Prince Of Wales Pub Ross On Wye

Let’s talk about the Prince of Wales Pub in Ross-on-Wye. It’s not just a pub. It’s a proper local legend.

First, scope out the building. It’s a timber-framed beauty from the 16th century. The beams are so wonky, they look like they’re dancing. You half expect the ceiling to hiccup.

Beer, Ghosts, and a Grizzly Bear

The beer list is stellar. They serve real ales from local microbreweries. Order a pint of “Wye Valley Butty Bach.” It’s impossible to say after two of them.

But here’s the quirky bit. The pub is haunted. Not in a spooky way. In a friendly, slightly tipsy way. Staff swear they’ve seen a ghost called “The Grey Lady.” She just wanders around. Probably looking for the loo.

Another funny detail? The pub once housed a live grizzly bear. No joke. In the 1800s, a travelling showman left it in the cellar. Locals fed it beer. The bear became a local celebrity. It’s gone now, but the cellar still smells a bit like wet fur and ale.

The Fireplace That Eats Logs

The main bar has a monstrous fireplace. It’s so big you could roast a whole sheep. And they do roast things there on special nights. The flames crackle like a happy dragon.

This is the kind of place where strangers become instant mates. You’ll sit next to a dog, a farmer, and a poet. They’ll all argue about the best cider. Passionately.

Ross-on-Wye - Pubs and Inns

Ross-on-Wye’s Secret Stairs

The pub sits on a hill. Behind it is a hidden staircase called “The Prospect.” It’s a public right of way, cut into the rock. It leads straight down to the River Wye. Drunk people call it “The Stumble.” Don’t try it after three pints. Your ankles will protest.

The view from the top? Ridiculous. You see the whole valley, the river, and maybe a heron. It’s so pretty it feels Photoshopped.

The Pie That Changed My Life

You must eat their steak and ale pie. The crust is flaky like a secret. The gravy is dark and rich, like a villain in a period drama. They serve it with mashed potatoes that are practically butter clouds.

Vegetarians aren’t left out. Their mushroom and stout pie is legendary. One bite, and you forget you ever liked meat.

THE PRINCE OF WALES, Ross-on-Wye - 2025 Reviews & Information

Why This Pub is Just Fun

The Prince of Wales doesn’t try to be trendy. It’s happily, loudly itself. There’s no avocado toast. No exposed brick. Just old wood, old ghosts, and old stories.

One more weird fact. The pub has a very specific rule: no swearing at the bar. The landlady, a cheerful tyrant, will call you out. She once shushed a rugby team. They obeyed. Adorably.

Go for the beer. Stay for the ghost. Leave with a new favourite pub and a story about a bear. Just watch your step on those wonky floors. And the stairs. And your dignity after a pint too many.

Cheers to that.