Beer

How could we have a history of pubs without mentioning beer? To the drinkers it is the drink (and food!) of the Gods. To the temperance advocate it is the drink of the devil himself.

There is so much to say about beer in Ceredigion, particularly the brewers and retailers, but let's start with a tribute from our fellow Celt, Brian O'Nolan (who wrote as Flann O'Brien and Myles na gCopaleen)

"The Workman's Friend"
When things go wrong and will not come right,
Though you do the best you can,
When life looks black as the hour of night -
A pint of plain is your only man.

When money's tight and hard to get
And your horse has also ran,
When all you have is a heap of debt -
A pint of plain is your only man.

When health is bad and your heart feels strange,
And your face is pale and wan,
When doctors say you need a change,
A pint of plain is your only man.

When food is scarce and your larder bare And no rashers grease your pan,
When hunger grows as your meals are rare -
A pint of plain is your only man.

In time of trouble and lousey strife,
You have still got a darlint plan
You still can turn to a brighter life -
A pint of plain is your only man.