As the region's pubs and bars continue to recover from the impact of the covid pandemic - the Leader is shining a light on the industry with our Pub of the Week feature.

This is an opportunity for landlords and landladies from across Wrexham and Flintshire to have the chance to showcase their establishment.

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

If you would like your pub considered to be featured, simply fill in our online Q&A or if you would like to chat or nominate a pub, email claire.pierce@newsquest.co.uk

Step into this week's venue...

  • THE TOP MONKEY, NORTHOP HALL

Located in the small village of Northop Hall near Mold, The Top Monkey is a picturesque pub a stone's throw away from some fabulous North Wales landscapes, with a reputation as unique as its name. 

The Leader:

The pub's name is a homage to rumours of a former landlord's infamous pet monkey and is truly at the heart of the community within the village. 

Although not the largest of spaces, once inside, the pub truly has that cosy feel to it.

Equipped with plenty of TVs, a large fireplace, a dart board, with outdoor and indoor seating, it is easy to see why The Top Monkey is popular with locals. 

The Leader:

It's worth mentioning that the pub is spotless and it is evident that the landlord takes pride in ensuring the pub meets high standards and maintains a reputation of being a pleasent place to enjoy a few pints.

A great feature about this pub which was a nice touch, is how it really embraces its character and history as the walls are decorated with old pictures of the pub and its people from years gone by, which amplifies The Top Monkey's tradition as a staple within the village. 

The Leader:

Landlord, Ieuan Wyn Pritchard has been in charge of The Top Monkey since October 2021, and admitted he welcomes the sense of responsibility he feels as steward of the pub and the role it plays within the community. 

Ieuan said: "I've always loved hospitality and I've worked in different pubs. The opportunity came to come and run this one. I came and visited, and loved it.

The Leader:

"It's great, everyone in this village is really nice and we're slowly getting people back out after Covid.

"It's important after everything that's happend. People talk about the demise of pubs with the price of beer and the bills at home and stuff. 

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"It is important to get people in and make sure they're not necessarily spending loads of money, but they're coming in and enjoying themselves and socialising with people they wouldn't normally see in their day to day lives, such as people who work from an office or work from home. 

The Leader:

"It's nice to see people coming in and talking to each other and not even realising they live on the same estate, and then become really good friends."

Ieuan took the reigns of The Top Monkey in the aftermath of the pandmemic and revealed that it wasn't without its challenges. 

He added: "I think it was mainly getting people back out. A lot of people's drinking habbits have changed.

"For example, a lot of people got their own bars, so for me a big challenge was getting people back in the pub and the community back together.

"To do this, we brought in karaoke nights, live bands, made our prices resaonable and really pushed hard through promotions on Facebook and Instagram.

"Because we're in a small village, marketing is a big thing."

The Leader:

The Top Monkey is more than just an average boozer, and plays a pivotal role in bringing people together by holding events, such as a senior social on Mondays and a popular weekly quiz on Tuesdays; as well as complete sporting coverage. 

The pub also has one eye on the future, with plans to bring food and more live bands to The Top Monkey currently in the pipeline. 

  • The Top Monkey 

Village Road, Northop Hall, Mold CH7 6HS

Tel - 01244 638574

Opening hours:

Mon - Fri: 3pm - 11pm

Sat - Sun: noon - 11pm