Brookhouse Mill Reopens Doors After Five-Year Hiatus

The historic Brookhouse Mill, a beloved landmark that shuttered its doors five years ago following the passing of its owners, John and Karen Hall, has been lovingly restored and reopened. This iconic establishment, nestled on the banks of the River Ystrad in the picturesque hamlet of Brookhouse, near Denbigh, boasts a rich history as an 18th-century water mill.

A Rich History and a New Chapter

Originally serving as a flour and grain mill, the building’s past includes a period as a home and working pottery under the Powell family. By the 1980s, it had transformed into a popular restaurant and pub. Now, under the stewardship of the Stange family, known for their successful ventures at The Cottage Loaf in Llandudno and The Erskine Arms in Conwy, Brookhouse Mill has been revitalized as a warm and inviting traditional country pub.

Sympathetic Restoration Blends Charm with Modern Comfort

The extensive refurbishment is a true spectacle, preserving the building’s inherent charm and character while avoiding the sterile uniformity often found in chain establishments. The new addition of an outdoor seating area, featuring tables crafted from old beer barrels, offers a delightful space for patrons to enjoy during warmer evenings. Internally, the venue spans two floors, highlighted by a striking first-floor terrace. Echoes of its past are evident with original mill axles and drive machinery still visible overhead. Despite its popularity, the layout provides numerous nooks and crannies for those seeking a quieter experience.

A Culinary Journey Through the New Menu

The Stange family’s expertise in pub fare is reflected in an eclectic menu. The ‘nibbles’ section offers temptations like pork and smoked pancetta sausage rolls or salt and pepper squid with local Car y Mor seaweed, priced at £7.50 each. Starters include options such as charred wild mackerel (£9.95), a spiced chorizo Scotch egg (£8.95), and a comforting white onion, fennel, apple, and cider soup (£7.25).

For main courses, diners can choose from hearty classics like slow-braised steak and ale pie (£18.95) and pan-roasted rump of lamb (£24.95). Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the Conwy wild sea bass fillet (£22.95). A thoughtful addition is the charity dish, priced at £17.95, with 50p from each sale donated to ‘The Butterfly Suite’ at Arrowe Park Hospital.

Advance booking is strongly advised, as the venue has experienced near-constant sell-outs since its May reopening. Even on a Friday at noon, the car park was full, with eager customers filling the establishment.

A Taste of Brookhouse Mill

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by staff and shown to their tables, with a complimentary bottle of water provided. Opting for a light bite, the crab linguine proved a summer delight. This dish featured a blend of brown and white crab meat, tossed with fresh parsley butter, garlic, lemon, and a hint of chili flakes. The linguine’s texture perfectly complemented the fresh crab and the lingering warmth of the chili and garlic.

A small fish and chips from the mains menu (£12.95) was also sampled. The dish presented generous portions of crispy, moist white fish atop substantial, uniformly cut chips. Accompanying the plate were mushy peas and a tangy tartare sauce. A larger portion of fish and chips is available for £18.95.

Beverage selections included a local ‘magic dragon’ stout, boasting a deep, velvety finish with notes of chocolate and coffee, alongside Wrexham lager. The bar also features ales from Mold’s Hafod Brewery and cider from Rosies in Llandudno.

While desserts were not sampled due to the early hour, the menu showcases classics such as sticky toffee pudding (£8.25), toffee apple brioche bread and butter pudding (£8.25), and a cheeseboard featuring Welsh cheeses (£13.95).

Before departing, a brief exploration of the wooden outdoor terrace revealed its stunning views. The Brookhouse Mill’s return has been met with significant public enthusiasm, and the hope is that this lovingly restored establishment will remain a vibrant hub for the local community for many years to come.