A few of the pubs, hostelries,
cafes and restaurants we've visited...
(Grid Reference,
and sometimes phone number, in brackets)
St. David's
Pembrokeshire
The Refectory in the cathedral –
gorgeous food (always excellent veggie choices as well) in the
former monks' refectory, reasonably priced. As you walk through
the cathedral to the Refectory, note the that the floor slopes
in a 15 foot drop from the altar to the west door. The slope was
caused by an earthquake in the middle ages. A good place to park
bikes is by the ruined Bishop's Palace near the ford (don't cycle
through the ford).
Cwm Gwaun
near Fishguard, Pembrokeshire
The Dyffryn Arms (SM
811 056) – no food but a classic unspoilt pub with
beautifully kept real-ale served in a jug through a hatch by the
wonderful Bessie. Walk into the pub and it is like walking back
90 years. Cycling down Cwm Gwaun (cwm is Welsh for valley)
is a wonderful ride, especially when you are heading for the Dyffryn
Arms in the late afternoon sunshine. The people of Cwm Gwaun still
celebrate New Year on 13th January – what's the point of
change when the old ways work perfectly well!
Druidston
near Broadhaven, Pembrokeshire
The Druidstone Hotel (SM
862 169; 01437 781221) – has to be one of the best
places in Pembrokeshire; gorgeous food, real ale (bar open to
non-residents), interesting art work for sale, incredible views,
lovely beach – what more could you want.
Solva
near St. David's, Pembrokeshire
Cafe 35 in the harbour (SM
803 242). Local ice creams and good cakes.
Trefin
near St. David's, Pembrokeshire
Oriel-y-Felin gallery and tearoom
(SM 839 325; 01348 837500).
Dale
Pembrokeshire
Well worth visiting this pretty yachting village (SM
811 056) even if The Griffin
pub is not very friendly to groups of cyclists. The best place
to eat, however, is The Clock Tower
cafe (SM 794 085) in the nearby village
of Marloes, where it is worth visiting Marloes Sands (SM
780 076) and a walk in the Deer Park (SM
758 089) out on the end of the peninsular at Martin's Haven.
Hay-on-Wye
Powys
The Granary cafe by the clocktower – the soup and
roll is the best value item on the menu, also good cakes. Sheperd's
Ice Cream Parlour – lovely!
Brecon
Powys
Bridge Cafe in Bridge Street –
Good food and pleasant atmosphere. Open Wednesday to Saturday,
March to October?
Builth Wells
Powys
Cosy Corner cafe in High Street –
consistently good cakes, veggie specials daily + snacks. Owner
cycles.
Glasbury
near Hay-on-Wye, Powys
The River Cafe by the bridge (SO
180 393; 01497 847007) – Bit pricier, but good food,
lovely ices, and pleasant seating by River Wye.
Presteigne
Powys
The Hat Shop cafe in main street
– lovely cafe, also has music every so often.
Llanidloes
Powys
Great Oak Cafe in Great Oak Street –
wholefood cafe and good local buzz.
Erwood
near Builth Wells, Powys
2 pubs, The Erwood Inn and The
Wheelwrights (SO 095 430)
– both do food (including Mondays). Also The
Old Station crafts and tearoom (SO
089 439) on Sustrans Cycle Route 8 over the other side
of the River Wye.
Pant Glas
near Criccieth, Gwynedd
Lynn's Nursery (SH
469 472) – excellent fantastic value cakes and plants
and quirky RAF museum. On Sustrans Cycle Route 8 going from Criccieth
to Caernarfon.
Waunfawr
near Caernarfon, Gwynedd
Crefftiau Antur Waunfawr Crafts (SH
528 593) – tearoom, garden nursery and nature reserve;
part of a local project for young people with learning difficulties.
(crefftiau is Welsh for crafts).
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