Snowdon’s Peaks

Destination

Pale Hall

The Wynnstay

Southern Snowdonia

Whilst Southern Snowdonia has a stellar reputation for rugged landscapes, epic hiking trails and adventure activities, less is known about its southern fringe - home to a surprising bounty of local produce, craft gin, wild foraging opportunities and even Michelin star dining. Here lies also the only UNESCO Biosphere in Wales with its nature reserves, lowland wet grassland and salt marshes providing a variety of sustainably sourced produce. Take a gastro-journey through Southern Snowdonia and feast on succulent venison loin, local samphire infused seafood dishes and cym dyfi lamb.

Palé Hall

Victorian splendour, luxurious suites and fine dining awaits at the distinctive and refurbished Palé Hall. It’s an exquisite and rather remote Victorian mansion, located near pristine Lake Bala.

It’s easy to see why this majestic property persuaded Queen Victoria to turn what was meant to be a fleeting visit, into a 10-day retreat.

Palé Hall also has an excellent reputation for culinary excellence with innovative dishes, full of seasonal ingredients. Gareth Stevenson is the Head Chef at the helm and has earned Palé Hall a coveted Michelin Green Star award.

Their upscale AA 3 rosette rated dining is led by their 5 and 8 course tasting menus that promise diners a culinary journey with a focus on local produce with international influences.

Delectable dishes such as the Coed-Y-Brenin venison loin and Hafod cheddar, with pickled walnut, apple and honey glazed brioche superbly showcase regional specialities.

Palé Estate, Llandderfel, Bala LL23 7PS; tel: 01678 530285 www.palehall.co.uk Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth SY20 8AE; tel: 01654 702941 www.wynnstay.wales

Foraging for wild marsh samphire at Dyfi Estuary

Dyfi Estuary, with the expansive and golden sands of Ynyslas Beach at the estuary’s mouth, provides a unique habitat for wildlife and plants. The River Dyfi catchment area is unique in Wales having been designated a Biosphere by the United Nations ‘Man and Biosphere’ programme. In the spring, the salt marshes are awash with sea pink whilst marsh samphire and sea aster can also be seen in summer.

It’s a rather serene place for a spot of foraging for wild marsh samphire, that has a crisp texture and salty taste that works well with seafood and pasta dishes. Several cafes and restaurants in Southern Snowdonia utilise this bright green sea bounty in their fish dishes to add colour and crunch.

To forage the samphire yourself, pinch or use scissors to snip the tips of the stems, leaving the tough, yellow lower stalks intact. Clean and then lightly steam the samphire before serving with butter atop seafood dishes.

The Wynnstay

The Wynnstay is a rather charming and expansive coaching inn in the Market town of Machynlleth, with open fireplaces, country-style furnishing and antiques and the kind of eclectic pub decor you might expect from a historic Welsh inn.

Here, you’ll find a firm commitment to regional produce, real ales, fine wines and dishes with an Italian accent due to the owner Charles’s love of all things Italia. Dishes make use of local specialities including lamb, beef, foraged samphire, brown trout, crab, lobster and Welsh cheeses. Their high-quality wines are also imported from Italy and you can also have a more local taste with their range of Welsh ales and ciders.

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, call in for their popular Sunday lunch. Head Chef Gareth Johns uses local, Welsh produce where possible, including tender cym dyfi lamb with capers and parsley sauce.

Dining

Dylanwad

Y Sospan

In southern Snowdonia, sandwiched between Cader Idris and the head of the Mawddach estuary, stands the beautiful and historic market town of Dolgellau. At its centre stands one of the town’s oldest surviving buildings, a courthouse and gaol of 1606. This characterful building is home to Y Sospan a family owned café and restaurant.

By day Y Sospan offers breakfasts, lunches, quality coffee and cakes and by night a seasonal menu of home cooked dishes accompanied with a great range of drinks including Welsh wines, beers, spirits and cider. Y Sospan offers a warm and relaxed place to enjoy a meal or a drink at any time of the day. Cafe open every day from 8AM until 5:30PM. Evening menu served from 6-9PM (9:30PM at weekends).

Queen’s Square, Dolgellau LL40 1AW; tel: 01341 423174 www.ysospan.co.uk

Siop Coffi T.H.

Meg at Siop Coffi T.H. on Porthmadog’s High Street has been making cakes her whole life and that experience is showcased in the ever changing selection of homemade delights. From Meg’s famous Lemon Meringue to real coffee and Walnut and everything in between.

Even the coffee on offer at Siop is a family affair, with perfect roasts from Carvetii - where Meg’s older son Gareth and his wife Angharad are founders. Sit back and enjoy your choice of brew with a slice in this rustic and cosy ironmonger’s building.

98 High St, Porthmadog LL49 9NW; tel: 01766 513381

Dylanwad

Dylan and Llinos import wine from Europe and own a specialist wine shop in the historic town of Dolgellau. Along with their treasured staff, Terri and Emma they take pride in a personal and specialist service to help you to choose the right wine for you. They all have Wset wine qualifications so are well equipped to help you to experiment with different grape varieties and styles. Relax with a glass of wine or a coffee in one of the lovely rooms (which date back as far as the 17th century) or enjoy a tutored tasting before you browse the shop for wines or luxury food items. If you can’t get there in person, visit the online shop for UK wide delivery.

Liverpool House, Porth Marchnad, Dolgellau LL40 1ET; tel: 01341 422870 dylanwad.co.uk

Indiana Cuisine

Raj and Noorie are a well-known couple who have been very successfully running Indiana Cuisine for over the last 15 years! Anyone with a taste for perfect Indian Provender, could not do better than to stumble across this gem of a restaurant that exemplifies the art of Indian home cooking. Rich aromatic spices, mild flavours, and a temple of hospitality abound in this unexpected spot. Delicious, individually prepared food in intimate and beautifully decorated surroundings makes for a welcoming restaurant with amazing hosts and service.

The restaurant’s interior has been lovingly put together and a range of North Indian style artefacts added to give it a sense of authenticity. Takeaways are of equally high quality as each dish is prepared individually . A Google search on Indiana Cuisine showcases the high praises and reputation it has built with diners travelling into Wales from around the World! Booking is a must.

3 Beach Rd, Fairbourne LL38 2PZ; tel: 01341 250891 www.indianacuisinewales.uk

CAFFI’R Ceunant

CAFFI’R Ceunant, in Abergynolwyn, at the southern end of Snowdonia National Park at the base of Cader Idris, is more than just a small village cafe. This small, community based cafe provides one of the tastiest, freshest, and most interesting menus we know.

Catering to all tastes and suitable for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets, with CAFFI’R Ceunant you know you’re getting good value for money. Book well in advance, especially for Sunday lunch. A really simple, honest place with just fantastic food. Fresh ingredients, well cooked. Siop Coffi T.H.