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I love pubs like the Cornmill - modern, lively, sassy and with a story to tell. If location itself made a perfect pub then the Cornmill, Llangollen would be a worthy winner of the whole competition. A former 18th century corn mill, which had fallen on hard times, it has been recently converted into a stunning pub, built around the water wheel which once again relentlessly turns after a quarter of a century of dereliction. It is fine example of a new pub development which has helped kickstart the regeneration of an area.
Inside it a delight of stairs, floors and seating areas. The brave at heart can stand on a glass floor and watch the River Dee race by beneath. Outside, the decks stand proud over the thrusting rapids. On a good day they are a fabulous place to sit and watch the steam trains arrive and depart from the Llangollen railway station opposite, marvelling at the romance of the age of steam.
Six real ales are sold - from an ever-changing list. For it is a proper pub, proud to sell British beer. I tried the Facer's Bitter with its wonderful orange notes, which paired superbly with the Welsh sausage and mash.
Mountains and hills rise all around, and the smell of ozone fills the air. And even on one of those days when the mist clung to the side of the hills it was still a stunning place to be.
The Cornmill,
Dee Lane,
Llangollen
LL20 8PN
Tel: 01978 869555
www.cornmill-llangollen.co.uk
Tourist information: www.llangollen.org.uk
"In July the town hosts the International Eisteddfod, a massive music festival where choirs from some fifty different countries compete, plus jazz festivals, food weeks and international canoeing competitions and the delights of the Llangollen Railway."
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Regional Winners 2006
Overall Winners 2005
Regional Winners 2005
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