steamy windows

A small extract from a recent letter following their performance last Friday....."Firstly we would like to thank all the staff who were most accommodating when we arrived by helping to ensure that we had sufficient room and access for our equipment, and that the stage area was clear....this was great....and to see ALL the posters that I delivered being used was fantastic..(makes all the effort and expense worthwhile)

The night was a big success for us...we seemed to play enough variation of material for all the people there...and the feedback was tremendous
We REALLY seemed to capture the audience and they were singing, dancing and really enjoying it....we enjoyed appearing there tremendously...

I would really hope that a repeat booking..

We had an interview with the Pioneer who gave us a great article with colour photo the week prior to us visiting you...and your venue was mention in our spread..."

An excellent result all round.

May 1/2 term

The schools have broken and the sun has broken the clouds, at least for the time being. The weather is glorious at the moment and is due to continue tomorrow; short are on and everyone is keen to get their tan going. The Stables kicked off the "new" season feeling by introducing a couple of new numbers to their well established set. This was then followed by the very popular blues band, Steamy Windows.
New season lamb is now in plentiful supply and should be at its very best over the next month. Rhyd-y-Creau, Cefn Hir Tynydd and and Hendre Llwyn y Mean provide the livestock this week. Lobster salad, Fillet steak and white asparagus also grace the specials- the Fish mixed Grill with scent lemon cream and the Chef's Beef and Ale Pie are also popular with the Roast Beetroot and orange soup to start.

Customer Feedback

It was reassuring, as it is always, to read the guest comment cards upon my return to work yesterday; our new receptionist has already been mentioned which is great as was our young waitress in the Dining Room over the previous weekend. Our thanks to the parties Mr Peel of Hertfordshire and Ms J Palmer. It was also noticeable that nearly all questionnaires received commented positively on our staff which is most reassuring that we are delivering and/or exceeding our guests expectations.
A fine day in the village today and plenty of visitors enjoying the fresh air.

Welsh Mountaineer

For the steam train enthusiast, it will of interest that two steam locomotives will run the Conwy Valley railway line on 2nd May, leaving Llandudno at 1202 to arrive in Bleanau Ffestiniog at 1317 - another service runs on Monday 4th. Given the Victorian Heritage of the area, it is quite forceful to see these scenes replayed as they would have over 150 years ago. Hopefully some images to follow after the week.
The forecast is generally good, especially for the next two days and the grass/greenery has exploded with the recent rain and sun.
This weeks local produce has a very local feel to it with Rhyd-y-creau farm just over the river from us. Mr. Hughes is a regular supplier and has farmed their for many years, producing top quality lamb and beef.

Arts Update

A fabulous weekend of weather and art - the village was very busy with both incidental and purposeful visitors, all of which seemed to enjoy the bright sunshine and cheery atmosphere that it brings. Attendances were excellent for the Jazz Rag and local Male voice choir who performed at Y Stablau Thursday and Friday. Mr Algieri also seemed pleased with the interest shown and would like to return later in the year - it was a privilege to host his work - see http://www.algieri-images.co.uk/. John Lees and his freinds also joined us in the Stables for an impromptu Blue Grass jam session which caught fellow diners by surprise but the atmosphere was as rich as you would probably find in Appalachia. More good weather is forecast which should bring on the trees and flowers, adding to the Spring revival.

Arts Festival

Tonight saw the launch of the inaugural Betws-y-coed & District Arts Festival with the Alison Bradley Gallery hosting and the Honorable Elfyn LLwyd MP officially opening the program. A well attended event with work displayed from the local primary and secondary schools which were very impressive - it looks like the local children really got something interesting from the event already. Full details of what's to come and historical background can be found at www.betwsycoedartsfestival.org.uk. Tomorrow sees a number of exhibitions and openings to include Pierino Algeri at the Royal Oak, a highlight of the program, as well as mixed media and charcoal master-classes. More details to follow.

Easter Break

The traditional Easter Break has arrived with its usual urgency for which we are grateful. Even in 2001 with foot and mouth, the uk public graced us with their patronage and so, with the financial institutions of the world falling around us, it is still of great comfort to see the streets alive once again. Two of the kitchen deserve a special mention this week - one for the special chocolate brownie creation and the other, who is only part time, for winning a competition in Manchester for which they will be interviewed (further details to follow). on one cautionary note, local auction prices for lamb and beef has risen rapidly on the back of significant reduction in breeding stock. This will inevitably result in higher plate prices and present an on-going challenge in the future.