YouTuber's Surprise Pint Experience in Notorious Rhyl
Danny, the creator behind the Honest Places YouTube channel, embarked on a journey to North Wales, specifically targeting the coastal towns of Llandudno and Rhyl. The latter has garnered a notorious reputation, often labelled as one of Britain's worst seaside resorts and even nicknamed "Costa Del Dole" due to its economic struggles.
A Town with a Troubled Past
Rhyl, once a bustling tourist hotspot, now presents a landscape dotted with abandoned buildings and permanently closed establishments. Its iconic pier, funfair, and shopping centre have faded into distant memory, leaving a stark contrast to its former glory. The Telegraph famously listed it among the worst seaside resorts three years ago, describing it as "Blackpool after a neutron bomb." Danny echoed this sentiment in his video title, calling it "Britain's saddest seaside town."
However, upon arrival, Danny's perspective shifted. He expressed feeling unexpectedly at home, stating, "We have come to Rhyl because I felt a bit too out of place in Llandudno. I feel actually at home in Rhyl." He defended the town's character, arguing, "This is a real British seaside town. Most of them are s*** and that is a real seaside town."
Pub Crawl Reveals Hidden Gems
Danny and a friend explored several traditional boozers in Rhyl, seeking out establishments brimming with local character. Their first stop was the Victory Club on Queen Street, a venue that has served drinkers for over seven decades. While Danny wasn't particularly impressed with his pint of Caffrey's Stout, he acknowledged the pub's charm, with his companion noting it was "tidy and reasonably cheap" at around £4 a pint.
They then considered The Bodfor, drawn by booming music that reminded Danny of Benidorm, but opted for the Imperial Hotel pub instead. Danny described it as stepping into someone's front room, a cozy and authentic setting.
The Stunning £2.70 Pint Revelation
At the Imperial Hotel, Danny decided to try his first-ever pint of Fosters. He marveled at the drink's appearance, commenting, "That head is beautiful! I don't think I've had better head." After tasting it, he found it surprisingly enjoyable, with his friend noting it was a good example of a "fizzy, cold, tasteless pint."
The real shock came when they inquired about the price. Discovering the pint cost just £2.70, Danny enthused, "Granted, it's Fosters. But at that price, you can't kick off. That's got to be a 10/10." His friend added that one could have a great night out in Rhyl with just a tenner and some loose change, highlighting the affordability that defies the town's grim reputation.
Contrasting Views on Rhyl's Future
After their pub crawl, Danny reflected, "We got some nice little tasty pubs, we saw Rhyl, it hasn't changed. I don't think it will change." This pessimistic outlook contrasts with recent reports of regeneration efforts. Denbighshire County Council has indicated that Rhyl, which boasts four beaches, is undergoing transformation thanks to £200 million invested over the past decade.
Additionally, three years ago, the town benefited from a £20 million injection from the government's Levelling Up fund, aimed at revitalizing areas left behind. Despite these investments, Danny's experience suggests that Rhyl's core character—a mix of decay and resilient, affordable hospitality—remains intact, offering a unique glimpse into what he calls a "real" British seaside town.
