Radnorshire CAMRA members visit to the Severn Arms in Penybont

When we arrived a front door notice said "No Food", so Colin left early to buy food. The management and staff were away for the day, leaving a retired pub owner to stand in who was a very friendly and knowledgeable fella. Butty Bach was ordered but it was then noticed it was cloudy even though it tasted OK. Next we had the only other choice WyeValley HPA. That was fine. When we went back for another HPA, this was as cloudy as the Butty had been, but again tasted OK. The question was asked about opening new barrels but was told they needed five hours to clear. This is one of our member's local and he informed them we would be there. However 24 hours before the visit he received an email stating that we should not visit. On questioning this it became clear that they 'thought' we would want to inspect the cellars. This was all sorted when it was made clear that we had no interest in viewing the cellar.

Sadly however they had left the temp. barman with two almost finished barrels and new ones not ready to open. As a CAMRA visit to enjoy cask ales in a Radnorshire pub this was a very disappointing experience. There were no well presented real ales on offer, no food and not even a lit fire.

RadnorshireCAMRA Awards Day for LLandrindod Wells Oct 05 2024. Local members Chris. Terry, Graham, Dave G, and Tony (a non-member) met at the Temple Bar in Llandrindod Wells. and went straight to our reserved big table at the Temple Bar The Butty Bach was soon replaced by London Pride, with HPA and a 3 Tuns also available. Then owner John was presented with his Licensee Pack for GBG 2025, probably the first time he has been in it. "The icing on the cake was two bowls of chips between us, with a scoop of mayonnaise on one and a bucket of tomato sauce on the other. Tony was on a no chips diet, so more for us".

Then everyone went onto Arvon Ales just 75 meters up the road. There were 3 Wye valley beers to choose from and another three from various breweries including Kinver and Green Duck. There has been a minor change of management, but it looks like it will stay as it is. Manager Christine was presented with their GBG 2025 Licensee Pack. The first one since John and Laura sold the place.

Radnorshire CAMRA members Chris, David, Terry and Dave Gill shared a car to the pub. Colin and a neighbour arriving later. The beers on offer were :- One from 3 Tuns, which most of us drank and was fine and  Ludlow Gold. There were ham or cheese baps on the bar, so that was lunch sorted, with extra crisps or chips available. David got a lift home with Colin and neighbour, while we three stayed for another pint.