An 18^th Century pub with a long tradition of serving good beer has been declared Swansea Camra’s Pub of the Year for 2024.

The Beaufort Arms at Norton beat  off other contenders for the sought-after title with its combination of great beers, friendly welcome and a “nice vibe”, according to Swansea Camra member Alan Watkins, who made the presentation.

“It’s a well-deserved win and recognition for all the effort you have put in to make this pub what it is,” he told licensees Paula and Darren.

Prior to the couple taking over seven years ago, the pub was owned by a pub company and run by a series of managers. Locals feared the pub would close when it was put up for sale and so were delighted when husband and wife team Paula and Darren Jones took over in 2017. Since then they have renovated the pub and built up a loyal following.

“We are really chuffed,” said Paula. “Everyone has been so positive and we’ve had so many congratulations. It was quite a surprise though. When one of the Camra members came in to tell us the news they came up to the bar looking really serious and I thought, oh no, they want to complain about the beer!”

Before taking over the Beaufort, Paula and Darren were in the pub trade in Kent. So why, we asked them, did they end up in Mumbles?

Said Darren: “We used to come on holidays here with the kids and we fell in love with the place. So when the pub came up for sale, we went for it. It’s been the best decision of our lives. We are lucky to have been supported by the local community, you couldn’t meet a nicer group of people.

“I was shocked when I heard about the award, we do what we do, and we were not expecting it, but it’s great having all our hard work recognised.”

Beers on tap regularly include Jemima’s Pitchfork, Bass, Cwrw Gorslas, Sharp’s Atlantic and Proper Job.

As well as its excellently kept beer, the pub is also famous for its flower displays in spring and summer. Other attractions include real fires in both bars, an outside patio area, quiz on the first Tuesday of every month, dartboard and live sports on tv. The pub is also dog friendly. Opening hours are 3.30pm to 10pm, and 11pm weekends.

Please note:

The pub is cash only.
Not to be confused with the Beaufort Arms in Kittle.