The Fox Inn named in Good Beer Guide for last decade

The Fox Inn, in Ysceifiog, near Holywell, has featured in the Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) book - published annually and listing what it considers to be the best 4,500 real ale outlets (pubs, clubs, and off-licences) in the United Kingdom. 

The content of the guide is decided upon by volunteers in CAMRA's 200-plus local branches.

READ MORE: Traditional Flintshire country pub The Fox Inn serving a warm welcome

Throughout the preceding year CAMRA members anonymously rate the quality of the cellarmanship of beer in venues using CAMRA's National Beer Scoring System through either WhatPub or the Good Beer Guide app. These scores are then reviewed by local volunteers in the spring who put forward those they consider to serve the best real ale.

Christopher Swallow, co-landlord of the pub alongside his wife, Alwena, said: "It's a huge honour for us to be named in the guide for 10 years on the run. 

"We took over the pub 11 years ago, so to have been named in it in 10 of these years is a great achievement for us and one we're very proud of."

The Fox Inn, Ysceifiog

When able to do so, the pub adapted throughout the pandemic, travelling to Cwrw Llŷn brewery in Nefyn, south Gwynedd, every couple of weeks to collect cask ales - which they sold on a takeaway basis from the pub. 

READ MORE: Wrexham pub named best in Wales 

"Doing this helped us stay alive during the pandemic," Christopher said. 

They were recently visited by CAMRA's Vale of Clwyd branch - which presented them with a certificate for their achievement. 

Landlord Christopher Swallow and wife, Alwena, the landlad, received a certificate to mark their achievement.

And people took to social media to praise Christopher and Alwena for their efforts.

One person said: "Congratulations to Chris and Alwena on the award.

"This pub is a little oasis of relaxation and good beer. We used to walk to it at the weekend while renting in the area several years ago. Happy memories."

Another added: "We’ve been a couple of times recently, great ales, lovely food and a great interior."