The Bridgend Inn
One of Billy’s haunts that I’d never heard about was the Bridgend Inn at Crugybar. Last year I had the wonderful experience of staying at Billy’s farm for a few days. We wanted to go out for Sunday lunch and Jenny suggested the Bridgend, which had the added attraction of being Billy’s local, what a good idea! Also, Jenny was kind enough to give me a framed photo of Billy as a gift for the landlord.
The Bridgend Inn nestles at the bottom of the valley opposite a bridge over a stream. It seemed a popular place for Sunday roast, and was full of local people. The landlord was pleased to have the photo - he showed us the very seat that Billy used to occupy in the corner of the bar and immediately hung the photo on the wall next to it. He hadn’t met Billy himself but called over a friend who had been Billy’s neighbour who had stories to tell us of their exploits together.
After a good lunch we had a look in the pool room with its old-fashioned dark panelling, bar, low ceiling and pew-like seats along the wall. I could imagine Billy relaxing at a game of pool with his Welsh friends, away from all the pressures of show business. Then riding his motorbike back up the hill at top speed in the dark, along the rough track lined with trees and their nesting-boxes for the wild birds, and home to the farm he loved so much.
Jill Kiddle who signs herself 'always a Billy fan' writes about Billy's local in Crugybar.
