Bridge Inn, Chirk Bank (Trap)

Known locally as The Trap, the Bridge is located next to the Welsh border. In the days when Welsh pubs were "dry", the pub's sign used to boast on its one side that it was the "last pub in England", and on the other it was the first. One of the signs proudly proclaiming this is hanging in the bar. It's rather battered because the landlord had to rescue it from an inglorious end exposed to the elements. The proximity to the border leads to much good natured banter with the predominantly Welsh regulars. 6-Nations is very popular here on TV but maybe one ought to take care as to who to support!!

Internally its two rooms have a rustic feel, with quarry-tiled floor, fireplaces dotted here and there, and some sofas and utilitarian furniture. One of the photographs is a view of the pub taken from the aqueduct! The Canal here is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and runs on the bank behind the pub, so it's not surprising that the boating fraternity is well represented here. Admittedly, they have to walk down the road to get from barge to bar!

As to the "Trap", it's said to be because, historically, wages were paid out to mine-workers at the three local mines from the 'Trap' or cage that was used to take miners down the mine-shafts. (Although like all these legends, there is an alternative version involving fishing traps used by poachers on the nearby River Ceiriog who then sold their wares in the pub.).

The beer range is from the rather extensive Admiral Taverns list, so there is a constantly changing guest beer available.