Nestled in the picturesque village of Porthdinllaen in Gwynedd, Wales, this much-loved pub with “fantastic character” makes for the perfect pit stop – but that’s if customers can even find it.
Sitting on the north coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, Ty Coch Inn is a quaint pub famed for its “cosy atmosphere” and picturesque settings. You can unwind indoors and hear the crashing of the waves outside. The sandy beach quite literally sits on its doorstep, making it the ideal spot for a day spent outdoors in the sunshine or after a long winter walk.
How to get there
Although, here’s the catch – the pub is only accessible via foot, as vehicle access is only available for residents. Visitors have to park further away with a charge, either in the National Trust car park or in the Golf Club’s car park.
The walk itself is around 20 minutes across the golf course, which it forms a part of. And, to make it all the more mysterious, Ty Coch Inn don’t take any form of reservations or table bookings, as their website states. So, it really is a free-for-all when it comes to catching even a glimpse of its traditional charm.
A TripAdvisor review from one pleased visitor says: “An hour’s walk along the coastal path from Nefyn to Ty Coch Porthdinllaen (Pub on the Beach) this afternoon – a very busy pub with fantastic character – good value for money food… Hosts are friendly and helpful, and there is fantastic entertainment by the Wee Celtic Band – regular music is played here during summer months. This place is so picturesque – a must-place to visit when visiting the Llyn Peninsula.”
The views
Another review claims: “Great location with beach views. The pub had speedy service and nice food. Highly recommend to others visiting the area.”
Meanwhile, one happy visitor called the pub a “hidden gem” they are sure to return to. They wrote: “If you like something quirky, off the beaten track and with a stunning location, then this is the place for you… The pub is hidden from view and involves a bracing walk (it certainly was on the day we visited) along the path from the golf club down into this secluded bay.
They went on to describe the inside interiors as “traditional” yet with an “unusual array of lamps” hanging from the ceiling inside, creating a “cosy” atmosphere. When it comes to the pub’s surroundings, it’s clear it does not fall short of beautiful.
They further described their trip, writing: “At first you’re captivated by the view and the azure blue of the sea, and it’s then you spot the name of the pub written on the slates on the rear of its roof… The beach is literally outside the front door, and our dog appreciated that and being welcome too.”
Food and beer
As for the fare itself, if you want to grab a bite to eat, it’s worth noting this little inn does not serve food in the evenings but instead between 12 and 2.30pm, making it the ideal lunch spot. According to TripAdvisor, they serve a range of pub lunch classics, from stacked sandwiches to jacket potatoes and salads that both locals and tourists have great things to say about.
One visitor said: “The setting is totally idyllic, along with the amazing food and wonderful staff.” Another chimed in to say: “
Although, not everyone has great things to say about their experience at this endearing drinks spot. A disgruntled visitor wrote: “Beer and drinks are served in paper cups, which ruins the experience a bit. The food menu is quite basic, with mainly sandwiches and pies plus a couple of chilli options, so we couldn’t find something everyone wanted to eat.
“There is no menu online, so unfortunately the offering did not meet expectations.” Others in agreement claim that the food is “standard”, but it seems they were still drawn in by the beer selection and postcard-worthy views.
For the beer-loving customers, many claim the place housed a wide range of draught beers and local beers for a true taste of Wales. A customer said the spot boasts a “brilliant choice of beers”, while another wrote, “fantastic range of beers available”.