Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen

When someone mentions holidays in the UK I think of five hour queues on the A303 to spend a weekend in the rainy West Country.

This entrenched dislike of the British vacation hails back to childhood trips that paled in comparison to our annual summer holiday to Spain.

More recent family breaks back down to the south of England have started to repair the damage done in my youth but I can't say I was entirely enthused when Hannah told me about the trip to North Wales she had booked for us.

All my fears were swept aside however when we spent an amazing weekend exploring the fabulous beaches and eateries of the Llyn Peninsula.  And in glorious sunshine too!

One highlight of the trip was the Ty Coch Inn which is a must visit for anyone heading to the area.

Rated the third best beach bar in the world, the Ty Coch Inn is hidden away in the tiny village of Porthdinllaen.  There is no car access for non-residents so visitors have to either walk through the golf course or stroll along the beach to reach the pub.

We chose to go through the golf course to get there and then headed back via the beach.  Regardless, both ways have amazing views of the bay and were very tranquil.  

After your 20 minute walk you can reward yourself with a cool drink and some lunch either sat at their picnic tables or perched on the famous beach wall. 

I had a tuna and cheese panini and Hannah had a chicken, ham and mayo sandwich.  The lunches are generous and fresh with really quick service despite the fact that it can get very busy.

It isn't the food that makes the Ty Coch Inn a must visit destination.  It is the spectacular views, the lovely walk and the ability to have a drink on one of Britain's most serene beaches.

It is secret spots like this one that have converted me into a fan of the UK holiday.  Who knew that a Welsh vista could take the breath away?!  

How to find the Ty Coch Inn:
Getting to the Inn can be a little bit tricky so don't follow the Sat Nav as you might end up driving off a cliff!

Head to Morfa Nefyn and drive down Lon Golff towards the Nefyn and District Golf Club.

Before you get to the golf club there is a National Trust car park on the right.  This is the best spot to park but make sure you have cash to pay the £4 charge.

From the National Trust car park you can either walk up and through the golf course or down the stairs at the rear of the car park which take you down to the beach.  

Be careful at high tide as beach access is restricted.

The Queen's Head, Glanwydden, Conwy by Hannah

North Wales holds very happy memories for me. My Nanna and Poppa lived in Colwyn Bay and later Llandudno for more than 30 years and my childhood was full of visits to these seaside towns. With so much to do in the surrounding area, I never got the chance to explore further down the coast.

For our wedding anniversary I decided to treat the hubby to a weekend away. After hearing so much about Abersoch from my colleagues at work who visit regularly, I did what any Boltonian does when tempted by a recommended holiday...  I booked it, packed it, and f*cked off. I don't mess about!

On the way to Abersoch I wanted to stop off in Llandudno for old times sake. Since my Nanna moved back to Bolton I've not been back for about 4 years. With hunger pangs growing, Elliott came up with a blinding idea for lunch which I'd totally forgot about - The Queen's Head.

This place is pretty hard to find. It's very off the beaten track but this fabulous pub food is a must. I've been here many times and every visit is just as good as the last.

Serving traditional pub grub with a couple of alternative choices on the menu, the Queen's Head caters for everyone's tastes. The interior is cosy, clean and really hospitable.

Elliott went for a special - Connemara Mussels sauteed in garlic butter on spinach and glazed with Llanrwst smoked cheddar served with salad and French bread. 

For me (who was starving) the Monkfish and King Prawn Curry in a light mango and coconut sauce, timbale of rice, mango chutney and a poppadom. The dish also comes with a small dish of apples and sultanas, but with hating all things associated with raisin-type objects I opted out which the chef kindly obliged. The extra sprinkle of coriander completed my dish and made it a winner from the first mouthful.

The food is so fresh and tasty here. Even Elliott started digging into my curry across the table and I had to stab him with a fork to stop him, naughty husband!

The service was, as always, impeccable and we couldn't ask for more. 

It was a shame I was too full to sample the delights of the amazing cakes and tortes situated behind the front desk. Nevertheless, the curry and my fave Southern Comfort beverage was a brilliant start to our break away.

I tried to get a photo of the outside of the pub but I got caught in a sudden rain shower so the picture really doesn't do it justice.

For somewhere quite out of the way, the pub was packed with people eating which speaks volumes. I'm so glad we remembered to stop here, it truly is a hidden gem in the Welsh countryside!

More Wales blogs to follow!

Freemasons at Wiswell

The Freemasons at Wiswell spent a long time right at the top of my 'places to eat' list before I was able to find the time to visit.

