Our local villages: Bronaber and Trawsfynydd
Bronaber (2 minute drive)
There is a small General store (off-license) which sells daily newspapers and general household items where you can also hire mountain bikes from (01766 540 219) and a pub/restaurant, The Rhiw Goch Inn (01766 540374).
Trawsfynydd (3 minute drive)Bodwyn Restaurant and Cafe breakfast/lunch/dinner (01766 540331) open all day 7 days a week, Cross Foxes pub (01766 540204) is the only pub serving eveniing meals. White Lion pub (01766 540277) is open from 11am on most days till late. For sweet tooth try Rhian's scrumptious strawberry & cream (or cappuccino) muffins or more traditional Bara Brith in her homemade cake and pastries shop. Cegin Mam (01766 540513), M. Barker & Son (butcher) where we buy our breakfast bacon from and also sells good quality meat (especially Welsh Black beef) from local farms (01766 540362), Post Office (& off license) has extended opening hours on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday till 7:30pm (01766 540200), J&J Newsagent is where fishing permits can be obtained (01766 540234), Glyndwr general store sells all the everyday items and grocery (01766 540228), Arwel Hardware Shop has bits and bobs for all sorts (01766 540475). There is always Rowlands chemist for hang-over cures (01766 540463), Cambrian Garage for emergency motor repairs and petrol/diesel (01766 540233), another petrol station Prysor Garage also has a small general shop (01766 540534). For souvenirs call at Glyn's Craft Cansen, Y Becws where selections of handmade cane trays are available for sale (01766 540544). For cash needs there is HSBC bank (with cash machine) (open Monday only from 10am to 2.45pm).
PleasePlease remember that opening hours often vary depending on the season so it is best to double check with the shop directly.
Eating Out around Cae Gwyn
North of Cae Gwyn
Bronaber (2 minutes)
The Rhiw Goch Inn Some parts of the stone-built Rhiw Goch Inn date back to 12th century and the building is full of Welsh character. A splendid panoramic view over the Rhinog mountains. Best to book in advance in summer weekends and public holidays (01766 540374).
Gellilydan (7 minutes)
Bryn Arms A pub/restaurant situated in a small village off A487 Trawsfynydd to Maentwrog towards the top of the hill. Very generous portions (01766 590 379).
Pont Yr Afon Gam (15 minutes)
Pont Yr Afon Gam A welcoming lounge café, stylishly restored formally a 'highest petrol station in Wales' situated at the B4391 and B4407 junction. Hauntingly idyllic location by the stream and among rolling hills. Serving home-made food and cakes for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Open Wednesday to Sunday, but closed in winter (01766 762766).
Blaenau Ffestiniog (15 minutes)
The Chippy A fish and chippery on Blaenau High Street (01766 831 447).
Maentwrog and Tan-y-Bwlch (15 minutes)
The Grapes (Maentwrog) - Now under refurbishment.
Oakley Arms Hotel (Tan-y-Bwlch) Impressive and unusual stone-built architecture, serving Traditional Welsh and European food all day (01766 590 277).
The White Barn - Mo's Kitchen (Tan-y-Bwlch) Situated on A487, serving traditional Welsh and European dishes between Tuesday and Saturday. Sunday lunches from Noon. Best to book in advance (01766 590 391).
Penrhyndeudraeth and Portmeirion (20 minutes)
Brynllydan Hotel (Penrhyndeudraeth) Small isolated private hotel with restaurant. Turn right off A4085 on bend going down hill (traveling North), and the hotel is situated shortly after having passed over the level crossing. Welcoming friendly atmosphere. No children under 6 years old (01766 770 442).
Castell Deudraeth Bar & Grill (Minffordd) Recently restored Castle style restaurant specialising in local seafood and other local produce. Furnished in a contemporary style using local slate and oak. Serving lunch and evening meals. Booking recommended. (01766 772 400).
Hotel Portmeirion Dining Room (Minffordd) Follow road as above, but down through italianate village of Portmeirion to waters edge, where TV cult series 'The Prisoner' was filmed. Artistic modern European cuisine in unusual surroundings with panoramic views across the Dwyryd estuary. Booking required. (01766 770 228).
The Town Hall Restaurant (Minffordd) Also known as the 'Hercules Hall', this more affordable self-service Portmeirion dining offers a choice of hot and cold meals and snacks throughout the day until 5pm. Tudor rooms next door to it is worth a visit (01766 770 228).
