What to Drink at a Traditional Welsh Pub
If you’re visiting Wales for the first time, or even if you’ve been coming for years, there’s something about walking into a proper Welsh pub that just hits differently. The atmosphere, the locals, the bar. It’s a different experience to what you’d get in a city centre bar or a chain pub off a motorway.
And a big part of that experience is knowing what to order. Wales has a genuinely interesting drinks culture, with real ales, local spirits and a growing craft scene that’s well worth exploring. Here’s a straightforward guide to what to drink when you find yourself in a traditional Welsh pub.
Start with a real ale
Real ale is where Welsh pub culture really shines. Wales has a strong brewing tradition and there are some seriously good ales coming out of the region. If you’re not a regular real ale drinker, a traditional Welsh pub is one of the best places to start.
Look out for ales from Welsh breweries. They tend to be well-balanced, full of flavour and a world away from a generic lager. Ask the bar staff what’s on and what they’d recommend. In a good local, they’ll actually know.
At the Coach & Horses in Abergavenny, real ales are a staple of the bar. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time with a pint and actually enjoy it.
Welsh spirits are worth your attention
The Welsh craft spirits scene has grown a lot in recent years. Welsh gin in particular has had a real moment, with distilleries across the country producing some genuinely excellent bottles using local botanicals.
Welsh whisky is also making a name for itself. Penderyn is the most well-known distillery and has put Welsh whisky firmly on the map internationally. If you haven’t tried it, a traditional Welsh pub is the right place to do it.
Beyond gin and whisky, keep an eye out for locally produced vodkas and liqueurs. The local angle matters here. Drinking something made in Wales, in a Welsh pub, in a Welsh market town is a different experience to drinking a generic spirit you could find anywhere.
What about lager and cider?
Not everyone wants a real ale, and that’s fine. A good Welsh pub will have a solid range of draught lagers alongside the ales. Cider is also big in this part of the world, sitting as it does right on the border with Herefordshire, one of the most famous cider-producing regions in the country.
If you’re in Abergavenny and fancy a cold pint on a warm day, the beer garden at the Coach & Horses is one of the best spots in town to enjoy it. Outdoor bar, plenty of space and a relaxed atmosphere that’s hard to beat in summer.
Non-alcoholic options in a Welsh pub
The non-alcoholic drinks scene has improved massively across the board and Welsh pubs are no exception. Most good locals will carry 0% beers, soft drinks and mixers that actually taste decent rather than feeling like an afterthought.
If you’re driving back through the Brecon Beacons after a day out, or just not drinking, you shouldn’t feel like you’re missing out. A good bar makes everyone feel welcome regardless of what’s in the glass.
Where to drink in Abergavenny
Abergavenny is one of those towns that rewards exploring on foot. It’s compact, friendly and has a genuinely good pub scene for its size. If you’re visiting the Brecon Beacons, passing through on a walking trip or just looking for a decent night out in South Wales, it’s well worth a stop.
The Coach & Horses has been part of the town for over 50 years. It’s a proper local with a great drinks selection, live music, a big beer garden and the kind of atmosphere that’s hard to manufacture. It’s the real thing.
Whether you’re a real ale enthusiast, a casual pint drinker or just curious about what Welsh pub culture is all about, it’s a great place to find out. Check what’s on before you visit or just turn up and see what the night brings.
Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Frequently asked questions
What should I drink at a traditional Welsh pub?
Real ale is a great place to start. Wales has a strong brewing tradition and most good locals will have a solid selection on draught. Welsh gin and whisky are also worth trying if you want to explore local spirits.
Is real ale popular in Wales?
Yes, real ale has deep roots in Welsh pub culture. There are some excellent Welsh breweries producing well-crafted ales that are a step up from anything you’d find in a generic bar.
What Welsh spirits are worth trying?
Welsh gin has had a big moment in recent years, with local distilleries using native botanicals. Welsh whisky is also worth exploring, with Penderyn being the most recognised name internationally.
Where is a good bar in Abergavenny?
The Coach & Horses is one of Abergavenny’s most well-known bars, with over 50 years of history, a great drinks selection including real ales and local Welsh drinks, and a proper pub atmosphere.