Congratulations to our friends in Pembrokeshire! Y Cross Cas-Lai in Hayscastle Cross has been crowned CAMRA West Wales Real Ale Pub of the Year 2026, coming out on top against the county winners from Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. Many congratulations too to our own branch Pub of the Year, The Station House in Whitland, for flying the flag for Carmarthenshire in the competition.

It’s a wonderful story. The pub was saved from closure in 2023 through a community buyout, and in just three years it has built a reputation for quality real ales and ciders, earning a place in the Good Beer Guide in both 2025 and 2026.

This caps a great year for the pub. It was named CAMRA Pembrokeshire Real Ale and Cider Pub of the Year in April, and in August it finished third in the CAMRA Wales Pub of the Year competition.

Society secretary Brian Griffiths said: “The recognition is not simply for the pub itself, but for the people and members who support it, volunteer their time and have helped make Y Cross such an important and welcoming part of the local community.”

If you’re heading west, why not pop in and raise a glass? You can find details on WhatPub at whatpub.com