Is there anything better on a summer's day than a cold pint alongside a spot of food in a beer garden? Especially when that beer garden sits right on a beach. During a mini-break to the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales, my partner and I ventured to the celebrated Tŷ Coch Inn. Widely praised across social media platforms, it's even been crowned the finest seaside spot for a pint across the entire UK.
However, this isn't your typical pub - reaching it requires a 20-minute walk across a golf course. Yet, as we'd soon find out, every step was absolutely worthwhile.
The Journey to the Pub
Following the stunning coastal drive northward through the peninsula and the village of Morfa Nefyn, we arrived at the golf club where the road terminates. Though the club maintains its own car park - which had ample capacity during our Tuesday afternoon visit - it's restricted to members exclusively. Fortunately, a modest public pay and display facility sits just beyond the entrance. While space was plentiful on our midweek term-time visit, I'm told it becomes exceptionally congested during busy periods.
Along with our loyal dog Pippin, we embarked on the pleasant stroll through the golf course - naturally keeping to the designated footpath. Fortunately, conditions were glorious, offering spectacular vistas of the Irish Sea on both sides as the route guided us along a small peninsula extending northward into the Irish Sea.
Arriving at Tŷ Coch Inn
Before long, and without being struck by any wayward golf balls, a sign guided us to the right, and there it was. It's virtually impossible to miss – as you turn the corner, you find yourself level with the pub's rooftop, which conveniently bears its name. Heading down and around to the entrance, the pub's exterior is a striking rust-red hue, overlooking a gorgeous beach with breathtaking views towards the hills known as Yr Eifl, or the Rivals. A good number of patrons were seated at tables on the paved terrace and along the wall bordering the path, while others soaked up the beach atmosphere. The proximity of the beer garden to the shore gave parents the confidence to let their youngsters roam freely, while remaining close enough to intervene if necessary.
Despite being busy, we managed to secure a table, and my partner and Pippin settled in while I headed inside. The interior revealed a quintessential cosy Welsh pub atmosphere, complete with a wood-panelled bar and a scattering of small tables and chairs. It's not the most expansive pub I've visited, but on a day like this, few guests seemed inclined to remain indoors.
Food and Drink
Having both built up a considerable thirst, I opted for two pints of locally-brewed Snowden cider – perfectly suited to the sweltering conditions. The staff enquired whether we intended to take our drinks down to the beach, noting that paper cups would be provided instead of glasses. As we'd ordered food, I declined, but it's a good touch to know the option exists.
While queuing at the bar, fellow patrons helpfully directed me towards the second counter beside the kitchen where food orders are taken. The pub's kitchen operates solely between midday and 4pm throughout the summer months - making it unsuitable for evening dining - and our visit came later in the afternoon, though fortunately there remained ample choice available.
I selected a cheese sandwich for myself and, having been entrusted with choosing something my partner would enjoy, ordered a ham sandwich for her. Fortunately, this decision proved satisfactory. It appeared we'd arrived just in time as the staff member informed me I was getting 'the last of my bread'.
I received a wooden spoon bearing our order number to ensure the food reached us, and before long it had arrived at our table, presented in wooden boxes, accompanied by a portion of coleslaw and crisps on the side. Both sandwiches, sliced into diagonal quarters, came in delicious seeded bread. Mine was generously filled with grated cheese, while my partner was impressed by the quality of the sliced ham in hers.
Conclusion
Following our pints and late lunch, plus a brief stroll along the beach, we returned to the car via the golf course. The return path inclines uphill, though only gradually, and proved a pleasant leisurely walk, ideal after a pint and some food.
It's evident why the establishment receives such high praise. Should you find yourself in the vicinity, this is one venue not to be overlooked.
