As the region's pubs and bars continue to adjust to a new way of doing things - with covid guidelines in place of course - 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.

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

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.

Step inside this week's pub...

The Leader:

Above: Andy Edwards and Clare Davies, business partners at the Red Lion, in Marchwiel, and some of the events held at the pub.

There's an incredibly reassuring level of optimism on tap at the Red Lion, in Marchwiel.

And serving it up is Clare Davies, who has run the pub with business partner Andy Edwards for three years.

There is a charm about the landlady, who in amongst our talk of lockdown worries and the future, takes pride in telling me they're a dog-friendly pub. Noted.

On the subject of when they were forced to close their doors, along with everyone else across the country, Clare says they didn't just sit it out.

She said: "We thought it was only going to be a short space of time, so we were rushing to redecorate the whole pub.

"And then lockdown got longer and longer, and we found more jobs to do."

Those extra jobs have included building a barbecue in their ample sized garden area, and they are soon to open an outside bar. Clare certainly lives by her statement "we make any challenge into a positive".

The Leader:

Taking their role within the community seriously, they got involved during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Their chef did takeout meals for the vulnerable in the village, and they liaised with the residents and put out contact details for anyone needing prescriptions that was unable to get out.

And asking what was the best thing about running the pub, Clare couldn't be more clear.

She said: "We're proud to be part of the community, ensuring everyone is made to feel especially welcomed, and leave as friends.

"Providing an exceptional service at all times. Having a great team working alongside us. Enjoying well established relationships with returning customers."

Memorable moments at the Red Lion after plentiful, and Clare lists just a few: "Redfest, which saw a collection of bands outside, and we have a visit from Santa to read stories to the children.

"We've had charitable fun with a Peaky Blinders night, shave the chef and a staff sponsored walk from Llandudno to the pub. Lots of community events.

"Not to mention our Halloween nights and fancy dress events.

"We have successfully made the pub the hub of the community. We support local charities and promote the use of local businesses."

The Leader:

Life is definitely never dull at the 17th century pub, and being one of the oldest buildings in the village, I ask my favourite question, any ghosts?

Claire humours me: "We hear the odd bump and a gentleman coughing, and footsteps upstairs when no one is in."

But that hasn't stopped people choosing the venue as part of their special days.

After one couple held their wedding reception there, another held a blessing last year to renew their vows. And it has also been the location of choice for presentation nights.

Looking to the future, they would love to see the return of Redfest, with Clare adding in relation to the current guidelines "we are hoping and praying everything changes".

But for now, they just want to remind people they're open, and currently they don't operate a booking system. So with food being served daily (the homemade Sunday roast is on my list), and tea and coffee also available, there really is no better time to support your local.

• Red Lion

Wrexham Road

Marchwiel

Opening hours: Noon until midnight, with exception of covid guidelines at present noon-10pm