A pub in north Wales is struggling to sell as potential applicants are deterred by the "ridiculous" rules of the brewery that runs it. Music, tv and mobile phones are banned from the much-loved Sir Gawain and The Green Knight in Connah’s Quay, Flintshire.
Described as a former farmhouse “in a sea of modern housing”, even swearing is banned on the premises. Beers, mixers and crisps are own label brands sold by pub owner Samuel Smiths, while dart boards are also nowhere to be seen.
The pub is currently locked up and its Facebook page has been deleted despite it reopening briefly after the first Covid lockdown in 2020. An advert placed on the building and on online platform Gumtree is looking for applications for a “live-in joint pub management couple".
Read more: Welsh hobbit house named best place to stay in UK & Ireland
The successful couple will get a flat in addition to a salary, thought to be around £20,000, North Wales Live reports. All rent and utility bills will also be paid by the brewery. But on Facebook, some people claimed that following their investigation into the role, they were put off by the "archaic" terms and conditions.
"I applied for this pub" said one local woman. "The rules of running it are ridiculous - no swearing, no music or TVs, no mobile phones allowed inside, and no children at all. The brewery needs to lighten up a bit, pubs like this don’t work anymore."
Over the years, visitors have been left bemused by the pub’s unusual rules. A college lecturer loved the beer and the prices but added: “Couldn’t believe it when I came in on my own and got told not to check my mobile phone for news."
Another customer said: “We were in the pub a few years back... six of us, all family, on New Year’s Eve. A phone came out to take a quick photo and we were roasted for it. There wasn’t anyone else there. We left pretty much there and then... don’t want a pub with draconian rules.”
Despite its eccentricity however, the Sir Gawain has some excellent reviews online from those who applauded the venue for its traditional values. "If you are looking for good beer, good banter, and a fabulous relaxed atmosphere, you won’t get better locally," said one person. "A true community pub, with a heart of gold."
According to CAMRA’s online pub guide, the Sir Gawain is a “cosy, split-level, low-ceilinged” pub. It adds: “The walls feature interesting framed pictures showing Connah’s Quay of yore plus prints about the eponymous Arthurian romance. Arguably the least boisterous pub in the area.”
Anyone interested in taking on the north Wales pub has until September 27 to apply. It is not known if anyone has yet submitted an application as the brewery has not responded to requests for comment.
READ NEXT:
The 'stuff of dreams' Welsh beach with sand like nowhere else in the country
First look inside Ivy Asia in Cardiff as it opens to the public
Four castles and a cathedral named the top historic Welsh attractions by Which?
The street food cabin sat on a stunning Welsh beach selling amazing Mexican wraps
