CAMRA

Award winners are nominated and voted for by CAMRA members from a choice of nearly 200 recognised real ale pubs and clubs in the branch area.

Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend Pub of the Year 2024: The Pilot, Penarth

While The Pilot maintains its long-established reputation for high-quality food and wine, it has recently increased its emphasis on sourcing and serving up to 3 high quality ales in excellent condition, along with interesting craft alternatives. With always a friendly welcome, the interior is smart, comfortable and clean, there is pleasant seating outside at the front for sunny days, and the rear restaurant with its log fired stove is comfortable in the winter. Because of its popularity, booking is recommended for peak times. The front bar is dog-friendly until 6pm.

Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend Pub of the Year - "Highly Recommended" Awards

Plough & Harrow, Monknash

Renowned 14th-century pub, originally a monastic farmhouse, retaining many original features and with an eclectic furnishing style that is always a surprise to newcomers. Up to four real ales are available on handpump or gravity, with local breweries well supported. There is also a selection of ciders and perries from local producers. Good pub meals are cooked from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. The large beer garden hosts festivals and live music in summer. Four holiday apartments are available. Local branch Pub of the Year 2023.

Bears Head, Penarth

A Wetherspoon outlet right in the town centre with an extensive open-plan interior, and a smaller area upstairs comfortable for families. A mixed clientele enjoys a variety of up to eight ales, with Welsh breweries making regular appearances alongside the usual range. Over the last year or so the management team have concentrated on ordering quality ales that customers request, and keeping and serving them in perfect condition. The pub has a steady trade most of the week, with good value food available all day. Bear's Head is a rough translation of Penarth from Welsh - "pen" meaning "head" and "arth" meaning "bear".

Cross Inn, Cwmfelin

In an area where good real ales are hard to find, this friendly multi-roomed pub with its own green-energy-run Cerddin Brewery is a breath of fresh air. Cerddin is Welsh for Rowan tree which, in mythology, has magical properties. The pub is situated between Maesteg and Bridgend, with buses stopping at the front door and the railway station within walking distance. The 2019 and 2020 winner of the CAMRA branch Pub of the Year competition. Bar snacks available as are the brewery's bottle conditioned range.

Star Inn, Wick

Originally three farm cottages, the interior comprises a traditional bar with pew seating and a lounge/diner with flagstone flooring - both warmed by log burning fires - and an upstairs pool/function room. The friendly landlady, staff and locals make this a very pleasant place to visit. Good food available - the meat being supplied by an award-winning farm butcher situated a short distance away. Dogs are welcome in the bar. A former local CAMRA Pub of the Year.