The White Eagle Anglesey: The Best Pub on the Island?

Situated in the tiny hamlet of Rhoscolyn overlooking the picturesque Borth Wen Beach is The White Eagle pub – perhaps Anglesey’s finest.

Its relatively hidden location means that it’s often discovered by accident day-trippers on their way down the narrow single-track road down to the beach, but for those in the know, The White Eagle is a real hidden gem.

With its stunning elevated outdoor terrace, spacious beer garden, sea views, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this pub is so popular. Once visited, it’s never forgotten, and so it has come to be a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet pint after a day exploring the headland between Rshocolyn and Trearddur Bay, or a place to enjoy a sunset meal with family and friends, The White Eagle is the perfect spot.

So how did The White Eagle start life, and how has it risen to the top of the popularity charts?

The White Eagle: A Brief History

The White Eagle has been a pub serving tourists and locals in the tiny village of Rhoscolyn for decades, but it’s fair to say that it didn’t rise to prominence until it underwent a dramatic change in ownership in 2007.

The site was taken over by the Timpson family (Alex Timpson specifically), of retail and philanthropy fame. The family fell in love with the island and the pub’s breathtaking location and set about making it into the perfect place to enjoy all that Anglesey has to offer. Alex invested a considerable amount of money into renovating the pub and making it the destination it is today.

The Timpson family continued to run the pub until Alex, unfortunately, passed away in 2016. At this point, the Timpson family handed over the reins to 16 Hospitality, a Cheshire-based company that already ran two successful pubs in Cheshire.

The company ran the pub (along with the nearby sister site, The Oyster Catcher, over at Rhosneigr) until the company entered into administration at the onset of the pandemic (April 2020). As freeholders for both Anglesey sites, the Timpson family decided to step back in and retake the reigns, saving more than 100 jobs in the process.

Today, The White Eagle pub forms part of the Flock Inns group, a company that runs both Anglesey sites and The Patridge pub near Warrington. The company is owned and operated by Roisin Timpson, the wife of current Timpson CEO James Timpson.

Why Visit The White Eagle at Rhoscolyn?

There’s so much to love about this particular pub that it’s difficult to know where to start. The white-rendered building, with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, is now a real landmark in the area, and the extensive elevated terracing and beer garden make it the perfect place to enjoy the summer sun and stunning panoramic views.

Inside, the pub retains a cosy and traditional feel despite its sparkling exterior modernity, with old-fashioned wooden tables and chairs, and a mixture of stone-effect flooring and carpet.

For the dog lovers among you, this place is a real haven, with the large beer garden and a warm welcome (plenty of fussing), a water bowl, and dog treats provided by the pub. Should the weather turn, there’s also a designated indoor seating area for those bringing their furry friends.

Plus, if you’ve fallen totally in love with this pub and the setting in Rhoscolyn, why not stay? The White Eagle has a luxury, four-bedroom apartment called “The Nest,” which boasts the best of the pub’s breathtaking views. With space for eight guests, a roof terrace, three bathrooms, and a pet-friendly policy, it’s the perfect place to stay for a short break or longer holiday on Anglesey.

What’s On the Menu At The White Eagle?

The pub has a real focus on locally sourced produce, and you’ll find an ever-changing menu of seasonal dishes, all of which make the most of the incredible produce available on the island. The pub also has an excellent selection of drinks, with local cask ales (usually sourced from Conwy Brewery), fine wines, spirits, and its very own synonymous resident lager.

Expect traditional pub grub with an elevated twist, such as posh fish and chips, pulled brisket lasagne, and traditional homemade steak and ale pie. The prices are a little more than you might expect to pay in your average establishment, but this is definitely reflective of the quality on offer.

Do You Reserve a Table at The White Eagle?

Given that The White Eagle has developed a reputation as one of Anglesey’s best pubs, it’s always a good idea to reserve a table in advance, especially if you’re visiting at peak times such as weekends or during the summer months.

In the quieter autumn and winter months, you can usually get away with just turning up and finding a seat. Still, it’s always worth checking the pub’s website or Facebook page for updates on availability.

Where is The White Eagle? How Do I Get to It?

The White Eagle enjoys an enviable position overlooking green fields and the coast in the tiny village/hamlet of Rhoscolyn. If you’re travelling by car, you can follow the rough directions below:

From the A55 Expressway, take Junction 3 (signposted RAF Valley).

Upon leaving the expressway, turn right at the roundabout, cross over the A55 and then head straight over the next roundabout (A5).

Once at the crossroads in Valley, turn left.

Follow the road as it crosses over the A55 once more, and head straight on at the mini-roundabout.

Continue on the same road, as it crosses the sea, and you reach Four Mile Bridge.

Shortly after entering Four Mile Bridge, take a left off the main road (small signpost for Rhoscolyn).

Keep following this road. It is narrow for certain sections but has passing places.

Once you reach a corner with a couple of houses on the left-hand side and spot the church on the hill in front of you, take a left down a very narrow road. There is a signpost here for The White Eagle. If you’ve driven past a church, you’ve gone too far!

Once on the narrow road (only room for one car), navigate the first two bends, and the pub/car park will “magically” appear in front of you.

If you’re planning to spend the day at the beach, you can always continue down the exceptionally narrow road down to the beach (which boasts a sizeable car park) and walk back up from there when you get hungry (or thirsty!). The pub does have a decent size car park, but it can easily fill up on busy days, so you have no option but to head down to the beach and walk back up.

The White Eagle Pub FAQs