Tafarn y Fic Y Meirionnydd
Tasty Tales of the Unexpected
Make the most of the Autumn with a seasonal wander and rediscover some epic Welsh tales. Lowri Haf Cooke guides us to some curious historical hot-spots Tafarn y Fic, Llithfaen, Llyn Peninsula for dastardly drinks, Is there a more tragic Welsh love story than the legend legendary lunches and of Nant Gwrtheyrn, that ended in heartbreak for Rhys and Meinir on the eve of their wedding spooky suppers! lovers in Penrhyn Llŷn? Visitors flock to the National
Welsh Language Centre, to savour the story and sunset view, before returning uphill to the quarrying village of Llithfaen, and Tafarn y Fic for a pint or two. Established in 1988, it’s Europe’s oldest community pub, with a wide selection of local craft ales. Whatever you do, don’t be tempted to play hide and seek amongst the trees in an autumn gale! Far better for you to soak the Fic’s atmosphere, supping a pint of Cwrw Ogwen or Cwrw Llŷn. Tafarn y Fic, Llithfaen, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 6PA www.tafarnyfic.com
Y Meirionnydd, Dolgellau
Nanteos
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On Smithfield Square in Dolgellau you’ll find plush townhouse Y Meirionnydd – one of Wales’ most heavenly boutique hotels. But for centuries, for its residents, it was a living hell as Dolgellau’s county gaol. The most vivid depictions of life for its 17th Century ‘guests’ are found in Marion Eames’ novel, Y Stafell Ddirgel (The Secret Room). It was thankfully turned into an inn in 1865, and a contemporary Welsh hotel in 2006. The restaurant, in the historical cellar, now offers
www.taste-blas.co.uk
a sumptuous experience, with stylish spotlighting, velvet banquettes, and a stellar seasonal menu. Start with the soup, followed by rump of local lamb, minted potato rosti and rich red wine jus. The fruit crumble is a dream with Penderyn whiskey ice cream, but do mind your head; the cellar gaol had very low beams. Y Meirionnydd, Smithfield Square, Dolgellau LL40 1ES www.themeirionnydd.com
Nanteos, Llanbadarn-y-Creuddyn, Aberystwyth For luxury afternoon tea to pique your curiosity, make a bee-line for Nanteos. This country house hotel has a historical tale to tell, at the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains. For generations the mansion was home – indeed, a haven - to the famed Nanteos Cup; currently preserved at the nearby National Library of Wales, it was believed to be the Holy Grail. It was said to have been a chalice made from the wood of the Cross and to have come into the possession of the Nanteos family from the monks of local abbey Ystrad Fflur (Strata Florida). Modern incarnations of Indiana Jones will love Nanteos’ Gentlemen’s Afternoon Tea - or go for the ravishing ‘Cardigan Bay’ for the flavours of the sea. Nanteos, Rhydfelin, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 4LU www.nanteos.com
