Pub of the Month
Location: Merthyr

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Our search for Pub of the Month went to Merthyr.

It once had a reputation for bland pubs with more brawls than a Mike Tyson weigh-in (once bitten - twice shy).

Things have changed, apparently. So, we hit the town one Saturday night - hoping it wouldn't hit us back.

A good starting point is the traditional Crown pub - with beer garden, restaurant and live bands on Saturday nights.

Next, check out the refurbished Alpha bar (formerly the Log cabin), with modern deco and music to match. This is certainly one of the Beta places to be.

Up on a hill, the Brunswick has had a dramatic makeover. There's a modern pine interior plus the staples of happy hour, Sky TV and some good sounds.

The local Wetherspoons (Y Dic Penderyn) is a welcome break:
Cheap food and drink, and a chance to chat.

However, the Pub of the Month has to be the
well-established Bell vue. There's a lavish interior and excellent lunchtime fayre. At nights it's busy with a
mixed-crowd soaking up the atmosphere.

All in all, the Merthyr leg was a pleasant surprise.
We only saw one punch and that was in a bowl.