Our local places to eat have adapted brilliantly to offering take outs and preparing for when restaurants and pubs can open outdoors in Wales from Monday 26th April 2021. The new rules will allow up to 6 people from any household (not including children under 11 years of age or carers) to meet outdoors. Indoor dining and drinking is due to be permitted from 17th May 2021.
Last year saw an al fresco culture spring up in Dolgellau especially, with pavement tables, covered courtyards, beer gardens and marquees springing up as huge efforts were made to adapt to the pandemic. The changes were really popular with locals as well as visitors, giving a continental, friendly and fun feel to our small town, which is 10 minutes drive from Graig Wen.
Dining Outside
Ready for 26 April 2021, Tafarn y Gader in Dolgellau has created a charming courtyard with a real mediterranean feel to serve their award-winning (and substantial) Welsh take on tapas. The Gatehouse Steakhouse has also extended their outdoor covered dining area which is highly popular – book early!
Y Sospan is a beautifully restored historic building in the centre of Dolgellau which serves food from breakfast to dinner. They have an outdoor marquee set up. Next door is The Royal Ship Hotel, which has outdoor tables for lunch and dinner. The Stag Inn, also in Dolgellau, is opening The Stag Out – a courtyard with covered seats.
Our nearest pub, the George III is in a fantastic location right on the Mawddach Estuary. With plenty of space for eating and drinking outside it is hugely popular with our visitors. It’s only 8 minutes drive, but most fun to bike or walk the four miles there along the Mawddach Trail. Time it right and you can get a daytime bus back, otherwise its about 25 minutes cycling or an hour and half’s walk.
Garth Angharad pub is less than 15 minutes drive around the coast road in the village of Llwyngwyril. They have created a covered outdoor dining area and we are looking forward to trying it out soon.
The Cross Foxes is about 15 minutes drive just beyond Dolgellau and has a large terrace for outdoor dining with lovely views – a great choice for families. They have also erected a colourful marquee in the garden.
Just North of Barmouth, is Norbar. You can dine al fresco on the terrace with far reaching sea views. As with all venues mentioned, contact them first to see when they open,
Penryhn Bar and Grill by the seafront in Fairbourne has just re-opened for take out drinks, but they have lots of outdoor tables so hopefully will be serving food soon too.
Take Outs
You won’t find Deliveroo in our rural area so we recommend planning ahead and pre-booking!
The Celtic Cabin on Barmouth seafront has a few outside benches and also offers really tasty take out street food, including vegan options. Look out for their Mexican menu specials!
The Mawddach Neapolitan Pizzeria is another favourite – takeaway pizzas given a distinctly Welsh flavour topped with fresh herbs from the garden, or, when permitted, dine outside with an incredible view of Cader Idris mountain range.
The Salt Marsh Kitchen around the coast in Tywyn is currently serving a wide range of really high quality take outs based on their usual interesting menu. We brought their Thai Green Curry with rice and naan home recently and it was still really warm, tasty and well presented after the 20 ish minute drive. Or you could take cutlery with you and stop on the way back at one of the lay bys on the coast road – enjoy the most epic sea views and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins. Remember to bring your litter (and cutlery if it’s ours) home!
Indiana Cuisine in Farbourne is currently providing take outs – they need a day’s notice for their delicious home-cooked and delicately spiced curries. For more traditional Indian takeaways, try The Lemon Grass in Dolgellau.
For Sunday Lunch, The Unicorn and Torrent Walk pubs in Dolgellau have been offering take out options. They have also got together with other drinking establishments in town to provide a part covered marquee to enjoy a pint of local ale, a carefully selected glass of wine or fizz from Dylanwad, or even a takeaway cocktail from Beechwood House.
Of course there are also options for fish and chips in Barmouth, Dolgellau and Fairbourne. A new kebab takeaway has also just opened in Fairbourne. Bakeries and some cafes such as TH Roberts in Dolgellau are also offering a take out service if you fancy packing a picnic.
When you book, check out the link to our Guest App you will receive.
Our Guest App has lots more ideas of places to eat and drink and contact details so you can pre-book.
Who knows what the weather might be doing in April/May, so pack your sunglasses and sweaters!
