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We are Teej and Jenks, and we’re delighted that you’ve discovered the Inn at the Sticks. Nestled in the heart of Carmarthenshire, this historic building has been a landmark for many years. We took it upon ourselves to restore it, pouring love, care, and countless hours into ensuring it regained its former glory.
Whether you’re sinking into a cosy chair with drink in hand, indulging in our Welsh sharing plates menu crafted with local ingredients, or escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a weekend retreat, Inn at the Sticks promises a tranquil haven for relaxation and exploration. Both Llansteffan and the surrounding area brims with beauty and history, beckoning visitors to embark on new adventures. We believe there’s no better place to start that journey than right here with us.
A pub since 1809, the Inn at the Sticks has a long and busy history. For many years it was the Union Hall Inn, run by Griffith Davies from 1841. Twenty years later it was taken over by Lettice Harries.
The Inn has long been a Llansteffan landmark, and has been a hotel since 1881 when Thomas Rees assumed its management.
Overlooked by Llansteffan’s historic castle on the banks of the Towy Estuary, the Inn at the Sticks was for centuries an important resting place for pilgrims heading to nearby St Davids.
The building underwent many changes and repairs during this period but its character remained undiminished and it became a Grade II listed building in 2002.
We couldn’t help falling in love with it and we took it over, refurbishing and reopening it at the end of June 2023, being careful to keep its character and quirks. That makes The Inn at the Sticks something uniquely memorable for a stay, and our kitchen brings you the best of the local area and of Wales.
We want this to be your home from home: plenty of comfort and relaxation, and maybe just a little self-indulgence.
What does a stay with us feel like? In a word, special: the area around Llansteffan is a hidden gem, and The Inn at the Sticks is the perfect way to experience and explore it.
You’ll find the Inn at the Sticks in Llansteffan, a small village on the south coast of Carmarthenshire, just seven miles south of Carmarthen and on the estuary of the River Tywi, or Towy.
Our village is named after St Stephen, a 6th century friend of St Teilo, and has a long tradition of shipping since the Middle Ages, when it welcomed ships from France and Spain.
You can’t ignore Llansteffan Castle, built by the invading Normans in the 12th century. Walk up for spectacular views over the estuary mouth as far as the Gower. It has been destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries, but now it is maintained by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historical preservation body, and offers free admission to the public (and, as a bonus, is dog-friendly).
Llansteffan Beach is just a short walk from our front door, past the village gallery and through country lanes. Truly, this is one of Wales’ most striking beaches. From Easter until the end of September, you can also enjoy our beautiful estuary with a boat trip on the wonderful Glansteffan with Carmarthen Bay Ferries.
If you’re feeling in the mood to explore, the area around Llansteffan is something of a walkers’ wonderland.
One of the most popular local trails is a 3 mile (5km) circular route which takes you from the car park in Llansteffan along the mouth of the Tywi as it meets Carmarthen Bay. On a clear day, you can see across to the north Devon coast. The walk also takes in a small clearing known locally as ‘The Sticks’ where in the past locals and visitors held concerts, eisteddfodau and dances. The highlight being the Mock Mayor ceremony where a temporary platform would be built for the event. This tradition of electing a mock mayor continues to this day as part of Llansteffan’s annual mid-summer Fiesta.
Carmarthen, or Caerfyrddin, eight miles away, is the county town. It can claim to be among the oldest in Wales and during Roman occupation was the capital of the Demetae tribe.
It was captured in the early 1400s by Owain Glyndŵr and features in Arthurian legend as the birthplace of Merlin.
There’s plenty of attractions to explore in the area:
National Botanic Garden of Wales – 16 miles
Amgueddfa Sir Gâr – Carmarthenshire Museum – 11 miles
Cartref Dylan Thomas – Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Laugharne – 12 miles
Castles – Laugharne (12 miles) Dryslwyn (18 miles)
Gwili Steam Railway (10 miles)
The Carmarthen market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays and is always popular, and the first Friday of the month is a chance to catch the local Farmers’ Market.
Phone: +441267 612727
Email: reservations@innatthesticks.com
Address: High Street, Llansteffan, SA33 5JG
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Saturday:
12 to 9pm (last sitting 8.30pm)
Bar open until 10pm (Tues/Wed) 11pm (Thurs to Sat)
Sunday:
12 to 4pm (last sitting at 3.30pm)
Bar open until 6pm