The first pubs in Britain started to appear around the 1600s, birthing what would be become a cultural phenomenon unlike any other in the UK. Over the years pubs grew from being simple pit stops for weary travellers to the hearts of communities, towns and cities, creating a safe hub for all to use.

With all this history you'd think every bar across North Wales and beyond would have nailed the perfect atmosphere by now, but few seem to have that truly magically touch. One bar in Conwy however has proven itself time and time again to be able to retain some of that magic, despite being relatively young on the field.

The Albion in Conwy town centre was recently awarded the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) for the best pub in their Aberconwy region, meaning it's now competing to be named best in North Wales. As such we thought it best to pop down and see what all the fuss was about.

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Dating back to the 1920s, the pub is relatively young compared to some, but that doesn't mean it is without character. One thing the owners have done a fine job of is retaining the charming rustic appeal of the 1920s within the bar, so much so it is regarded as one of the finest examples of its kind in the whole of the UK.

While the sense of character pervades the building, it shines brightest in the bar and lounge areas. The bar, which is situated between the main room and a rear snug, is made of crisp wooden furnishings with a clock built in above the door, all as they would have been in the 1920s. Even four of the 10 hand pulls are originals.

The Albion in Conwy.
The Albion in Conwy.

It was from here I picked up a pint of an ale called Lemon Drop, which sounded quite summery. A handful of other customers were scattered around, but between myself and the lady behind the bar, we seemed to bring the average age down quite significantly.

This is clearly a popular spot for retired locals to pop round and enjoy their afternoon. Even after I took my pint out to the beer garden, I was soon followed by gaggle of older ladies, pints in hand, who soon cracked on with a game of cards. While they were doing a fine job in breaking sexist stereotypes, I couldn't help but have a nosey to see who was winning - though, in truth, I had no idea what they were playing.

Do you think Albion deserved to be named the best pub in Aberconwy? Let us know in the comments.

The distraction took me away from I had been doing a moment before though, enjoying my pint. Typically, I put ale aside during the summer months, finding it a little bit too heavy for the weather, but this Lemon Drop did a fine job changing my mind, tasting light and refreshing. A clear taste of lemon came through in the ale, it was by-and-far one of the nicest ales I've had in a long while.

It is no surprise I'd find such a good ale here, given the pub is owned by four of the most prestigious North Wales breweries, putting rivalries aside to simply offer a good solid pub. It wasn't just its unique interior that made the bar so appealing, but its customers too, there's a real sense of friendliness and community here.

Inside has a really unique rustic feel to it, that completely changes with the seasons.
Inside has a really unique rustic feel to it, that completely changes with the seasons.

For such a short visit, I was left with plenty to think about as I finished up my pint, dropping my empty glass at the bar (as all good patrons do.) Stuck on a corner in the small seaside town of Conwy is a pub you may overlook amid the hustle of modern life, but which offers the charm and class of a different era - and is all the better for it.

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