The Cawdor

We first found this restaurant while staying in a nearby cabin, and the mussels were the best I’d tasted. We also had the cottage pie and, with drinks, a meat and cheese platter, and were really impressed with it all. Seven months later, we had another trip to Wales booked and drove an hour to eat here again. We ordered the same dishes and loved them just as much. We live six hours away, but have already been back twice. A hidden gem, I only wish it were closer.

Traffic makes the rooms at the front noisy, which was the only downside. Otherwise, we had a great stay. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the restaurant service was excellent. We enjoyed a very good breakfast, then had the fish cake, burger and shepherd’s pie for dinner. All were tasty and made with local ingredients.

We loved being at The Cawdor for walks in the surrounding area, and the food and relaxed, helpful service were highlights. As vegetarians, we enjoyed the Glamorgan sausages, mushrooms, eggs, tomatoes and potatoes at breakfast, plus the croissants, pastries, muesli, yoghurt, cereals, toast, fruit and juice. Dinner was great too: the cauliflower and dahl was filling and excellent, and we also liked the Welsh rarebit tart, rigatoni and desserts. There were good vegetarian choices, though we’d have wanted more for a longer stay. The room was spacious and clean, with plugs by the bed, a window seat, a chair, plenty of lights and mirrors, hanging space and a little drawer space. There wasn’t a mirror with enough light for makeup. It was very hot when we arrived, but we could turn off the radiators and open the window slightly. The hotel felt hot throughout, so we had to leave it open all night, which let in even more traffic noise. The town is busy with traffic day and night. We live in the country and found that hard to get used to, so a room at the back would probably be quieter. We weren’t keen on the double bed made from two singles pushed together. The join was uncomfortable, and despite the huge bed, we both felt short on space. It was also very soft, which didn’t suit us. The bathroom was nice, and the odd shower worked well, though I missed having a detachable shower head for washing more intimate areas. We stayed two nights and had a lovely visit.

It was our third stay at the Cawdor, this time for a pre-Christmas treat, and we love coming here. The room was spotless and comfortable, the food is always outstanding, and the staff are consistently friendly and polite. They’re happy to help with anything. It’s our favourite place 😊