31/05/2026
Today we were presented with our CAMRA award for Pub of the Year 2026 for Gwynedd and Ynys Mon.
All of us, The Railway Inn Abergynolwyn, Pub of the Year.
In the spirit of what makes this pub so wonderful - the community we have around us and the support we receive from what feels like an entire army of people - I wanted to take some time to personally thank every single person for everything they have done, and continue to do, to make all of this possible. It's been a journey so far, and most days it still feels like we are absolutely winging it, but it also feels like we are finally finding our feet.
So, thank you.
To Liz and Mark - for taking a risk, buying a pub, and giving everything you have to get us to where we are. You started all of this. What an achievement. To think Mark's grandparents owned this place all those years ago, that you met here because of a lost dog, all the memories you have within these walls. And now it's yours.
To Jake and Oscar - for all the work you put into the cellar (and beyond), hand selecting all of our amazing ales, beers, wines and everything else, maintaining such a high standard and getting us our reputation as a 'real ale pub'.
To Hazel for the hours and hours you put in to all the horrible admin and accounting that would be completely lost on anyone but you - not to mention the calm, rational perspective you bring to the chaos that is the rest of us.
To every member of staff that has ever stepped foot behind the bar, pulled pints, charmed customers, kept me sane - Tim, Karen, Steve, Elise, Ellie, Ava, Adam, Liam, Jen, Harry, Eleanor, Tomi, Ferdia. You make my job a pleasure.
To all of our team in the kitchen, past and present, who create and serve the food that people keep coming back for - Sarah, Callum, Beth, Dawn, Evie, Miles, Emily, Angie, Sara, Megan, Katie, Tom, Molly, Monty, Sylvie, Jake, Carol, Ally.
To the two wonderful women who keep the pub absolutely immaculate even after our busiest, messiest days - Karen, Sarah.
To every single one of our family and friends who have given their time to transform this place from what it was to what it is now - there are too many of you to mention, but know you're all appreciated.
To the locals, the people of the village that keep us going through the winter months, that keep me company on the quietest and busiest shifts, who welcomed me into the village like I'd always been here and have become some of my closest friends.
To our regulars - whether you're here once a week, once a month or once a year, the fact you keep coming back makes it feel worth it. And to every person who has popped in on their way through, even just for one pint - it all counts.
You all make up the Railway Family and having you along for the ride is what makes the pub so special.
And, of course, thank you to CAMRA and the Gwynedd a Mon branch, and all of the people who made this award possible - knowing other people think this place is as special as we do makes all the stress worth it!
Here's to all of you, here's to The Railway Inn.
Diolch yn fawr. Thank you.
I love the lot of you!
Kirst ❤️
Pub of the Year North Wales... We're coming for you next!
