Grub of the Year - So Far — North Wales Grub

Without sounding like a hen Nain…Where is the year going?

2025 started very slowly for me. Having a baby who hates being in the car, paired with being on Statutory Maternity Pay, was a match made in hell when it came to eating out, so I watched what was going on in the culinary scene from afar. But I’ve soon made up for lost time!

Here are some of my favourite dining experiences - from takeaways and restaurants - Between the months of January and June.

Bryntirion Inn - Llandderfel, Gwynedd

From seasonal pub classics to real Welsh ales on tap, The Bryntirion Inn menu is all about honest flavours done right.

The inn is nestled in the Dee Valley, and just a ten-minute drive from Bala. It is home to elevated pub classics within this magnificently decorated pub and dining area: A surefire hit with car enthusiasts!

Head chef Tristan works with local farmers, making sure to showcase their fine produce. And Tristan knows a thing or two about food, having worked at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir.

Highlights for us were the watercress soup with poached egg, the lamb scrumpets, and the braised chicken pie. All absolutely incredible!

I cannot wait to try their Sunday roast sometime soon.

Earthly Feasts Brunch - Tide, Brynsiencyn

Aimee from Earthly Feasts hosted a Yoga Brunch Club with Imogen’s Yoga Moves over at Halen Mon this Spring, and they kindly included a brunch whilst I took content of the event. The vegan take on smoked salmon and poached egg (made with tofu) was mindblowing. Aimee offers wild, seasonal catering and private dining, and is an experimental wizard. It is my aim in life to host a supper club with her soon.

Sblash - Aberdaron, Gwynedd

I had a spontaneous visit to Sblash in Aberdaron, and feasted on the incredible loaded lobster fries.

Sblash offers fresh seafood, gluten-free and vegan menu options, and daily specials. I missed out on the fresh lobster tails, but still adored my order!

Swellies - Y Felinheli, Gwynedd

Not only is Swellies one of my go to cafes in North Wales, for transparency, I am currently running their social media pages. During the content shoot days, I’ve had a little nibble here and there. Whilst on a diet, it is torture. What I have teased my tastebuds with has been like a warm hug: The cheese and chorizo toastie, and the pancake stacks are just what you envision a brunch to taste like. I highly recommend.

Y Maes - Criccieth, Gwynedd

Y Maes has been a long time coming. Lloyd, originally from Criccieth, has been working solidly with the community to make his vision come to life: Restoring the old slate workshop and transforming it into a food and community hub.

Find Box Van Burgers, Swig Smoothies, Flame & Grain Pizza, and Parmesan, along with a well-stocked bar with an impressive range of local drinks.

Honey’s Bakery & Cafe - Caergwrle, Wrexham

black forest chocolate chiffon sponge cake with a view

Since deciding to showcase the whole of North Wales on NWG, I’ve stumbled across some great gems. Honey’s Bakery and cafe is most certainly one of them.

During my first visit, I enjoyed their Char Siu pork roll with black forest chocolate chiffon sponge cake. No notes. Blew me out of the park. I just recently attending their Malaysian Chinese Supper Club too, which was also phenomenal.

Honey’s are located right next to river Alyn and offer indoor & outdoor seating. With an array of freshly baked cakes, pastries (including croissants - A rarity in North Wales!), and a few Asian inspired dishes such as the Char Sui. Breakfasts have reviews too - A reason to revisit.

Y Llofft Sunday Roast - Y Felinheli, Gwynedd

Cinio Dydd Sul at Y Llofft, Felinheli was sublime! They have an excellent team of chefs and front of house - The welcome is like walking into an old friend’s house.

Make sure to leave room for starters and pwdin.

Romi’ng Wolf at Cross Foxes - Prestatyn, Flintshire

Maybe some of the best fried chicken I've had in North Wales? 🤔

Charlie at The Romi’ing Wolf invited me down to their pop-up kitchen in D'Lish, where he cooks up fried chicken strips, loaded fries and burgers.

I had the Garlic Parmesan chicken, Salt & Chilli chicken, and the Loaded Burger & Pickles fries. To be honest, it took me by surprise with how delicious and full of flavour it was. 👏🏼 It was telling when repeat customers were coming through the door all evening. Charlie has some excellent knowledge from his time at award-winning Badboy Wings, and it shows.

I highly recommend treating yourself to some fried goodness at The Romi'ng Wolf - I'm already trying to think of an excuse to Prestatyn again!

Grub of the Year - So Far