Pretty riverside pub crowned country’s best pub where customers arrive by boat

A Pembrokeshire pub has been crowned as the best in Wales by a prestigious guide and is now set to compete against the UK’s finest.

The Cresselly Arms in Cresswell Quay has earned this accolade as part of CAMRA’s (Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Year 2024 competition.

The Victorian public bar, which dates back to the 1880s, has retained much of its original charm over the years.

Not only is it Grade II listed, but its cosy farm kitchen interior, complete with a red and black quarry-tiled floor, roaring open cast-iron fireplace, and Victorian-era counter and bar-back shelves.

The Cresselly Arms can be reached by boat from the Milford Haven estuary or by paddleboard at high tide, and it’s just a short drive from Tenby. It’s also situated on several intriguing walking routes, making it a favourite spot for hikers.

This pub is a sanctuary for both locals and tourists, hosting community events and partnering with street food vendors like Feast Pembrokeshire and We Love Curry, while offering four superb cask beers.

On a bright summer’s day, the pub provides the perfect setting to watch the sun set over the estuary – that is, if you’re lucky enough to snag a table.

Given its prime location, it’s no surprise that this popular pub gets crowded when the weather is warm.

After battling it out to be the best pub in Wales, the Pembrokeshire pub will now go up against 16 others from regions across the UK to get the top spot.

Pubs in the competition are scored on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression, but most importantly – the quality of live beer, real cider and perry.

2023 saw the Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire secure the prestigious accolade of UK National Pub of the Year for a consecutive year following its 2022 triumph.

With the announcement of the Welsh champion, CAMRA is actively lobbying for enhanced planning protections for pubs throughout Wales and the UK in general.

Their campaign urges the Welsh Government to implement mandatory planning permissions before the repurposing or demolition of pubs, thereby empowering communities to safeguard their local venues from unwanted development efforts.

Andrea Briers, National Coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition, said: “These amazing pubs really are the creme de la creme and I would encourage the public to seek out the 17 winners from across the nations and regions of the UK they are top-tier pubs serving excellent beer, cider and perry, run by welcoming, hardworking staff.”

A spokesperson for the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “It’s also important to support your local all year round. With constant pressure from stubbornly high energy prices, fluctuating running costs and grossly unfair business rates threatening to drown pubs across the UK, it’s vital to get out and support the licensed trade.”

The following establishments are in the running for the prestigious title of the UK’s best pub in 2024:

• Central Southern – Bell Inn, Aldworth.
• East Anglia – Blackfriars Tavern, Great Yarmouth.
• East Midlands – Horse and Jockey, Stapleford.
• Greater Manchester – Northumberland Arms, Marple Bridge.
• Kent – Nelson Arms, Tonbridge.
• Greater London – Little Green Dragon, Winchmore Hill.
• Merseyside and Cheshire – Turks Head, St Helens.
• North East – Grey Horse, Consett.
• Northern Ireland – Dog and Duck, Lisbellaw.
• Scotland – Hillend Tavern, Dalgety Bay.
• South West – Crossways Inn, West Huntspill.
• Surrey and Sussex – Brickmakers Alehouse, Bexhill on Sea.
• Wessex – Woodman Inn, Bridport.
• West Midlands – Bailey Head, Oswestry.
• West Pennines – Black Horse, Preston.
• Yorkshire – Three B’s, Bridlington.