17-05-2025
I went to one of the oldest pubs in Wales and the 'small' fish dwarfed the plate
The Owain Glyndwr Hotel in Corwen has been around in one form or another, since before the 1400 Welsh Revolt against the rule of Henry IV of England. The main structure of the hotel dates back to 1740, with some parts going back to the 14th century when it was a former monastery.
The OG (as it is known locally) was the site of the first ever National Eisteddfod in 1789, but there were real fears that the historic Grade II listed building would be lost to the town, after it had been on sale for three years with no takers. However, the local community stepped in with a fundraising committee raising £164,000 through sales of shares, a figure boosted by a grant for £452,700 from the UK Government's Community Ownership Fund.
Volunteers helped to get the top bar ready and the hotel reopened to the public last year with Daf and Pam Morris in charge.
There is a small snug bar is to the right of the entrance hall with an open fire and room for two tables.
To the rear of the hotel is the larger 1329 restaurant area with extra tables situated in the wide hallway.
There is also a bottom bar with two televisions, a pool table and a darts board.
Framed pictures of Owain Glyndwr are displayed proudly on the wall along with old saddles and a yard of ale glass.
We were sat on old red cushioned benches underneath dark oak tables with a sense of history pouring out of each knot of wood.
You can even see Corwen church directly through the back windows.
The menu has an emblem inspired by the great seal of Owain Glyndwr, the last native prince of Wales, a symbol of resilience, leadership and Welsh Heritage.
The menu is small but is packed full of Welsh spirit with starters such as Leek and Potato soup for £6 or Breaded Perl Wen creamy brie style cheese with a cranberry compote for £9.
There are six choices in the mains section with some available as a smaller portion.
All the usual pub grub classics are listed with rib eye steak, pie and mash and a hand pressed beef burger and chips.
Corwen butchers G.R Evans, well known for their top-quality meat, provide the pork sausages for the O.G. So, it was a no brainer to order the bangers and mash.
Three huge juicy sausages were nested on top of a mountain of perfect creamy mashed potatoes with some cabbage on the side. It was all served in a big red bowl with the mash soaking up a delicious rich stout and onion gravy.
The succulent sausages were the best I had tasted in ages and this was true pub comfort food at its finest and very filling.
My wife went for a small portion of fish and chips for £12.
Despite being the smaller version, the fish still dwarfed the plate. It was encased in a crispy bubbling batter with huge chunky chips and mushy peas.
She had a wedge of lemon on the side with a portion of tangy tartare sauce to spread on top of the meaty white fish.
We washed it all down with two halves of Wrexham Lager but there were plenty of other beers and spirits available.
The wine list had Jack Rabbit red or white wine from £4.50 a glass or £16 for a bottle.
Desserts included sticky toffee pudding, chocolate brownie, lemon posset or the local chilly cow ice cream for around the £8.50 price mark.
There was also a Welsh cheese board with a handpicked selection of three Welsh cheeses served with crackers, grapes, celery and crisp apple slices for £12.
The O.G serves up a really popular Sunday Lunch at the weekend but you need to book in advance to guarantee a seat.
There are plenty of open mic dates in their calendar along with live music from various Welsh and Folk artists.
We decided to walk off our calories by going up to Pen y Pigyn afterwards, which is a beautiful half a mile uphill stroll just behind the hotel and the church.
The legend says that Owain Glyndwr is believed to have hurled his dagger from the top of Pen y Pigyn, a point overlooking Corwen, and it struck a rock, leaving an impression now incorporated into the church's south porch.
I am not sure if that story is true, but the walk is worth it for the beautiful views alone, and you might even hear the hoot of the Corwen to Llangollen steam train as it huffs and puffs its way into the newly built station on the edge of the town.
A group of loyal Owain Glyndwr supporters once proclaimed him to be the true Prince of Wales at nearby Glyndyfrdwy, Now, with the help of the people of Corwen, Owain's spirit lives on in the teeming pub hub of the local community.
The Facts
Fish and chips £12.00
Sausages and mash £15.00
Wrexham Lager x 2
Total £33.45
Opening Times
Bar
Monday Tuesday 5pm to 11pm
Wednesday Thursday 11am to 11pm
Friday Saturday 11am to 12am
Sunday 11am to 10.30pm
Food
Wednesday to Saturday, 12 to 9pm
Sunday lunches from 12-6pm.
Other
Atmosphere- Hub of the community
Car Parking- Large car park by the Corwen to Llangollen steam train station
Disabled Access- Some steps to the entrance and narrow corridor to the toilet
Service- Table service with a chat and a smile