It ticks all the boxes of somewhere I would love - hidden away in a small village within the Ribble Valley, serving local produce and highly recommended.

The pub has been recognised as a great food destination and was named the 'Top Pub in the UK' by The Good Food Guide.

It is classically rustic inside but also has a modern feel.  This is a country pub with a contemporary twist and that is reflected in the food.

Complimentary Bread:

Everyone loves it when the waiter brings across some free bread to get you started.  However, not everywhere does bread like they do here.  

Warm rolls, soaked with beef fat and covered in salt and rosemary.

You don't get better bread than that.  

Organic Egg:

Crispy Hen's Egg, "Gammon and Pineapple". 

Hannah is a sucker for any sort of egg based starter after she fell in love with the Hearth of the Ram's Scotch Egg.  The runny yolk of the Freemason egg had her smiling.

Lamb:

Kofta, BBQ Lettuce, Miso Aubergine, Mint and Yoghurt.  

I will always go for anything with BBQ on the menu and I wasn't disappointed.  Subtle flavours that hit the spot but not too sweet to overpower the flavour of the meat.

Aged Beef:

Roast Sirloin, Yorkshire Pudding, Duck Fat Potatoes, Cauliflower Cheese, Roast Beef Juices.

I think the images speak for themselves. 

WOW.

The cauliflower cheese was scrumptious.  

Quite a few restaurants and people up north seem to love it with a roast, but before I moved up here I had never heard of putting it with a traditional Sunday lunch.

Perhaps it is a northern thing but whoever came up with the idea was a bloody genius. 

Fish of the Day:

Cod, Southport Potted Shrimps, Chipped Potatoes.

I rarely order seafood but after my father-in-law decided to try the cod, it triggered some serious food envy.  

Next time, I may have to go for fish instead of meat!

Lemon:

Cheesecake and Vanilla Ice Cream.

Neatly presented and fresh enough to cleanse my palate.  A really good way to end a fantastic meal. 

Michel Cluizel:

Dark Chocolate Mousse and Passion Fruit.

The strange name for this dessert relates to the source of the chocolate.  Based in Normandy, Michel Cluizel have been in business since 1948 and their product was put to good use in the kitchen at Freemasons.

The Ribble Valley is full of wonderful places to eat, especially if you like local produce.

The Freemasons at Wiswell matches the quality I associate with the area and is the perfect place to go if you want a drive into the countryside followed by some high quality food.

You don't end up as the best pub in the UK for nothing! 

Check out my other Ribble Valley blogs here.

The Duke of York, Grindleton

I love heading north.

A short drive from Bolton gets you off the beaten track and into the Ribble Valley which is one of Britain's hidden gems.

Set within the Forest of Bowland, there are plenty of small Lancashire villages to explore, breathtaking countryside to enjoy and a wealth of great places to eat with local produce in abundance throughout the Ribble Valley. If you're into Game of Thrones, think Winterfell.

Last Friday our family ended up at a beautiful country pub not too far outside of Clitheroe.  Located in the pretty village of Grindleton is The Duke of York where the modern decor and friendly service made us feel so welcome it was like we were in the comfort of our own home. 

We were not rushed and had the pleasure to enjoy a meal of locally sourced, seasonal food that many Ribble Valley eateries are becoming known for.

We were given a very friendly reception on arrival and I was recommended the Wyld Wood cider which went down a treat. I had to have it, given I'd married into the wild Wood family.

The ladies opted for the Summer Fizz which was a mix of Prosecco and raspberry liquor. 

As we settled with our drinks we were presented with freshly baked white and brown bread served warm in a loaf tin.

Pork Belly and Black Pudding Scotch Egg with Apple Salad:
To start, Hannah and her Dad ordered the pork and black pudding scotch egg dish. A small runny quail's egg was hidden in the middle of this succulent meaty ball and it came with a crunchy crackling and a fresh salad covered by a julienne of apple.

Lancashire Cheese, Caramelised Onion and Apple Soufflé with Beetroot Salad:
A light and cheesy dish served in a cast iron frying pan. My Mother-in-Law was delighted with it. When we return I may even order this dish for myself as it seemed so impressive.

Crispy Duck and Chorizo Salad with Bacon Lardons and Plum Sauce:
My starter was huge and allowed me to see if duck and chorizo sit well together with their strong flavours.  I can assure you that they certainly do.  I want this dish again.  Now!

