The West Arms has been crowned the National Pub & Bar of the Year for Wales
The West Arms – a characterful 16th century pub located in the hidden Ceiriog Valley – has been officially declared best pub in Wales by the National Pub & Bar Awards 2022.
Commenting on the win to Walesonline, owners Mark and Nicky Williamson said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the award, it is a great privilege to be recognised, we have got a fantastic team here.”
Best pub in Wales
Nicky spoke about the beauty of the pub. She said: “It is a bit of a hidden gem, people don’t find it unless they know about it. it has got the most amazing beer garden, which we always say is probably the best beer garden in the world. The garden looks straight out over the Berwyn mountains. It is incredibly tranquil out there.”
The West Arms can cater for all weathers with the stunning beer garden for summer days and then six fireplaces to cosy up in front of during the winter.
Nicky has worked in hospitality across the world and four years ago returned home to Wales and took over the pub with her partner.
Situated in the sleepy village of Llanarmon The West Arms is just 20 mins from the town of Llangollen. The pub features an award-winning bar and restaurant, 16 characterful bedrooms which reflect the history of the inn and an unrivalled beer garden (recently upgraded) and fit for unique away days and small functions.

The National Pub & Bar Awards brought together 94 pubs and bars from across the UK, each one having been awarded the title for the best in their county. From these, 15 Regional Winners were selected (see below) before The Frogmill was crowned the National Winner.
The awards were sponsored by Cawston Press, graze, Hellmann’s, Kegstar, Lamb Weston, Kingfisher, Knorr, The Real English Drinks Distillery and St. Pierre.
The National Pub & Bar Awards 2022 Winners
East Midlands – The Radcliffe, Nottinghamshire
East of England – Galvin Green Man, Essex
London – Blue Boar Pub, Greater London
North East – Three Mile, Tyne and Wear
North West – The Black Bull, Sedbergh, Cumbria
Northern Ireland – Granny Annie’s, Derry
North West Scotland – Macgochans Pub & Kitchen, Argyll and Bute
North East Scotland – Vic St Andrews, Fife
South East Scotland – Malones Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh
South West Scotland – The Upstairs Bar at Ubiquitous Chip, City of Glasgow
South East – The Cricketers Inn, Curdridge, Hampshire
South West – The Frogmill, Gloucestershire
Wales – The West Arms Country Inn, Clwyd
West Midlands – The Riverside at Aymestrey, Herefordshire
Yorkshire and the Humber – The Punch Bowl, Marton-cum-Grafton, North Yorkshire
Unilever Pub Chef of the Year – Andy Link, The Riverside at Aymestrey
Bartender of the Year – Harry Featherstone, The Red Lion, Cranford
Kegstar Taproom of the Year – Bowland Beer Hall, Clitheroe
Pub Brand of the Year – Brewhouse & Kitchen
Bar Brand of the Year – Revolution