The Cresselly Arms in Cresswell Quay has been named as the best pub in Wales as part of the Campaign for Real Ale’s prestigious Pub of the Year competition.

The recognition of pubs and their place in our communities has never been more important, as the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) continues to fight for stronger planning protections for pubs in Wales, calling on the Welsh Government to require planning permission to be granted before a pub can be converted into another use or demolished so that communities can have a chance to save their local if developers are trying to get rid of it against their wishes.

Situated on the Cresswell River, Pembrokeshire, stepping into this Grade II listed hostelry is like stepping back in time, says CAMRA. Dating back to the 1880s, the Victorian public bar has changed little over the centuries. 

The homely farm kitchen interior is of national historic interest, with a red and black quarry-tiled floor, roaring open cast-iron fireplace, Victorian-era counter and bar-back shelves held up by slender columns. 

Accessible by boat from the Milford Haven estuary at high tide and a short drive from Tenby, the pub also lies on a series of interesting walking routes, making it a popular destination for hikers. 

The Cresselly Arms is a haven for locals and tourists alike, staging community events and collaborating with local food outlets, while serving four excellent cask beers.

A total of 17 fantastic pubs have battled it out with thousands of pubs across the UK to be crowned the winner in their area. 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.

The regional and national finalists will now compete for the UK National Pub of the Year award, with judges whittling the 17 pubs down to just four in late September. CAMRA’s esteemed National Pub of the Year title is the topmost accolade the campaigning group can bestow upon a pub. The overall winner will be announced in January 2025. 

Andrea Briers, National Coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition, advises:  

“It’s 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.”