10oz Rib-Eye of Lancashire Beef, Triple Cooked Chips, Rocket and Parmesan, Tomato, Mushrooms and Peppercorn Sauce:
The steak was cooked perfectly rare as I like it and came with a fresh Parmesan and rocket salad.  The mustard mayonnaise that sits alongside the dish was superb, as was the peppercorn sauce which soaked into the crispy chips that came served in a little cone of newspaper!

Char-Grilled Rump of Lamb, Panache of Spring Vegetables, New Potatoes and Lamb Jus:
Surprise, surprise... lamb on the menu so Hannah is having it and so is her Mum. The whole dish was so fresh. The meat was tender and pink and came with new potato discs, a leek, shallot, carrot and fresh beans and tiny onions. The gravy was excellent.

Fillet of Cod with Spinach, Broccoli, Mussels and Tagliatelle:
My father-in-law loves his fish and decided on the cod dish which was perfectly presented.  The mixture of pasta and fish was balanced nicely with the mussels.

Ice Cream Sundae, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Italian Meringue, Ice Cream and Toffee Sauce:
I couldn't manage a dessert and only ordered a carajillo coffee (espresso with brandy). That didn't prevent me from stealing mouthfuls of Hannah's pud though which was rich and luxurious. The sundae was full of gooey sticky toffee squares, chocolate ice cream and on top sat the lightest Italian meringue I have ever tasted.  
Imagine the fluffy insides of a Tunnock's Teacake and you will understand...

Vanilla Créme Brulee, Summer Fruits, Sorbet:
Créme Brulee is a family favourite which always seems to be ordered by at least one person when we go out.  This night was no exception and the presentation of the dish was imaginative.  The sorbet was a welcome accompaniment to refresh the palate.

It was getting dark by the time we left The Duke of York for the enjoyable drive home. The fresh country air was still humid and there was the distinct scent of summer flowers in the air.

We all agreed that it was a meal to remember and it won't be long before we return to a new favourite place to eat.

The Church House Inn, Marldon

Good service is just as important as good food.

Personally, I think every eatery should live by those words.  The dining out experience is as much about the way you are treated by the staff as it is about munching on memorable grub.  You want a special experience everywhere you go.

Just like the quality of the food, a rude waitress or unhelpful manager can ensure you never return to that establishment ever again.  

As I mentioned in my last blog post, I have just returned from a family holiday in Devon where I had some memorable meals out.
Sadly, not all of those meals were memorable for the right reasons...

As a family we decided to have a celebratory meal out at the beginning of the week and set about finding a good pub somewhere close to where we were staying in Compton, near Torquay.  

Close by we found The Church House Inn, Marldon which, according to their website, has won multiple awards including 'Country Pub of the Year' as voted by readers of 'Devon Life'.

However, if I learnt anything from the trip it was that not all restaurants with 'awards' live up to the hype.

The first thing which took us aback about the Church House Inn was the price of the drinks. A cider and southern comfort and lemonade came to £8.

When we rang to book a month in advance, we were advised to come at 2pm. However straight after ordering drinks, we were rushed to our seat and rudely advised whilst browsing the menu that the chef was awaiting our order as the kitchen was about to close. Everything from then on was hurried and it soon became clear that the staff were hovering, eager to get us out.  

I ordered the Roast Beef which was of a decent standard but Hannah's portion, which I tasted to confirm, was as tough and dry as old boots.  The veg was also looking sorry for itself but at least they gave a decent, 'northern' amount of gravy.

My Brother-in-Law ordered the Seafood Platter which looked pretty good and had several small portions of fish from the coast, including smoked salmon. 

In fact, The Church House Inn seems to do seafood much better than they do other dishes. My Father-in-Law had a pleasant prawn curry dish which he really enjoyed.

This meal was not ruined because of the food though, it was the poor service.  

The accolade for 'worst service I've ever encountered' goes to the staff at the Church House Inn who started hoovering around the restaurant as we ate. It was only until we mentioned this to the Manager that they turned the hoover off.  When I confronted them about these issues, I was informed that the reason for the rushing and cleaning up around us was because the chefs and waiting staff wanted to go home and were waiting for us to finish our meals.

Determined not to let this spoil our family meal we asked to look at the dessert menu (which didn't go down well) as my two nieces fancied ice cream on this beautiful day. However the ice cream was £5.50 a portion which seemed extortionate given the quality of the mains.

In the end the Church House Inn took the disappointing beef dish off the bill after we explained we were not paying for it. We left a disgruntled note on the comment card and subsequently the owner called me the next day with an apology and an offer of a free meal for two.  

No one was keen to go back. 

A strong reminder to us foodies that when it comes to places with awards that all that glitters is not gold.