Tyddyn Llan: Luxury on the edge of Snowdonia
By David Powell
North Wales is an excellent and popular destination with thousands of people visiting the area every year for a holiday or a short relaxing break in the countryside. Known for its stunning scenery and range of activities, I recently took the opportunity to stay at Tyddyn Llan due to its premise of enjoyment and a trip to remember.
Based within the small village of Llandrillo, the location is described as one of Wales’ renowned restaurant that is sat on the edge of Snowdonia National Park (Vale of Edeyrnion). Tyddyn Llan is further near to the main A5 route into North Wale but is also far enough to experience a real rural location.
A restaurant with rooms:
This location is a great way to experience excellent food in elegant surroundings with twelve bedrooms and a ground floor garden suite. My allocated space was Room 2 featuring a large en-suite first floor room with a view over the main entrance; which is joined by three acres of beautiful, landscaped gardens which can be explored as well as super views of the Berwyn Mountains in the distance. There is further an ornamental pond in the grounds, a croquet lawn and a delightful terrace with tables and chairs adjoining the restaurant.
Individually designed guest rooms:
All guest rooms have been individually designed with all the extras needed for a memorable stay; the list including a TV, DVD / CD players, radio, Wi-Fi and a telephone, Egyptian cotton sheets are used for the bedding alongside fluffy dressing gowns, slippers and bath/shower toiletries; whilst dogs can also be taken by prior arrangement.
Great food, warm hospitality, and a new owner:
Renowned chef Gareth Stevenson has been running the hotel and restaurant on behalf of the new owner since July; bringing a desire to support local producers, quality ingredients and growing food in the kitchen garden. He has previously worked at Palé Hall as Head Chef with his initiatives leading to a Michelin Green Star, and three AA rosettes. This ethos now dictates the new cooking style at Tyddyn Llan; where sustainability is the focus in creating an exceptional and truly Welsh dining experience.
Chef Joshua Morris is second in command and Robin Evans completes the senior kitchen team as a specialist pastry chef; whilst Maria Ganova (Gareth’s Partner) joins restaurant manager Torin as front-of-house manager. These four are well used to working together and bringing expertise from working at some of the UK’s very finest starred establishments; making it a new vibrant crew for Tyddyn Llan together with a completely refurbished restaurant which looks fantastic!
Disabled Access:
Disabled access is well catered for and help with luggage is always on hand, although the upper floors may be unsuitable for guests with limited mobility (there’s no lift). However one ground floor room has been recognised by Visit Wales as suitable for disabled guests and there is access advice on their website; whilst readers can also give reception a call for friendly advice.
Amenities:
Tyddyn Llan has three delightful and relaxing sitting rooms which provided a special experience for me personally. Sitting on comfortable sofa, drink in hand, choosing from the dinner menu and wine list whilst being offered a selection of Canapés as a pre-dinner treat was certainly a memory before I was shown to the dining table. The stunning dining room is airy, elegant and a pleasure to eat in; the added bonus being that it is just across the hallway via the well-stocked bar.
Each night Gareth offers a six or ten course dinner taster menu starting with canapés with coffee and petits fours included in the dinner pricing; whilst breakfast is a five-course tasting menu. A good variety of wines are served by the glass and carafe with a section of half bottles available; ensuring that food and wine matching is always fun as the venue offers wine for each course (for a supplement).
Readers can see the wonderful dinner menus detailed on Tyddyn Llan’s website but here’s a little taster: Canapés, oat groat sourdough, citrus cured trout, hand dived Scottish scallops, charred sweetcorn soup, raviolo of rose veal sweetbread / shin, brown butter poached cod plus a choice of Welsh lamb or Welsh black beef fillet, and a selection of delicious desserts.
Things to do in the area:
Tyddyn Llan is ideally placed to explore the local area where visitors can sample excellent walks with peace and quiet from the unspoilt landscape. Meanwhile Llangollen is a popular tourist town located about 18 miles away featuring its steam railway, Horseshoe Pass and the famous Pontcysylite aqueduct; which was built by Thomas Telford two centuries ago and can be crossed by narrow boat or take a horse drawn boat ride along the canal.
Bala Lake is also fairly close by and the narrow-gauge Bala Lake Steam Railway runs for several miles alongside the lake. Visitors may also consider a visit to the Berwyn Mountains (about a 20 mile drive away) where you can find the highest waterfall in Wales.
Conclusion:
If readers are looking for a relaxing, luxury break away that’s different, then Tyddyn Llan ticks the right boxes. It has beautiful surroundings, a home from home feeling and sensational meals as well as being equipped with wonderful customer service and facilities; which make it a great place to visit.
Readers can explore Tyddyn Llan and their services by visiting www.tyddynllan.co.uk; whilst the team can be contacted via 01490 440 264. There are also regular special offers available via the Tyddyn Llan Facebook and Instagram pages.
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PICTURED BY DAVID POWELL: Imagery showing the beauty and unique feelings around Tyddyn Llan, a popular restaurant with rooms in Wales.
