This is an opportunity for landlords and landladies from across Wrexham and Flintshire to have the chance to showcase their establishment.

Now more than ever, it's vital to support our local businesses.

If you would like your pub considered to be featured, simply fill in our online Q&A or if you would like to chat or nominate a pub, email claire.pierce@newsquest.co.uk

Step inside this week's venue...

THE BLACK LION, Buckley

The Black Lion in Buckley.

The recent bout of good, warm weather has been a blessing for those who love a beer garden, and that's definitely something this Flintshire pub can deliver.

From the outside, the Black Lion looks like your typical pub, an al fresco area doesn't seem too likely but it has a hidden away sun trap, capable of seating up to 170 people!

Before patrons discover this, they will go through the bar, where they will almost certainly receive a very warm and friendly welcome from landlord Mark Thomas or one of his staff.

Some of the team at the Black Lion in Buckley - Denise Rose, Harrison Owen, Chelsea Hibbert and Amy Collings.

The pub is popular with locals, and being on one the end of the town's high street, is easily discovered by visitors too. Its dedicated team saw them win Marston's Pub of the Year in 2021, and it's easy to see why.

For Mark, who started running the pub about four years ago, being a part of the community is key at the Black Lion.

The 35-year-old, who grew up in nearby Drury, said: "I strive on our role in the community, from the minute I took it over, it's like everyone's house.

Beer garden at the Black Lion in Buckley.

"It was a bit stuck in its ways, so I came in and made changes, made it a bit more modern, but warm and welcoming. But ultimately it's about being nice to people."

Pub life is in Mark's blood, his mum was landlady of Buckley pub the Burntwood for 10 years, and he credits her with teaching him "everything I know" about running a bar.

But could she have prepared him for the supernatural? We ask the inevitable question about any ghostly goings on at the pub.

The Black Lion in Buckley circa the Victorian era. Landlord Mark Thomas said: "Every time we see this photo it always brings a smile to our faces, it shows The Black Lion has been a pillar of our community for many many years! We are so proud call it

Mark said: "Apparently there is a little girl in the back bedroom upstairs that plays with toys."

Ghouls or not, one thing that is real, is the beer garden. The space was created during the pandemic, when Mark made the most of the pub's car park by turning it into a very useable outdoor area, which includes a cocktail bar and bouncy castle.

Mark added: "During the pandemic we did the whole pub to keep ourselves busy. Me and the staff kept working to get the pub looking good.

Buckley Black Lion landlord Mark Thomas (left) with partner Andy Cooper.

"To run a pub you've got to make it your home, and if it's not, there's no point running one. I wouldn't change it.

"I'm very lucky, I've massive support from the community and a really good team that give 110%, they're brilliant. I'm just the happiest I've ever been."

His sentiments are reflected by the team, with onsite manager Denise Rose adding: "He's a fantastic boss, gets on with everybody. Mark's passionate about the pub and it rubs off."

Chelsea Hibbert and Denise Rose behind the cocktail bar in the beer garden at the Black Lion in Buckley.

Back office manager Harrison Owen said: "The team is more of a family than workmates. We all get along and have each other's backs."

The pub and those who call it their local, are very charity driven, their most recent event will be in aid of Westwood Primary School just round the corner. Mark will put on a barbecue, staff get decked out in fancy dress and there is 'bongo's bingo' in the evening, with all proceeds going their chosen charity or cause. The pub is also proud sponsor of Buckley FC and have their own team in the area's pool league.

Beer garden at the Black Lion in Buckley.

Weekends feature entertainment that includes a karaoke DJ on Fridays and live music on Saturday nights.

Next on the community calendar is the Buckley Jubilee (Tuesday, July 11), when the team at the Black Lion will be going all out to welcome everyone with a whole host of things planned.

So if you're looking for an unexpected sunny sanctuary where you can cool off with a pint or a cocktail slushie, head for the Black Lion and take a seat in the beer garden.

• The Black Lion

Mold Road, Buckley

Tel: 01244 630118