Neuadd Fawr Arms, Cilycwm, LLANDOVERY, SA20 0ST [Map]
01550 721644http://www.neuadd-cilycwm.co.uk/ 
11-15, 18-23 MO-SA (varies); 12-22:30 SU
Accommodation, Car Park, Evening Meals, Real Fire, Lunchtime Meals, Quiet Bar

Keith re-checking our position on the map outside the pub, March 2002

Nestled in the upper reaches of the Towy River valley, around 5 miles north of Llandovery, you can safely say that the Neuadd Fawr Arms is 'out in the sticks.' Be best to purchase the local Ordnance Survey map of the area so you don't get lost! Really nice area, full of history and wildlife. Cil-y-cwm is a pleasant little hamlet noted for its mediaeval church with interesting wall paintings, the Ysgoldy Fach (the old school house) behind the church was one of Griffith Jones's Welsh Circulating Schools in the 18th century, and it's historic cobbled gutters. We walked to the pub from Caio, 5 miles to the west, and were treated to spectacular views of Red Kites circling above and Buzzards hunting. Had a bit of drama too on the walk to the pub. A group of horseriders galloped by us across the rough moorland, and then one of the riders suddenly fell, and their horse bolted off into the distance. Another rider scooped the injured person up onto their horse and they rode off in search of the missing horse. Two miles later, we came across the horse, and managed to escort it down to some folk who knew whose horse it was.

Anyhow, the Neuadd Fawr Arms, which translates as the 'Big Hall', has been a pub for several centuries although I'm told that it was once the offices of the Neuadd Fawr estate. It's certainly a very traditional pub, with big slate flagstone floors, very warming wood burners and a beamed ceiling. A comfortable bar with plenty of seats.

The real ale range varies but expect some decent welsh ales on sale. Basic bar food such as sandwiches and ham and eggs is available along with a more substantial restaurant menu using local produce wherever possible is also available in both the bar and separate restaurant. They quite often have theme nights (curry nights etc.)

Certainly popular with and well liked by the locals, Welsh is definitely the main language and yes they do put the rugby on the TV if there's a good match on. Don't be scared, service is friendly and certainly in my mind it's a decent traditional rural Welsh pub. Oh yes, and several traditional pub games are played including the local game 'tippet' and parlour racing. Ask them what 'tippet' is when you visit, and drop me an E-mail as i forgot to ask them while I was there!

Where shall we go now? Jim, Keith and Damian decide
over a very fine pint of Brains, March 2002