After months of having to close their doors or adapt to a new way of business, pubs are again welcoming people back, with covid guidelines in place of course.

To mark the occasion, the Leader has launched a Pub of the Week feature, where landlords and landladies from across Wrexham and Flintshire have the chance to showcase their establishment.

If you want your pub to be featured, simply fill in our online form or if you would like to nominate a pub, email claire.pierce@newsquest.co.uk.

Let's step inside this week's featured pub...

A picture postcard village set in the stunning North Wales countryside is the perfect location for any pub, and Lixwm, in rural Flintshire, is just that for The Crown Inn.

The pub, a 17th century building full of character and charm, is at the heart of the village, with landlord Anthony Griffiths taking an active role as part of the community.

And with a warm welcome and equally warm real fire, it’s a hit with locals, passing travellers and walkers alike.

We checked in with the former head chef, who has run The Crown Inn for five years, to find out more…

The Leader:

Above: Ellie Jones, Elisa O’Neil, landlord Anthony Griffiths and his daughter Mia Griffiths.

Any specialities? We have cask ales from Robinsons Brewery, ranging from Unicorn Ale, Trooper, also draught lagers, including Helles and Moretti, gluten-free Daura Damm and Staropramen, plus a range of gins and wines.

Most memorable moment/s at the pub? We’re not just a busy village pub, serving great ales but also locally soured foods, cooked up by our main chef Clark Ellis, including Kennedys Butchers, Patchwork Pate and Chilly Cow Ice Cream.

And each year we hold an anniversary barbecue music event, with proceeds going to charity.

We have quiz nights on a Tuesday, and our Sunday lunches are always popular.

The Leader:

Challenges faced in the industry? Each day is a challenge but with a good team it’s made easier.

We are open six days a week, and it’s as a successful team that we can offer a good food and drinks menu.

Do you embrace being part of the community? The Crown Inn is a massive part of the community, and two years ago helped with the efforts in keeping the local primary school from closure.

And in the light of Covid-19, we have turned the pub into a community shop, which offers bread, milk, eggs, vegetables, sweets and homemade items.

We’ve seen a few new faces since we opened the shop, which has been lovely.

We’re also offering a takeaway service at the moment.

The Leader:

Any special events? We sponsor Halkyn Bowling Club, there’s our quiz every Tuesday evening but not at the moment as a result of Covid. We’ve had bands play and of course our anniversary barbecue events.

Best thing about running the pub? It has to be being part of the community, surrounded by a good family.

Opening hours: Monday closed, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday open from 5pm, Friday from 4pm, Saturday and Sunday from noon.

• The Crown Inn

Village Road

Lixwm

Holywell

Flintshire

CH8 8NQ

01352 781112