MP for Clwyd South Simon Baynes MP made a socially distanced visit to The Boat at Erbistock to hear more about the benefits of the owners substantial investment in refurbishing and reinvigorating the much-loved riverside inn.

The grade-II listed inn was built in the 17th century, and is located where the ferry used to cross the River Dee.

The Boat at Erbistock and its team of chefs pride themselves on using local produce to create a wide range of British classics and spicy world food.

They have a specialist wine list and also stock a selection of beers from local breweries across Wales, Shropshire and Cheshire.

Graham Price, the co-owner of The Boat at Erbistock, said: "After being shut for nearly 6 months it’s great to be opening up again and it was a very pleasant surprise to have Simon take such a genuine interest in what we have been through and are trying to do here.”

After his visit, Mr Baynes, said: “It was a real pleasure to visit the team at The Boat at Erbistock, in its beautiful setting by the River Dee, to see how they were preparing to re-open following the Covid lockdown and to wish them every success as people in Wales can now eat inside pubs and restaurants again.

“I was very impressed in particular to hear about how The Boat at Erbistock supports the local economy by employing up to 40 different members of staff and buying its produce from local businesses. In these trying economic times, it’s always heartening to see local businesses supporting each other and buying local. I’d encourage people locally to visit the inn now that it’s reopened, and perhaps try their own gin, “The Spirit Of Erbistock”, made on site in their ‘Lady Dee’ still!”