Chefs' Catch of the Day

What a fantastic day out - the Hotel has just spent two days fishing off Amlwch point under the very jovial and cheery captains Pat and Elfyn. Our sincere thanks to you both and your first mates, Taff and Daz. We were very well looked after, coached and encouraged. Congratulations to Mike who landed a Bull Huss weighing in at over 15 lbs!! I can recommend this experience to anyone who would like a value for money, relaxing day out that literally gives you a birds' eye view of the stunning welsh coastline. An added bonus has been the ability of the kitchen team to plate up food they have individually sourced/caught. Visit www.julie-anne.co.uk for further details - but remember the sun cream!!

Snowdon cafe Opening - Hafod Eryri

It was opening day today on the top of Snowdon for the new cafe and railway station - Dylan, our catering manager, attended on our behalf and a selection of pictures are attached. The Hotel sponsored the construction and were recognized by the inclusion of a plague which can be seen. The challenges of constructing such a building in one of the harshest environments in Britain have resulted in a unique legacy - further details can be found on the SNP's web site and is well worth the time. It also means that the railway is now open, again, a unique experaince and service for those not normally expected to reach the top of the second highest mountain in Britain.
http://www.eryri-npa.co.uk/page/index.php?nav1=lookingafter&nav2=4&nav3=1〈=eng&contrast=1&view=graphic

Film and landscapes - video to

It has been quite a busy week, all in all, not least as we played host to two film crews. The first and larger of the pair spent a week filming the landscapes and scenery as part of a new feature film called "Patagonia" further details can be found at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1020559/ . There is one small change to the cast list we believe since there was a North Wales female singer with the group starring in her first acting role!! Locations included Nant Gwynant camp site and Penmachno Valley. They were all very appreciative and its was a pleasure to cater for them as there are always challenges with groups of this nature.
The second crew brought with them a new model Aston Martin V12 which was drop-jawingly delicious - the only one in the country we believe - they were filing for a certain well known BBC entertainment show in and around Bala and the village - they commented on the dramatic scenery although the car's turning circle (or lack off) proved a little problematic when turing round due to the dry stone walls. We suspected they were "speed" merchants from the start since we had a record quick lock-out (that's where a guest locks themselves out of their room by leaving the key inside it and allowing the door to close).

Finally, we have included a short, very much home made "holiday snap" collection for your interest from around the local area.

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.