Branch meeting/social date: 21/06/2026

venues Y Banc: Watsons Ale House: The Kinsley

In attendance : Chris Charters, Dave Drew, Terry Taylor, David Strachan, Andy Towell and Graham Haslock

First place to visit: Y Banc at 2.00pm It served Ludlow: Gold and one changing ale, such as Butcombe: Original or Wye Valley: Butty Bach. This pub is a Nineteenth century bank building converted into a spacious open plan bar/restaurant, with a large covered patio area at the front. It is popular with locals and diners. Y Banc hosts regular quiz nights and occasional live music.

Second place to visit: Watson’s Ale House 2.25pm On arrival Chris Charters congratulated the landlord on being awarded the Radnorshire Sir Faesyfed CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year 2026. The news was greeted with enthusiasm and Chris negotiated a return visit in the Autumn (possibly to coincide with the pub’s ‘Halloween celebrations’) to formally present the award. The pub stated it will arrange for local press coverage. On a similar point it was announced that Radnorshire Sir Faesyfed CAMRA Club of the Year 2026 is the Llandrindod Wells Golf Club. GH to negotiate with the club to arrange a presentation event.

Watson’s pub had a number of interesting beers, ciders and perry available including Three Acre Brewery Best Bitter 4%; 4Ts Brewery Raging 3.9%: Ludlow Brewery Stairway 5.0%: Three Tuns Best 3.8%: Skyberry Cider 7%: Skyberry Perry 6.5% and during our visit Ludlow Black Knight 4.5%. All beers, ciders and perrys tasted were in good condition and the wide choice available was welcomed.

As part of the discussion it was noted that the Pant-y-Dwr pub - The Mid Wales Inn - seems to be closed at the moment. The establishment is owned by the current owners of the Elan Hotel Rhayader (which we visited in May) and there may or not be plans to reopen the Mid Wales Inn. At present not trading and agreed to alter the WhatPub information.

Chris and David Strachan discussed the CAMRA accounting process and David agreed to investigate the CAMRA COBAS system as his role of acting Treasurer of the branch.

It was agreed that in preparation for POTY/COTY Cider wards for next year, that GH would send out an email to all members asking for nominations for pubs and clubs in the various categories. In either the October or November meeting a short list will be drawn up and members will be assigned pubs/clubs to visit and score.

It was noted that Dave Drew and Terry Taylor are currently undertaking a review of pubs in our branch area and adjusting WhatPub information as appropriate. It was recognised in the meeting that these 2 members are putting in a great effort and have already visited a number of pubs which the branch has not reviewed for a considerable amount of time including the Wharf and The Radnorshire Arms Beguildy. It was noted that the Castle Inn at Knucklas is no longer functioning fully as a pub and is more B&B focussed. Non residents are apparently catered for at weekends. Its not known if they are keeping Real Ales.

Chris Charters welcomed Andy Towell to the meeting. Andy is a long serving member who has recently retired from full time work and he is planning to become more active in the branch again.

Third place to visit: The Kinsley 4.00pm Several members moved onto The Kinsey which had the draft beers Timothy Taylor: Bolt Maker and one changing ale, such as Wadworth: 6X. This is a traditional nineteenth century pub close to railway station and River Teme. It has a long narrow bar area with open fire. Side garden area overlooks Knighton Rugby ground. It is a quiet pub, family orientated with a garden.

Date of next meeting: it was agreed as planned in the May meeting to meet out of County next at Kington. The Old Tavern Kington – Saturday July 18th 2026 at 2.00pm.

Also the plan for August is the Harp Inn at New Radnor on Saturday 22nd August 2026

GH June 2026