The Mountain Air, Tredegar – A Pub Worth Defending

Let’s talk about The Mountain Air in Tredegar. If you know, you know. And if you don’t know – well, let me paint you a picture, because this isn’t just a pub or a restaurant to me, it’s an experience. A damn good one.

From the moment you walk through the doors, there’s something about the place that just feels right. It’s got that perfect blend of cosy and welcoming – you’re greeted with smiles, warm lighting, and the scent of something absolutely mouthwatering drifting out of the kitchen. I’ve been to plenty of pubs in South Wales and beyond, but I keep coming back to The Mountain Air for one simple reason: it’s the best. Hands down.

The atmosphere? Spot on. It’s buzzing without being too loud, chilled without being dead, and friendly without feeling forced. You can go in on your own and feel at ease, or go in with a group and feel right at home.

The staff? Absolutely fantastic. Every single time we’ve visited – and trust me, it’s not just once or twice – we’ve been looked after like royalty. Not because I’m a friend of the owner (more on that later), but because they genuinely care about their customers. They check in with you, make sure your food’s good (it always is), and they sort any problems – on the rare occasion there is one – straight away, no fuss, no drama.

And now, the food. Oh. My. Days. Where do I even start?

Every bite is a joy. It’s the kind of food that makes you stop mid-conversation just to go “Mmm, bloody hell that’s good.” Whether it’s a proper pub classic or something a little fancier, everything that comes out of that kitchen is cooked with care, flavour, and soul. I’ve had Sunday dinners elsewhere in the area – and no shade here, they were decent, well-cooked and tasted fine – but they don’t touch what The Mount serves up. Not even close.

And then there’s that dessert. The legendary Mount Mess. A giant glass of joy that should be illegal, it’s that good. Creamy, crunchy, sweet, indulgent – it’s like a hug for your tastebuds. I’m drooling just thinking about it. Honestly, if they sold it in buckets, I’d be first in the queue.

Now let me shift gears a little because there’s something I am annoyed about. Not just a bit irritated – I’m actually really pissed off.

It’s the fake reviews on Google. And no, I’m not going to list them or name names because I’m not here to start a pub war – but let’s not pretend we don’t all know what’s going on. Some of these one-star reviews? They’re not all from real customers. They’re from rival pubs with an agenda, trying to drag down a genuinely good business. And that’s not just wrong – it’s shameful.

I’m friends with the owner of The Mountain Air, yes. But I’m also friends with owners of other pubs and you don’t see me blindly defending them unless they deserve it. This post isn’t about loyalty or bias – it’s about honesty and fairness. I’m not asking for special treatment and I don’t get it anyway – I wouldn’t want it. They’ve got a business to run, and they do it bloody well.

Fake reviews hurt real people. They hurt hardworking staff who bust their arses every day. They hurt small businesses just trying to survive in a climate where the Welsh and UK governments seem to be doing everything they can to strangle the pub trade. If you want to fight something, fight that. Fight the over-regulation, the insane costs, the lack of support. Don’t throw stones at a neighbouring pub because you’re jealous that they’re doing something right.

And let me add this – The Mountain Air isn’t just a pub that serves great food. It’s one of the very few in the area that welcomes car campers/vanlifers, as long as you support the business by buying food or drink. That’s a brilliant touch in a region that’s not exactly bursting with options for people travelling or touring. It’s a rare, community-minded perk that deserves praise, not petty sabotage.

So yeah – I’m standing up for The Mountain Air. Not because I have to. Because I want to. Because it deserves it. Because it's the best pub in South Wales in my honest opinion. The staff, the food, the service, the atmosphere – all top notch. It’s not just my favourite, it’s my go-to, and I’ll keep supporting it as long as the doors are open.

So come on, people. Drop the jealousy. Ditch the hate. And if you haven’t been to The Mountain Air yet – go. Just go. Have the food. Order the Mount Mess. Take a deep breath, soak in the atmosphere, and see why some of us love it so damn much.


 

The Mountain Air - Tredegar

The Mountain Air - Tredegar

The Mountain Air Mess mmmmmm😋

The Mountain Air - Tredegar