Colwyn Bay is a bit of a foodie's paradise, with there being plenty of highly rated and even Michelin award winning restaurants to choose from. 

Now, no list of places to eat in Colwyn Bay would be complete without mentioning the Bryn Williams Porth Eirias restaurant. Having worked alongside the likes of Marco Pierre White and Michel Roux, it is little surprising to learn that Bryn Williams’ Colwyn Bay eatery has been handed a Michelin award for producing good quality food and good value food. 

However, for the purposes of this list we will be omitting Bryn Williams' establishment, as we will be predominantly focusing on Colwyn Bay pub restaurants. So, without further ado let us get to the establishment we feel produces the best pub food in Colwyn Bay…

1. The Toad

Located across the road from Colwyn Bay’s West Promenade, The Toad is immediately noticeable with the seafront with its eye-catching blue aesthetic. This has come on the back of a recent refurbishment which has helped The Toad maintain its position as arguably the best Colwyn Bay pub restaurant. 

Here, it is all about creating traditional homemade British classics using locally sourced produce. The Toad is particularly proud of its Sunday Roast and Fish & Chips options, the latter of which it claims is the best on offer in the whole of Conwy. Other meal options available include traditional British gastropub classics such as their pie of the day, Welsh Black Beef Burger and Bacon Chop. The Toad also takes account of vegetarian’s with options such as their tasty bean burger. 

You can opt to dine inside amidst rustic interior, or sit out on the benches in front of the pub where you can admire the glorious coastal views which have helped The Toad maintain its position as one of the most popular pubs in Colwyn Bay for over 100 years.  

2. The White Lion Inn

Another traditional British pub with a modern twist is The White Lion Inn which is located just outside of the main town in Llanelian. This is the main reason why it finishes behind The Toad on our list of the best Colwyn Bay pub restaurants, as you won’t be afforded the same coastal vistas which make The Toad so popular. However, if you are looking for the best pub food in Colwyn Bay alone, then there is little competition with the pub having previously held the title of North Wales Gastropub of the Year.

From the moment you step inside, you will immediately begin to feel the history of the establishment with its log burner fire, slate floor and low beamed ceiling. In keeping with this old-world feel, the menu is filled with British classics and the drinks include real ales from the local region including Snowdon Craft and The Great Orme Brewery. 

Food is served at The White Lion Inn between 12-2.30pm and 5pm-8.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, with a popular Sunday Roast available between 12pm and 8pm. However, if you fancy a roast dinner during the week, that option is also available on the main menu where you will also find their pie of the day, fish pie, scampi & chips and sensational White Lion Burger. 

3. Pen-y-Bryn

The Pen-y-Bryn is another Colwyn Bay pub restaurant which is located outside of the main town, this time high up on Pen-y-Bryn road. It is your quintessential Brunning & Price gastropub with a rustic country feel to the interior, beautiful beer garden and wide selection of quality alcoholic beverages.

While the menu does feature a number of typical Brunning & Price favourites such as sausage & mash, steak burger and their highly underrated crispy beef salad, there are a couple of Pen-y-Bryn exclusives. This includes their vegetable lasagne, and smoked haddock & salmon fishcakes and excellent mushroom quiche off the light bites menu.

What really makes the Pen-y-Bryn stand out is the beer garden which makes it one of the best pubs in Colwyn Bay to head to during one of those long summer evenings. Located just over 5 miles away from Bryn Defaid Holiday Park, which is the perfect distance for a taxi ride if no one is volunteering to be the designated driver. 

4. The Station Inn

Located just a short walk up the road from Colwyn Bay train station, The Station Inn is part of the Stonegate Group who also own the Slug & Lettuce & Yates brands. You can therefore expect traditional pub meals alongside a wide selection of cask ales, beers, wines & Spirits. 

Meals are served between 10am and and 9pm each day. That means you can treat yourself to a hearty breakfast if you are in the town early doors with breakfast options including a full English, full veggie breakfast or lighter bites such as a bacon sandwich or simply a slice of toast & a coffee. 

While the food on offer at The Station Inn isn’t going to set the world alight, it is decent quality and very affordable if you are operating on a tight budget. This includes deals such as the free drink offer which is available with certain lunch time menu options such as their classic burgers.

5. The Picture House 

Another chain pub you may want to take into consideration if you are on the lookout for affordable pub food in Colwyn Bay is The Picture House which is owned by JD Wetherspoon. 

Built in 1914, this eye-catching building originally served as a picture house and was one of the most sophisticated in the region with its space for orchestra’s and eye-catching balconies. Much of the original architecture is still in evidence to this day, with neo-Egyptian touches and occasionally gaudy features. 

However, you can’t complain about the value for money on offer here. This is particularly true of the popular breakfasts which are available between 8am and 12 noon each day. As for the main meals, JD Wetherspoons claims that it is the largest fish & chip shop in the UK having been responsible for over 10 million meals over the past decade. Given its popularity, it’s not a bad option to go for if you are one of the uninitiated.