Little Crown Inn Pontypool: A Pub steeped in History and Warmth

The Little Crown Inn is a really old pub. It sits where a mining office stood long ago. That office operated from the 1830s to the 1920s. The owner, Saul Salway, says it has cool history.

Saul thinks it became a pub around the 1940s. He and his family took over in late 2022. They have been fixing up the place since then, and it also runs a highly rated bed and breakfast since around 10 years ago.

The pub focuses on families and serves classic food. Their usual customers seem to like it. Chefs Kieron Bowden and Gavin Lee make almost everything there.

They are trying French and Italian dishes too, adding nine new items to the menu every two weeks. That includes starters, mains, and desserts. The chefs prepare most food using local ingredients.

They serve craft beer from Tudor Brewery. You can also get gins, spirits, and wine. The pub’s decor is mining themed, honoring the building’s initial purpose. The bathroom hall shows a coal mine.

Kids and dogs are welcome there. It has a big outdoor area and a games room. The games room features a pool table plus darts. You can also book it for events. They offer buffet or meal service.

Sunday roasts fill up every week. The pub gets booked solid for Christmas fast. They already have many Christmas bookings, and last year, they made a lot of Christmas dinners.

Saul also owns a fish and chip shop. It is called ‘Catch 22’ and located in Abergavenny. He worked in retail before Covid for 40 years. Then, he switched to the pub.

Saul believes the pub, food, and B&B help business. The open mic night is the first Sunday of each month. They’re also hosting outdoor music for six weeks, giving musicians a place to play.