A TIVYSIDE pub has been included in a national newspaper’s ’10 of the best riverside pubs in the UK’.

The Nag’s Head, at Abercych, has appeared in the list published in the Guardian and sponsored by the Canal and River Trust.

It is a remarkable achievement for owners and husband and wife team Steve and Tracy Miller, who took over the picturesque pub next to the River Cych less than 12 months ago and have certainly gone about transforming its fortunes.

“We were contacted a few weeks ago but then we heard nothing,” said landlord Steve.

“However, on Sunday, a customer came into the pub and said did we know we had been included in the supplement the day before.

“We had no idea but what made it all the more remarkable was this man was visiting from London and his pub was also included! What are the chances of that happening?”

The Guardian’s description says: “Idyllic is an overused word, but sat outside this distinctive, mustard-yellow pub amid the woodland splendour of the Cych valley, with the river flowing past a few feet away beneath an ancient stone bridge, you are certainly getting close.

“Inside, this easy-going, family- and dog-friendly pub is a classic rural inn, with bare tables, cosy log-burners and flagged floors. Well-kept ales from regional microbreweries, such as Mantle and Bluestone, partner with a menu of pub classics, which make proud use of local Welsh ingredients.”

“I understand they visited all the pubs and must have been impressed by the fact we make use of local produce and beers and it is a really friendly atmosphere,” said Steve.

“It is a great accolade and definitely makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

The only difference now is that since the Guardian’s visit, the pub is no longer a distinctive mustard-colour, having recently been redecorated outside.

“If I had now we were going to be in, I would have sent them an up-to-date picture,” added Steve.