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Betws-y-coed, Conwy, United Kingdom
Visit www.royaloakhotel.net or www.waterloo-hotel.info for more information

Monday 30 March 2009

Perfect Preparation


The fine weather over the weekend prompted local members of the Betws-y-coed Anglers Club to undertake tree trimming and surgery along our stretch of the river Llygwy. They enthusiastically set about their work and the aspect looks all the better for it. I am reliably informed that the Llygwy is the fastest recovering salmon river in the country which is fantastic news for keen followers of the sport and the environment in general -keep up the good works lads. Local fishing day tickets are available at the local news-agents and rod licenses from the post office - the club has access to over 30 pools along the river as well as well stoked lakes providing excellent value and sport.

Saturday 28 March 2009

PGI - Local, welsh and proud

This weekend brings local welsh beef from Mr Hughes, Melin-y-coed, Llanwrst via the abattoir at Llanrwst giving a total of about 6 miles for the entire journey for field to plate. Our lamb is sourced from both Mr G Jones, Llanrswt and Mrs G Roberts, Ysbyty Ifan, the latter being a little over 4 miles away giving a total journey of between 8 to 10 miles. We still await the first new season spring lamb which should be of the best quality given the current recent weather conditions. The weather is fine and blustery but at least dry - an excellent forecast for tomorrow should see some locals about enjoying their produce.

Friday 27 March 2009

Jazz Rag in the Land of Fire



Thursday night always has a swing about - for nigh on 15 years, Jazz Rag has led the call at Y Stablau and with no lesser enthusiasm. I can count on my hands the number of slots they have missed over the years due to heavy snow usually. There was an appreciative crowd and more than a scattering of regular attenders. The weekend also sees the launch of our new wine list - one bottle is already making a name for itself, particuarliy apat for our celtic nation - The sangoivese from Teirra del Fuego ("Land of Fire"), Mendoza, Argentina. Mixed weather forecast over the weekend but some fresh blue skies are always a welcome sight.

Wednesday 25 March 2009

Walking Away

Inspired by the fantastic early spring weather, we thought that we should encourage those wishing to take advantage of the fresh air to blow away the winter cob-webs. The team has put together a specialist walking break to discover the new paths and lands at the snowdonia foothills and Gwydyr Forrest that surrounds us. The waterfalls are still racing filled by some overnight rain and complimentary use of the Leisure Center at the nearby Waterloo Hotel is included. See www.royaloakhotel.net for details.

Sunday 22 March 2009

Mothers'Day




Mothering Sunday is in full swing and our harpist is really adding to the whole warm family atmosphere. The roast loin of Glouscester Old Spot is also proving especially popular and thought I'd share the picture with you; its so delicious and tender because of the extra fat on it; welsh sirloin of beef is also flying out with the indulgence of the house made yorkshire pudding but balanced by the light melon starter.

Saturday 21 March 2009

Arts & Business


Last week saw the hotel surprisingly awarded an Excellance in Partnership from Arts and Business for working with The Betws-y-coed inaugural arts festival to be held 16th to 18th April 2009. Our sponsorship has led to the creation of at least 200 school children enjoying visual workshops which will result in festival exhibitions for involving staff, friends and family. See www.betwsycoedartsfestival.org.uk for further details.

Friday 20 March 2009

Comic Relief

We finally brought ourselves to break into the Comic Relief - the sum raised rather reflected the quality of the entertainment that we supplied, being a D Bailey, singer and comedian - £70.13 was the sum - still every little helps. Tonight we have the ever popular male voice choir from Llanwrst performing from 8.00 pm in the Stables - should be a lovely atmosphere as the tenors and basses drift across the remaining part of this fabulous early spring evening. Forecast is excellent for the weekend - we have some fantastic menu items for Mothers' Day - Guinea fowl terrine, roast welsh sirloin of beef and loin of rare breed gloucestershire old spot pork; will they have room for the tangy lemon trifle?

Wednesday 18 March 2009

What a day..


The fantastic spring sunshine bathed the whole village today and you could literally see from our regulars' faces that the spring air had brought a little extra cheer to everyone.  The river Llygwy is low for spring time, almost summer like as it slowly eases by us.  Lunch included a tasty baked Duck and orange tartlet whilst many continued to enjoy the Welsh beef from Mr Rowlands' farm, Bala and the leg of lamb from Mr Thomas of Padog, less than 4 miles away up the A5.

Tuesday 17 March 2009

Spring "Forward"


Welcome to this first post.  Spring is almost here and with it, the optimism of a new season.  Like the changing weather, our hotel has its natural rhythyms.  Now is the time that we shake off our winter hibernation and look forward to the new season.  The heather outside our beer garden is in full bloom and the mini daffodils are giving chase.  Delicious and juicy new season spring welsh mountain lamb will soon be on the menu although not quiet in time for the traditional Mothers' Day lunch.  "Mad" march has brought some challenges as we tread water until the Easter break.  I think the team are looking forward to their cheese and wine tasting day later this month!