The Druid Inn: Food at award-winning Flintshire pub
After closing down in June 2023, it was announced a month later that Jerry Brunning had purchased the historic Druid Inn, at Gorsedd near Holywell, for his Pubs Ltd group.
General manager Ray Faulder-Jones then stepped in to the role early last year before the pub - rumoured to date back to the 12th century - re-opened during in March 2024.
Now, one year on, the venue has become a vital community hub offering plenty of events and great food for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
As soon as I entered the Druid Inn, it was clear to see that it offers a cosy environment to its guests and, I have to say also, that staff members were very welcoming and attentive from the moment I stepped through the door.
I attended at around midday (having not done my usual of checking the menu beforehand!), so I was met with a surprise.
I'm your standard burger and chips/fish and chips man for the most part, but I thought I would go with something more adventurous this time around.
The candle-lit table for one was set and I noticed that there was also a brochure for the upcoming events at the pub also neatly tucked away on the table, again displaying the team's care for its community.
So, as I read about upcoming BBQ's and Beer and Cider Festival, I also made my choice of what I was going to eat.
For my starter, I opted for the wild mushroom and pearl barley risotto, with truffle oil and crispy onions (£9).
This reporter enjoyed a quiet meal for one at the Druid Inn! (Image: Newsquest) While, as I said, this was perhaps something I would not often go for, I very much enjoyed it.
For what was deemed as a starter, it was a more-than-generously sized portion that was full of flavour and the onions added a crispy twist to the delicateness of the risotto.
To accompany it, I had an ever-reliable Wrexham Lager - but for the true ale lovers there is a vast array of great dark and pale ale options to enjoy, and, of course, plenty of whisky, gins, wines and more to quench a guest's thirst also.
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For the main meal, I ordered the wild garlic gnocchi, with heritage tomatoes, summer vegetable fricassee and marinated feta (£17).
The gnocchi itself was absolutely delicious and the tomatoes accompanied it very well to offer up a taste sensation.
The vegetable fricassee in which it sat was also a delight and the feta topped off what was a wonderfully unique dish.
The main meal at the Druid Inn. (Image: Newsquest) It's worth pointing out that, although I enjoyed a meat free feast this time around, there are also plenty of traditional pub dishes on offer from steak and ale pie to beer battered haddock.
The two dishes I enjoyed were filling enough for me to skip dessert - but there are plenty of delights in that respect too, including a heavenly-sounding chocolate and almond cake with salted caramel ice cream.
As I paid for the bill, I was also handed a mini slice of home-made flapjack, which was a nice touch and, once again, lovely.
I enjoyed my short stay at what was a memorable venue all around, from the pub itself to the staff who made me feel welcome.
With regular Sunday morning strolls, farmers markets and live music options on offer, it's fair to say that the Druid Inn has become a home for the community in Gorsedd.
And it's national recognition this week is fully deserved too. Long may their success continue.
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