Penhelig Arms Hotel

Good food, over zealous on their covid rules

I don’t think I’ve ever visited Aberdovey without a visit to The Penhelig Arms, if only for a pint. This time I scratched it off our list of places to eat and drink during our week long visit. I appreciate that staff need to remind customers to wear a face mask but...there are ways of doing that without making the custom feel unwelcome. I came in the pub entrance inadvertently lowering my mask to ask if they were taking reservation for dinner- I was then asked to put on my mask and berated for having come in an exit door. When I asked how i was to know it was an exit the barmen responded in an extremely superior and dismissive manner telling me there was a big sign outside. Due to his unwelcome tone, not what he said, I suggested we should leave the reservation to which he replied that’s fine, turned away from me making no effort to redress the situation. Interested to see how I missed the ‘big sign’ I went outside to check There was in deed a big sigh that says EXIT ONLY to the right of the doors which as I came from the left would not have been on my radar. Suggest the bar staff are sent on some customer service training - this is a difficult time for everyone and trade is limited so losing a customer is, I’m sure, not on your agenda. How about changing the Exit Only sign to No Entry and put it ‘on’ the door so folk can’t miss it. Or move the exit only sign to the left of the door? We love the Penhelig Arms and hope to get a warmer welcome next time. Sent from my iPhone

Update 2020: the pub is now owned and run as part of the BRAINS brewery, which now means the food menu is pretty bog standard and very limited - not a single fish dish on the main course! The former Penhelig had a wonderful menu of fresh food which won its AA accolade for culinary excellence ( which still hang from the walls despite new ownership ). Best thing about this pub is the location, at the quieter end of Aberdifyi and overlooking the estuary.

Lovely place right on the sea front, very comfortable rooms. Dog friendly. Limited parking but there is a public car park close by. Food was good but what I would call pub grub. Very friendly staff. Would stay there again.

What a lovely place to stay...top notch customer service and very friendly people. The room was beautiful with sea views. Highly recommended!!!