Three Cwmbran pubs are featured in the Campaign For Real Ale’s Good Beer Guide 2024. The independent guide is on sale now and features pubs from across the UK that “serve the best real ale”.
The three Cwmbran pubs are:
The Queen Inn- Upper Cwmbran
Gareth Edwards, landlord of The Queen Inn, said: “It’s an honour being one of the only pubs in Cwmbran to be in the good beer guide 18 times in the last twenty years. With beers from Mumbles Brewery always being on and a craft ale from Tiny Rebel, and the best selection of craft ciders, we’re looking to rack up a few more years yet.”
The guide says: “Attractive pub with a rural backdrop and bubbling mountain stream at its front. The popular menu is entirely plant-based with ingredients sourced from local producers. Where possible the ales are also vegan and supplied from a local brewery.”
The Bush- Upper Cwmbran
Rhys Bailey, landlord of The Bush said: “It’s great to be recognised by the guide and CAMRA members and be alongside the top ten per cent of pubs in the UK serving cask ale as decided by its members. This is the fifth year the pub has been included in the guide since I have been here. It’s nice for the team and to get recognition in an area of the pub we are passionate about.”
The guide says: “Cosy mountainside pub that was once four cottages before becoming the popular community hub it is today. Two distinct sections, both with fireplaces, cater for drinkers through the day and also for diners in evening (pizzas Tue and Fri, curries Wed, steaks Thu)
The John Fielding- Cwmbran town centre
The guide says: “It is a welcome outlet for real ale in the town, and the two changing guest ales accompanying the regular beers are often supplied by local breweries. Seasonal real ale festivals inject further variety during the year.”
Weird Dad Brewery Tap
Another Cwmbran link is the inclusion of Newport’s Weird Dad Brewery Tap. The owner is Lee Dunning, a Cwmbran resident. The guide says: “A short stroll from the city centre and Rodney Parade stadium, this brewery-tap-cum micropub has its own nanobrewery. The first of two small linked rooms contains a small bar dispensing cask and other live beers via handpull or gravity, alongside chillers offering interesting alternatives.”
The 2024 Good Beer Guide
The 2024 edition is the 51st one produced and features a striking cover and a foreword supplied by Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson. Dickinson’s foreword shines a spotlight on the cultural tradition of pubs within the United Kingdom, the importance of protecting the heritage, charm and welcoming nature of pubs and clubs, and not taking them for granted.
This year’s Guide contains 910 newly featured pubs.
CAMRA National Executive Ben Wilkinson said: “The recent, disgraceful events surrounding the Crooked House pub in the West Midlands captured the nation’s attention, but while that particular scandal made the national news, so many similar cases fly under the radar.
“CAMRA is responding on two fronts. Our Pub Heritage group is leading the way in safeguarding historic pubs, and fighting for them to be given the protection they deserve as part of our cultural heritage. But elsewhere, we’re working to expose the weaknesses in the planning system that affect all pubs.”
CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: “We’re honoured to have Bruce Dickinson pen the foreword for The Good Beer Guide 2024. As we enter our second half century of producing the Guide, there is no one better to introduce this year’s edition, and highlight what makes these institutions so worth visiting.
“The last few years have been an incredibly difficult time for the industry, and we need more support than ever before to keep our nation’s pubs and breweries open and thriving. I’d encourage everyone to use this year’s Guide to visit the very best pubs and breweries across the UK and support them for generations to come.”
Visit the CAMRA website to buy a copy of the 2024 guide.