Porthmadog (25 minutes)
There are quite few eateries in Porthmadog so we selected a few places to eat .... For more information about Porthmadog, visit www.porthmadog.co.uk
The Ship/Y Llong A Pub with a nostalgic maritime theme on Lombard Street, visible form the High Street behind children's play ground. Serving snacks and meals for lunch and evening meals. Featured in the Good Pub Guide (01766 512 990).
Y Hen Fecws Situated between "The Ship" and "the Passage to India" on Lombard Street, serving very good quality modern/traditional European food with daily specials. Booking usually necessary (01766 514 625).
Little bamboo Hut Situated on the main high street (first floor), serving properly spiced Chinese, Cantonese and Peking dishes. Open 7 days a week. Take-away available (01766 512333).
Passage to India Situated on Lombard Street, visible from the High Street. Open 7 days a week. Take-away available (01766 512144).
South of Cae Gwyn
Coed-y-Brenin (2 minutes)
The Coed-y-Brenin Visitor Centre café Open Wednesday to Monday between 10am - 4pm, from early summer until the end of October. Winter/spring opening hours vary (01341 440 666).
Ganllwyd (3 minutes)
The Old Hall Bistro at Plas Dolmelynllyn Hall Hotel Very short car drive south from Cae Gwyn, situated off A470 offering interesting menu including vegetarian options and good choice of wines in a stately stone building set in its own ground. Open most days from 12noon to 9pm (01341 440273).
Tyn-y-Groes (5 minutes)
Tyn-y-Groes Hotel Situated on A470, former 16th century coaching inn serving Sunday lunches and evening meals on most evenings. A wide selection of beers. Situated on A470 (01341 440275).
Penmaenpool (15 minutes)
George III Former 17th century coaching inn with the frontage on the Mawddach estuary with unparalleled views in an idyllic setting. Serving lunches, afternoon tea and evening meals. Welsh/European dishes (01341 422 525).
Ponderosa Set in the farmland and featuring a full Western restaurant, specialising Welsh steaks form 6oz to 64oz (01341 423 584).
Dolgellau (15 minutes)
A pretty stone-built market town with 2 supermarkets, a few restaurants, pubs and many small shops. Popty'r Dref is a good quality Bakery/Organic Delicatessen & Health-food shop just off the main square (01341 422 507), and Greenstiles Cycles, for tune-ups and spare bits for your bike (01341 423 332). For more information about Dolgellau, visit www.dolgellau.net
Lemon Grass Situated in Finsbury Square, this is the nearest Indian restaurant from Cae Gwyn, also serving Bangladeshi dishes until 11pm. Take-away menu available (01341 421300).
Yr Hen Efail Next to the main car park. Licensed cafe and tearoom with an ice-cream stall outside during the day in spring/summer (01341 422 977).
Aber Cottage Tea Room Traditional Welsh tea room, specialising in Bara Brith on Smithfield Street. Serving breakfast & tea (01341 422 460).
Cosy Takeaway Fish and chip shop in a small terraced house on Meyrick Street, just off Eldon Square. (01341 422 221).
Bwyty Dylanwad Da Restaurant & Cafe A stylish restaurant serving freshly prepared Welsh and European dishes with an extensive wine list. Situated on Smithfield Street (01341 422 870).
Royal Ship Hotel You cannot miss this imposing building in Queen Square. Serving morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Traditional Welsh and European dishes (01341 422 209).
Y Sospan Once the town courthouse and town jail (Est. 1606), its magnificent original courtroom upstairs (despite a few tacky add-ons) is a must see. Situated in Queen Square, this small licensed restaurant is serving meals all day, from big-breakfast to candle-lit dinner (01341 423 174).
Old Country Gaol Restaurant Situated in the cellar of the Clifton House Hotel in Smithfield Square. Home-made Welsh and European dishes, specialising in Welsh beef and local lamb dishes (01341 422 554).
Gwernan Lake Hotel Situated a few miles up a narrow lane above Dolgellau towards Cadair Idris. Take the road leading up from Finsbury Square and take a left turning when you see a small white sign 'Cadair Idris'. Peaceful setting by the lake, and convenient stop for Cadair Idris walks. Serving bar meals for lunch and dinner. Fishing also available (01341 422 488).
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