There’s nothing better than braving the elements with a bracing winter’s walk or cycle by the coast. What’s even better? Finding yourself (inexplicably) warming your bones in one of the traditional country pubs in Anglesey. What better way to reward yourself, we say! A cosy inn or tavern should be the end destination for any traveller; after all, the tavern has been a welcoming beacon for tired wanderers over the years, offering delicious food, warming ale and a cosy fire to toast yourself by.
So if you find yourself on our island over the winter months, and are either discovering it by bike or by foot, here are some pubs where you’ll find the best winter tipples and hearty winter grub to warm your cockles after a long day’s adventure:
The White Eagle
Here’s one to warm you up a little closer to home, the White Eagle is a Silver Bay favourite loved by visitors and residents alike. The White Eagle welcomes winter walkers with open arms and invites you to kick back and enjoy the comforting, delicious food and selection of quality ales. Alex Timpson, CEO and owner of this delightful Free House, created The White Eagle keeping her dream pub in mind. Alex has done a sterling job in creating a meeting place all the family can enjoy. A trip to the White Eagle is a perfect reward after a walk in the brisk coastal winds where you’ve worked up an appetite.
Walk from Silver Bay: 25 minutes Distance: 1.3 miles
Ship Inn, Red Wharf Bay
The Ship Inn is an Olde Worlde Inn set in a striking location right on the shore of Red Wharf Bay near Benllech on the northeast coast of Anglesey. A roaring log fire throughout the winter months is the perfect refuge from the cold outdoors. Here you can enjoy good food and real ales seven days a week. In true fisherman style, you can sample some of the 48 varieties of Whisky on offer. Now that’s a sure fire way to warm you from the cold Irish sea winds!
Cycle from Silver Bay: 2 hrs 11 mins Distance: 24 miles
The Black Lion Inn
The Black Lion Inn is a Grade II Listed, newly renovated 18th Century Inn situated on the North Coast of the island. It was renovated with careful consideration by new owners Leigh & Mari after it lay derelict for a period of about seven years. The Inn includes a cosy bar and dining room in the original part of the building. Plus a modern extension with additional dining area to the rear. If you have a four-legged friend joining you on your walk, dogs are more than welcome to join you in the bar area. This is another quirk which adds to the Black Lion magic.
https://twitter.com/Black_Lion_Inn/media
Walk from Silver Bay: 3 hrs Distance: 9.1 miles
Bulls Head Inn
Finally, the freehouse bar at the Bulls Head Inn on the South East Coast of Anglesey retains a traditional pub atmosphere with an Aladdin’s cave of interesting antiques and curiosities to feast your eyes upon, an open log fire and solid oak beams. A trip to the Bulls Head Inn is an experience that will give you a taste of Anglesey’s rich heritage. The delicious taste of excellent hand drawn real ales attracts visitors and loyal locals from miles around. The perfect end to a long day braving the elements.
Cycle from Silver Bay: 2 hrs 25 mins Distance: 28.5 miles
We hope that this blog post has offered you some inspiration to make the most out of winter days in Anglesey. There may be a nip in the air, but with beautiful scenery on your journey and a warm pub at the end of it, we think it’s worth it. Do you have any Anglesey drinking and dining gems that we haven’t shared here? Perhaps a family walk that always ends in a nice beer and a bite to eat? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter @silverbay_ and join in the conversation.