A community pub in Pembrokeshire has been named one the UK’s top three friendliest pubs.

Security experts at Get Licensed have analysed Tripadvisor reviews and median crime scores to determine which community pubs throughout the UK are the friendliest and most welcoming.

You can find the full ranking here.

The Fishers Arms in Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed, tops the list as the friendliest pub in the UK, scoring 8.57 out of 10, while Pembrokeshire’s White Hart Community Inn is the UK’s second friendliest pub, scoring 8.27 out of 10.

Located in the village of St Dogmaels near Cardigan in Wales, 66.67 per cent of The White Hart Inn’s reviews mention the words ‘friendly’ and ‘welcoming’. The nearby area has a median crime score of 609 out of 1,000, with just 39 crimes being reported in 2024.

Saved from closure by the village and wider community, The White Hart Community Inn is a lovely pub two miles from Poppit Sands and one mile from Cardigan Town.

Established in 1769, the White Hart was the last traditional pub in the village before its closure in May 2019 spurred the community of St Dogmaels into action.

Two years of fundraising and campaigning followed, with over 550 shareholders - some from St Dogmaels, but others from other parts of the world - offering their support.

Support also came from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, the Social Business Growth Fund of Social Investment Cymru at WCVA and a grant from Pembrokeshire County Council.

On January 18, 2021, the purchase was finalised and The White Hart became The White Hart Community Inn, a warm, welcoming, supportive community hub at the centre of the rural village, promoting the Welsh language and culture.

As well as being a friendly meeting place offering real ale and locally-sourced food, the White Hart Community Inn also presents a commercially viable, sustainable business helping the local economy and providing lasting value for the wider community.

The pub recently hosted a convivial Community Supper on St Patrick’s Day, March 17.

Shahzad Ali, CEO and Security Expert at Get Licensed said:

“It's clear that prioritising a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in pubs isn't just good for business, it's essential for creating a safe environment. Our research shows that the friendliest pubs tend to be in areas with lower crime rates, highlighting the role pubs can play in fostering a sense of community and deterring crime.

Ensuring pubs have properly trained door supervisors is another crucial step in creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all patrons. Pubs that focus on creating a positive and inclusive environment for their patrons are not only more likely to receive positive reviews, they also contribute to the overall safety and well-being of their local area.”