Boars Head — Restaurant in Wales

We had an evening here a few nights ago, as part of a large group that was celebrating a birthday. I thought it was OK, but really nothing special.

Firstly, the atmosphere and general look of the place (as with most establishments) is governed by its size and shape. This is a really old pub, which means lots of smaller rooms and period features. On the one hand, this can give a snug & cozy feel. On the other, it can feel a little cramped in a crowd and all a bit dingy, owing to the beams and dark timbers. This isn't any more of a criticism as an observation and no reflection on the pub as a whole.

The things you can judge a pub on are the food, drinks & service. So starting with the drinks...

They have a fair selection of guest ales, ciders & beers, not all of which you'll recognise by name, but all still perfectly palatable pints. There is the usual in terms of spirits and a small wine selection (red and um... white). The average price of a pint was between £3 & £4, which is about the going rate for anywhere around here.

The food is definitely where it lost marks for me because I'm something of a foody and it just really wasn't that great. There was a very limited selection of starters & mains (maybe because of the size of the group, maybe not) which was priced at about £4 for a starter and around £11 for a main.

To be fair, I don't think this is extortionate, but the general consensus around the table for the selection of dishes ordered was "it's alright" or "it's OK", which suggested that everyone was a bit underwhelmed, value for money wasn't really there and there's little worse than paying for a meal that you know you could do better at home.

The definite saving grace of the night was the service. The barstaff, waitresses and all involved were great. I found everyone to be polite, friendly and professionally efficient and they seemed spot on with everything, dealing with the busy periods really well and I think they helped create a better ambience overall.

In summary, not terrible at all, just not that...

Perfect pub for all. It's rustic yet up to the best in high tech payments and separated luncheon/dinner /snack room. Also has a very real olde dining room, silver service. Real ale and locally sourced guest beers. The bar staff cannot be more genial and gererous, with out being pushy. Historic pub and hotel dating to the very earliest days of passenger rail travel. A thatched outside area with comfy chairs you just sink into, smoking allowed in this area, but you don't have to be a smoker to enjoy this area, just listen to all professionals, managers, traders, ground floor workers, everyone is equal. Further outside is a large garden /play area, built with sustainable fallen trees and stumps, expertly crafted by patrons and visitors. Clean and easy going. You will talk to anyone, i guaranty. Also marvel at the various animals dotted around, all carved by hand and chainsaw. You may be lucky enough to visit whilst the artist works away, and watch the composition evolve. Drinking and chatting to him/her is welcome. I cannot recommend The Boars head enough, I could wax on lirically for hours. No dinging machines, small unobstructed TV, s for sports occasions and two well loved landlords, young and approachable. I would give the people and the place ten out of ten if I could, if nearby you must call in. Dress as you please, mostly jeans, shorts t-shirt, or whatever else, as long as its decent. A MUST...

FAB FAB FAB, , Each time I have been to THE BOARS HEAD . IF its just a table for 2 AS a family OR Son wife and our Grandchildren OR with OUR other Sons and Daughter in laws. In the week weekend thier is Always a friendly welcome by STAFF AND THE OWNERS OF THE PREMISES ..OUR GRANDCHILDREN LOVE THE PLACE. EVERY TIME WE HAVE BEEN NEVER MIND 5 ALWAYS A 10 AFTERNOON TEA. COFFEE LATTAS CAPPUCCINO AND THE CAKES mmmm ONLY THING I AINT TRYED IS BREAKFAST AND THAT WILL BE WITH MY MUM OH YES TIFFANY STYLE WE'LL BE HAVING 10 ' 10' 10' ALL THE WAY .SUNDAY LUNCH YOU'LL WONA LICK YOUR...