There is absolutely nothing: and I mean nothing: that beats the feeling of sitting back with a cold pint after a long day of work. Whether that work involves hiking up the literal side of a mountain or, in my case today, debating with a contractor about the exact shade of grey for the slate floors in our 16th-century Inn restoration, the reward is the same.
Living at Rhiw Goch Inn (LL41 4UY) means I’m spoiled for choice when the sun starts to dip behind the Rhinogydd mountains. I’ve spent more time than I care to admit “researching” the local pub scene to make sure our guests have the best recommendations. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta eat all those burgers.
If you’re planning your holiday in North Wales, specifically around the Trawsfynydd and Snowdonia (Eryri) area, you’re in for a treat. We aren't just about the scenery here (though, let’s be honest, the views are world-class); we’re about hearty, soul-warming food and proper Welsh hospitality.
Here are six of my absolute favourite spots for a burger, a brew, and a view, all within an hour’s drive of our front door.
1. The Cross Foxes, Trawsfynydd
Distance from Rhiw Goch Inn: 5 minutes (or a very scenic walk)
Address: Trawsfynydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 4SA
This is our local. If you want the "proper" Welsh village pub experience, this is it. It’s unpretentious, warm, and exactly where you want to be on a Tuesday night when you don't feel like cooking in your holiday apartment.
The burgers here are honest: no truffle oil or gold leaf, just high-quality local beef and a bun that can handle the weight. It’s the kind of place where the locals will give you a nod, and the fire is always crackling. It’s perfect for a low-key evening after exploring the Trawsfynydd lake.
2. Plas Weunydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog
Distance from Rhiw Goch Inn: 12 minutes
Address: Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 3NB
Now, if you want a view that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set, head up the road to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Plas Weunydd is perched right on the edge of the Llechwedd slate caverns. The industrial, rugged beauty of the slate mountains is something else entirely.
Their bar serves some fantastic Welsh craft beers, and the food is a step up into "gourmet pub" territory. Sitting on their terrace overlooking the quarry while the sun sets over the peaks? Pure magic. It’s a great spot to hit if you’ve spent the afternoon at Zip World or mountain biking the trails at Coed y Brenin.
3. The Australia (Purple Moose Brewery), Porthmadog
Distance from Rhiw Goch Inn: 25 minutes
Address: 31-35 High St, Porthmadog, LL49 9LR
You cannot come to this part of the world and not try a Purple Moose beer. They are the legends of the local brewing scene. The Australia is their flagship pub in Porthmadog, and it is a craft beer lover’s paradise.
I usually go for a pint of 'Ysgawen' (Elderflower Ale) or the classic 'Snowdonia Ale'. They have a solid menu of burgers and pub classics that pair perfectly with their brew list. Porthmadog is a lovely harbour town, so you can walk off the calories with a stroll along the Cob before heading back to the peace and quiet of the Inn.
4. The Grapes Hotel, Maentwrog
Distance from Rhiw Goch Inn: 8 minutes
Address: Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 3HY
This place is steeped in history, just like us. It’s a 17th-century coaching inn situated in the beautiful Vale of Ffestiniog. The setting is incredibly lush and green, a stark contrast to the slate mountains just a few miles away.
The Grapes has a fantastic tiered terrace. I love coming here in the early evening. The food is consistently excellent, and they often have local guest ales on tap. It’s one of those spots that feels quintessentially "North Wales."
5. Y Gwynedd Bar & Bistro, Llanberis
Distance from Rhiw Goch Inn: 45 minutes
Address: High St, Llanberis, Caernarfon, LL55 4SU
If you’re heading over towards Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) for the day, you have to stop at Y Gwynedd. It’s legendary among hikers. After you’ve tackled the summit, there is no better reward than one of their famous burgers.
It’s a bit further out, but the drive through the Llanberis Pass is one of the most beautiful in the world: I promise you won't mind the 45-minute journey. Plus, if you're here around June 6th-7th, 2026, you might see the crowds gathering for the Snowdon at Night charity trek. The atmosphere in Llanberis during these events is electric!
6. Rhiw Goch Inn (Right Here!)
Address: Trawsfynydd, Gwynedd, LL41 4UY
I might be biased, but sometimes the best "brew and view" is the one you don't have to drive to. While we are still in the process of restoring the main tavern building to its former 16th-century glory (it’s going to be epic, trust me), our guests at the Lodge House and the Hideaway already have the best seats in the house.
If you’re staying at our Snowdonia campsite, you can grab a local bottle from the shop, fire up the BBQ, and watch the sun set over the Rhinogydd mountains right from your pitch. We have five electric gravel pitches and plenty of space for tents, all with direct access to the walks that make people fall in love with this region.
What’s Happening Locally?
If you're visiting us this week (early June 2026), things are buzzing!
- Charity Treks: As mentioned, the Snowdon at Night climb for the MS Trust is happening this weekend (June 6-7). You’ll see plenty of headlamps bobbing up the mountain if you’re out late!
- Outdoor Challenges: The Ultra Wales 50 is coming up on June 20th, starting at Coed y Brenin. If you’re a runner (or just like watching people do things that look incredibly painful), it’s a great event to check out.
Why Stay With Us?
Whether you’re here for the mountain biking at Coed y Brenin, the hiking up Snowdon, or just to hide away from the world for a bit, Rhiw Goch Inn is perfectly positioned. We are right on the A470, making it easy to reach all these spots, but we’re tucked away enough that all you’ll hear at night is the wind in the trees and the occasional sheep.
Our Lodge House is perfect for families, with underfloor heating (essential for Welsh "summers"!) and a luxury bath that is basically a religious experience after a long walk.
Ready to book your Snowdonia escape?
Head over to www.rhiwgochinn.co.uk to check our availability for the summer. We’d love to have you.
Cheers,
Peter Dive
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