What makes a great pub? Is it the landlord? Or the people that drink there? Or maybe the beer or food it serves? Presented by John Sparkes, Great Pubs of Wales discovers some of the best known and best loved pubs in Wales. When you think of corrugated iron, you think of a shed or a chicken coop, but Tafarn Sinc is actually built from corrugated iron, galvanised with zinc. Situated in the Pembrokshire village of Rosebush it was once known as the Preselly Hotel. John enjoys the warm welcome and samples the specially brewed Tafarn Sinc ale. Leaning back at an angle because of the wind from the west, the pub is full of memorabilia. At the heart of the community, it holds some rather unusual races - pigs, sheep, ferret and even mice all compete in front of the locals. This unique tavern was built in the 19th century by the local slate quarry owner. A Quaker philanthropist from the North of England, Edward Cropper was bored in retirement and felt that Rosebush could be an ideal tourist location. He built his own railway to attract tourists to the area. The tale of this unlikely railway builder and his family is told by railway enthusiast, Chris Segar. Tafarn Sinc's interior reflects its railway history, but Rosebush is a station without trains. This extraordinary pub is a success borne of failure - Edward Cropper's hope of Rosebush becoming a spa destination didn't become a reality, but Tafarn Sinc has become an extraordinary success. Great Pubs of Wales is a POP1 production for ITV1 Wales. It is presented by John Sparkes and produced by Dafydd Rhys. The programme will be shown on Thursday, May 31, at 7.30 pm to 8 pm on ITV1 Wales.
