Carmarthen Restaurants

You would expect to find good food in a food producing area and at this lovely old black and whitewashed pub you will be surprised and delighted by the creative way in which old and traditional favourite dishes are presented in new ways.

The creative talents of the two women cooks - the wives and partners of the two men with whom they jointly own the pub produce excellent dishes - sample menus can be seen on the website

The pub is situated in lovely suroundings in the Tywi Valley not far from Carmarthen and very close to The National Botanic Garden and Aberglasney Gardens and is ideal for anyone staying in the area for visits to these and other local attractions.

The bar/ restaurant is spread out in a series of "rooms" within a room with different levels - a few steps here and there. Although there has been some modernisation it has the feel still of a country inn. Wooden floors, pine tables and chairs, walls cream and a rosy terracotta with paintings by local artists. The bar has both tables and chairs and comfy leather arm chairs as well as a warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere.

I still prefer the former website to the rather quirky one now in use but do take a look at it - there are more links than at first seem apparent - so keep clicking.

Favorite Dish: Been there three times enjoyed everything specially really inreresting starters, local lamb hogget and rabbit dishes, delicious deserts s for the sweet toothed andgood local cheeses.

Good value for money too - you'd pay a fortune for food as good as this in London.

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There are several options for refreshment during a visit to the Garden.

The highly praised Seasons Restaurant in the National Botanic Garden of Wales seems to get better and better.
A large percentage of the food served is cooked on the premises using fresh produce from the Walled Kitchen Garden and from other local suppliers.

Service is “assisted self service” - there are always members of staff behind the counters to serve hot dishes and to deal with special requests, including gluten free and vegetarian choices. The wide and varied menu changes frequently and is served throughout the day. As I enjoyed a lunchtime leek and lamb pie the couple at the next table just sipped cider and further along another couple had a yummy Cream Tea. On our last visit September 15 2008, we sat outside in the courtyard. For cooler days and on gloomy winter days the interior restaurant is bright airy and modern.

A lighter option of rolls and snacks is available in the great dome cafe -a little less expensive but in my opinion not such good value as the Restaurant.

Finally the Garden offers endless opportunities for pic-nics in its beautiful grounds - choose a wide open space, a spot by the lake or in woodland . The views are splendid all around.

Favorite Dish: Lamb and Leek Pie; Salads

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The indoor eating area has a simple, rustic atmosphere with solid, crafted wooden tables and chairs, a light and airy decor and Welsh Hospitality.
The staff are local and the food served here is mainly sourced locally.

Meals are also served outside on the Terrace which is a sun-trap. We once had lunch there on a windy but very bright and sunny day in early April and were completely protected from the wind and enjoyed the views of the Garden and its' ponds.

A light snack or a three course meal can be selected from the extensive menu at very reasonable prices.

Update September 2008.
The high standard of food, presentation and service is being maintained here - even when the cafe is extremely busy as it was on our most recent visit last week.
My sandwich of honey roasted Carmarthenshire ham on wholemeal bread with Welsh butter served with a small dressed salad was delicious.
Neighbours at the next table asked a busy waiter for details of the salad dressing and within a few minutes one of the cooks came out to share her recipe! That's service !

A sample menu can be seen on the website.