Written by Cornelly Community Councillor, Jane Granville
So on my journeys this week, and out with my lovely friends we decided to pop into the Prince of Wales, Kenfig for a spot of lunch. Walking into the lounge it takes you back to time gone by with its authentic decor. We were seated promptly, and on explaining my friends were on their lunch break, the food was ordered and prepared quickly, excellent service.
The Prince of Wales is one of the most historic pubs in our area, and close to the Kenfig Nature reserve. The surrounding scenery is just magic, I don’t think we always appreciate the beauty of the area we live in.
‘The Prince’ (as locals affectionately call it) has had its fair share of famous people including our new King, King Charles III. The then Prince Charles visited the pub back in 2013 .
Prince Charles dropped in via helicopter, which landed in the field opposite the pub – it was such a lovely experience for our village. Prince Charles visited to to celebrate the Prince receiving funding in the first heritage project of its kind, and was joined by local Welsh actor Owen Teale from Game of Thrones – Owen was brought up in Hall Drive and went on to have a massive career in Television.
The Prince is a grade 11 listed building and is steeped in history, having been built in the Fifteenth Century to serve as the Town Hall , after the original one was lost when huge sand storms engulfed the village of Kenfig. Situated a short drive from the M4, opposite Kenfig Nature reserve, with views across the nearby lake, it gets very busy in Summer and for Sunday lunch and booking is recommended all year round.
The present landlord David Stone is the 12th Landlord of this historical building. David and his staff are extremely welcoming, and the food and drink is amazing. Additionally, the Prince has acquired a good reputation for supporting local businesses.
The Prince has its own historical stories, most being linked to the paranormal. It was said back in 1982, that an old Sunday school organ could be heard playing in a locked-up room in the old town hall above the bar. There has been numerous other stories of ghosts and the pub itself has been classed as the most haunted.
On busy days, the pub also hosts diners on the upper level, where there are lots of historical photos, mementoes and decorations.
This amazing pub has seen so many customers over the years, one being Sara Griffiths, who, along with other members of her family, visit regularly.
I asked Sara why she enjoyed coming to the pub – she said the one thing she loves the most is ‘the Bass!’ (the drink not the fish!).
The Prince is well known locally for it’s Bass and people come from all around the area to try a pint!
I am not brave enough to try the Bass, but I did have the most delicious Lasagne with an array of salad – the Lasagne was piping hot just how I like it, and the generous portion meant no room for dessert as I was too full! I can highly recommend this place as a ‘must visit’ for lovely food.
If you are looking for a lovely day out in the Porthcawl area, don’t forget to stop off in Kenfig to visit the Prince of Wales pub.
