Last APG visit: 17/05/2012
Background: The main locals pub in town. Has a bit of a reputation around Aber; enough to scare off 99% of students, which is just how the people who frequent the place like it. Has had a recent upgrade both inside and out but the punters remain the same. Named after the Vale of Rheidol railway line, which is a rather nice trip out during summer.
Student factor: There isn’t one. Locals only.
Atmosphere: Very very provincial Welsh. Pervading air of menace on Friday and Saturday nights but OK during the week. Fights can occasionally kick off. The nicotine bouncers outside the main door can be off-putting to the lily-livered.
Drinks range: Weak – only low grade lager and high alcohol spirits (UPDATE - now has Gwynt y Ddraig cider in bottles! Result!). One of the few places in Aber with no ale on offer despite of the sign outside claiming that the pub sells real ale - trust me, it doesn't.
TV/Music: Both, often loudly at the same time. TV usually has sport on, they've got SKY now too. Oddly we got Nina Simone on the jukey in November '08, very upmarket. Perhaps the idea was that Nina's dulcet tones would pacify the punters. Didn't work...
Other stuff: Pool table (normally reserved by the regulars for the whole of the evening) which is apparently free to use on a Monday. It was just over the road from this pub that the now infamous "who wants free money?!" incident took place a couple of years back - apparently one of pubs employees netted himself over £300
Quinno’s verdict: Do it once to say you’ve done it as it’s a good boast amongst the company of the less adventurous.
