Gwestae Ghoulish

Tafarn y Fic

Y Meirionnydd

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 for dastardly drinks, legendary lunches and spooky suppers!

Tasty Tales of the Unexpected

Tafarn y Fic, Llithfaen, Llyn Peninsula

Is there a more tragic Welsh love story than the legend of Nant Gwrtheyrn, that ended in heartbreak for lovers Rhys and Meinir on the eve of their wedding in Penrhyn Llŷn? Visitors ock 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 cra 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.tafarny c.com

Y Meirionnydd, Dolgellau

On Smith eld Square in Dolgellau you’ll nd 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. e most vivid depictions of life for its 17th Century ‘guests’ are found in Marion Eames’ novel, Y Stafell Ddirgel ( e Secret Room). It was thankfully turned into an inn in 1865, and a contemporary Welsh hotel in 2006. e restaurant, in the historical cellar, now o ers 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. e fruit crumble is a dream with Penderyn whiskey ice cream, but do mind your head; the cellar gaol had very low beams.

Y Meirionnydd, Smith eld Square, Dolgellau LL40 1ES www.themeirionnydd.com

Nanteos, Llanbadarn-y-Creuddyn, Aberystwyth

For luxury a ernoon tea to pique your curiosity, make a bee-line for Nanteos. is 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 F ur (Strata Florida). Modern incarnations of Indiana Jones will love Nanteos’ Gentlemen’s A ernoon Tea - or go for the ravishing ‘Cardigan Bay’ for the avours of the sea.

Nanteos, Rhydfelin, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 4LU www.nanteos.com

The Lime Crab

The Lime Crab, Cei Newydd, Ceredigion

Beddgelert in Eryri may draw crowds to Gelert’s grave, but Cei Newydd (New Quay) has the tale of ‘Merched y Môr’ (‘Girls of the Sea’). It’s the legend of three sisters transformed into gulls, a er being taken by Dylan, Welsh monster of the sea. To truly savour this tale, arrange a walk towards the ‘Cei’, then sing ‘Ar Lan y Môr’ a capella on the beach. Having whet your appetite, head for e Lime Crab for sh and chips, and eat them straight out of the paper wrapping on the quay. You’ll soon discover three gulls appear - rest assured, there’s no cause to fear. ey’re Llio, Gwenllian and Branwen taking in the a ernoon air, before returning to their home under the sea...

e Lime Crab, South John Street, Cei Newydd, Ceredigion SA45 9NP www.facebook.com/ eLimeCrab

Trewern Arms, Nanhyfer, Pembrokeshire

You may be drawn to the Pembrokeshire village of Nanhyfer (Nevern) for its 700 year old yew trees, but stay to enjoy the local ‘spirit’. e blood-red sap of the trees has been ‘bleeding’ for as long as anyone can remember in the 6th Century churchyard of St Brynach. And while you’re visiting Nanhyfer, stay for your supper at the lovely local pub, the Trewern Arms. It’s a Welsh historical inn with a blackboard menu to draw you in; how about smoked haddock chowder, then a magni cent millefueille for your a ers? And talking of ‘a ers’, there’s a piano by the bar, sometimes playing with no pianist in sight. A number of locals are familiar with ‘Nesta’, a spectral presence in room no.8. With regular folk evenings, and Bluestone ales at the bar, you’ll happily toast to your ‘iechyd da’.

e Trewern Arms, Nanhyfer, Pembrokeshire SA42 0NB www.trewernarms.com

Nanteos

Llancaiach Fawr, Nelson, Rhymney Valley

For a spirited Sunday lunch – or even a ghost tour with your supper – make your way to Llancaiach Fawr, not far from Caer li. As well as its fascinating history as Dafydd ap Richard’s semi-forti ed manor, this Welsh Tudor house has been voted one of the most haunted buildings in Britain. Strange occurrences have been recorded in almost every room, including odours of violets, lavender, and even roast beef. Follow your nose down to the Conservatory Restaurant, or the Co ee Lounge, or enquire about their 17th Century recipes.

Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Nelson, Treharris CF46 6ER your.caerphilly.gov.uk/llancaiachfawr/content/ welcome-llancaiach-fawr

The Skirrid Inn, Llanfi hangel Crucornau

‘Wales’ Oldest Inn’ harbours legends aplenty, and even the name sends a shiver down the spine! e Skirrid refers to the local mountain, yr Ysgyryd, that – 2000 years ago - was split down the middle with a ‘shudder’ or ‘shiver’, to form yr Ysgyryd Fach (little) and Ysgyryd Fawr (large). e 11th Century inn played various roles over the years, including Judge Je reys’ courthouse and execution place (it stills retains its oak hanging beam). It’s certainly got bags of character, which some say inspired William Shakespeare, and Owain Glyndŵr to rally his troops against Henry IV. A favourite with walkers for centuries, for a classic Ploughman’s lunch; wash it down with the Eccentric Gin from Cardi – just one of a variety of Welsh spirits you’ll nd at the bar!

e Skirrid Mountain Inn, Llan hangel Crucornau, Abergavenny NP7 8DH www.skirridmountaininn.co.uk

Llancaiach Fawr

Trewern Arms

Trewern Arms Trewern Arms

Llancaiach Fawr

· This year’s a special one as it’s our 30th Winter Fair This year’s a special one as it’s our 30th Winter Fair · · Over 1,000 competitions with more than £25k of Over 1,000 competitions with more than £25k of prize money available prize money available · · Homecrafts, poultry, horticulture, floral art and Homecrafts, poultry, horticulture, floral art and meat competitions meat competitions · · Late night shopping & fireworks on Monday night Late night shopping & fireworks on Monday night · · FREE car parking and FREE entry after 4pm FREE car parking and FREE entry after 4pm · · Food Hall, Farmers Market, Cookery demos Food Hall, Farmers Market, Cookery demos · · Christmas Gifts and AuctionsChristmas Gifts and · · Gates open at 8am Gates open at 8am · · E-tickets available now E-tickets available now

Mae eleni’n un arbennig, gan mai dyma’n 30ain Ffair Aeaf.

Dewch i ddathlu gyda ni! Gatiau’n agor o 8 y bore. Dewch i ddathlu gyda ni! Gatiau’n agor o 8 y bore.

Tocynnau ar gael ar-lein yn awr. Tocynnau ar gael ar-lein yn awr.

This year’s a special one, as it’s our 30th Winter Fair. This year’s a special one, as it’s our 30th Winter Fair. Come and celebrate with us! Gates open from 8am. Come and celebrate with us! Gates open from 8am. Tickets available online now. Tickets available online now.