Finding a good pub to suit every one of my pals (and to keep them happy) can be a bit of ordeal In my case. One just wants a drink and doesn't care where he does it, another won't drink at any bar with a reputation - just or otherwise - for being a 'dive' and a third always wants to eat.
Fortunately the Golden Fleece in Tremadog, Gwynedd ticks the boxes for all three of these friends - and that's not all...but more on that later. With a name like the Golden Fleece you'd expect to step into this pub and find burly Greek sailors, walls adorned to match the Argo and a man called Jason behind the bar yet, that couldn't be further from the truth (and to be honest, if anyone knows of a pub in North Wales remotely like the one I've just described, please drop me a line so I can go and visit next week).
In fact, what you'll find inside the 'Fleece' is a stylishly modern pub with plant adorned walls, neon signs and cosy cubby holes. Stepping through the various rooms of this pub can feel like stepping through several different venues, with modern décor one moment and period the next.
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It is clear to see why in years gone by it has been a popular watering hole for singer Paul Heaton from the Housemartins, and has attracted two iconic Strictly Come Dancing judges. An announcement earlier this year shocked many locals in the village of Tremadog, where the venue's based, when Owner Stuart Nashir-Hallard put the business up for sale, after transforming it over the last 21 years for a whopping £2.5million.
Though he was keen to stress it wasn't because of the challenges many pubs are facing because of the economic climate, but rather to concentrate on his other businesses and spend more time with his family. The venue remains up for sale, but is still open, active and busy in the meantime, as such I popped down to give it a try.
![The beer garden is the perfect sun-trap, but don't worry shelter is available.](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article27039358.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Golden-Fleece-pub-review.jpg)
Arriving early afternoon I'd successfully missed the lunchtime rush and was met with a largely empty venue, and after briefly considering sitting outside - I decided against it thanks to Porthmadog's recent high temperature - I plonked myself down indoors. Though no sooner had I settled, like the mythical leviathan (well, sort of), I had to rear myself from the depths of my seat again in order to place my order at the bar.
I already had a firm idea what drink I fancied after seeing it advertised on their Facebook page. It was a stylish cocktail with a ball of liquid smoke that burst when touched. I wasn't exactly sure what was in it but was told the liquids inside this mystical concoction were on the 'stronger end' of the alcohol scale. As a result, I thought it'd be best to have a meander over the lunchtime menu to help wash it down.
Opting for what may well be the most unusual food pairing of all time, I went for classic workman's lunch of a Ham Ploughman's Salad. Sitting on the table together with my rather exotic choice of tipple, I was reminded of the the iconic Billy Joel song Uptown Girl...only in this situation, I was simultaneously the 'downtown boy' and the 'uptown girl' given my rather opposing food and drink options.
Unusual pairings aside, I got back to my table I tucked into my mixed variety lunch. The ploughman had a great mix of pieces in it, ranging from freshly baked bread, massive slices of ham and all the salad, pickled onions and toppings you'd want. They were even able to do it dairy free for me, which was huge bonus for me, as typically cheese is a huge part of this kind of lunch, and I didn't feel like it was missing here.
![The Golden Fleece's Ham Ploughman's lunch.](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article27039359.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Golden-Fleece-pub-review.jpg)
As for the cocktail though, I can only refer to it as dangerous, the kind of drink that is so sweet and tasty that you forget you're drinking alcohol and before you know it you're stood at a 90 degree and singing renditions of Uptown Girl your friends certainly didn't ask for. That said, it was absolutely superb, and while I certainly wanted more, I had to restrain myself - though it seems cocktail mastery is another feather in the Golden Fleece's cap.
It has to be said the staff were on point throughout as well, the team all seem to be having a genuinely good time filling their roles. It is clear to see why the Golden Fleece Inn was the County Winner for Gwynedd in last years Pub and Bar Awards. After a sun soaked and filling trip to the Golden Fleece I had only one gripe to bare - that I couldn't come again tomorrow.
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