometimes. We don't do food, but customers are welcome to bring in their own."

Ciders reap an award

The Penrhyn Arms' range of ciders, many from Gwatkin, has just helped clinch a runners-up award in the Camra cider and perry pub of the year competition. The Arms is also a regular winner in the local Camra branch's awards schemes.

New beers are listed along with tasting notes on the pub's website, while on the wall is a gallery of signed pictures of well-known drinkers including George Best and Oliver Reed.

John says the Arm's popularity is down to teamwork, which has helped the pub record a 20% year-on-year increase in sales.